SECRET;

DEAD

THE

Noocl.

COLLINS,

WILKIE

BY

AUTHOR

"THE

IN

WOMAN
'MAN

MISS

"POOR

WHITE,"

WIFE,"

AND

OF

FINCH,"

MOONSTONE,"

"THE

WITH

NEW
HARPER

"

YORK:
PUBLISHERS,

BROTHERS,
FRANKLIN

SQUARE.

1874.

"NO
"c.

NAME,'

COLLINS'S

WlLKIE

ILLUSTRATED

HARPER'S

AD

LIBRARY

$1

Cloth,

12mo,

ARM

NOVELS.

50

per

ALE.

MAN

BASIL.

Volume.

"

WIFE.

AND

MISS

POOR

HIDE-AND-SR3F,'

EDITION,

FINCH.

TTIE'MOONSTONE.

*..'",

"

'"
*

"

-THE'

NEW

THE

NO

MAG"A'LEN.

NAME.

THE

WHITE.

IN

WOMAN

DEAD

SECRET.

....
.

PUBLISHED

BY

Entered

"

HARPER

according

to

Act

"

HARPER

In

the

Office

of

the

of

Librarian

NEW

BROTHERS,

Congress,

in

the

year

1873,

YORK.

by

BROTHERS,
of

Congress,

at

Washington.

95S443

SECRET.

DEAD

THE

BOOK

I.

CHAPTER

WILL

she

"

Look

at

OP

TWENTY-THIRD

THE

"

I.

last

the

out

1829.

AUGUST,

night, I

wonder

?"

clock, Mathew."

the

past twelve

She

has

lasted

the

night out.
minutes
of the new
She has lived, Robert, to see
ten
day."
These
words
were
spoken in the kitchen of a large countryof Cornwall.
situated
the west
The
house
coast
on
speakers
of the men-servants
two
were
composing the establishment
officer in the navy,
and
the eldest
of Captain Treverton, an
old
Cornish
the
male
family. Both
representative of an
with each
other
communicated
servants
restrainedly,in whis
sitting close together, and looking round
expectantly
pers
whenever
the talk flagged between
toward
the door
them.
awful
It's an
for us
thing," said the elder of the men,
be
alone
to
two
here, at this dark
time, counting out the
"Ten

minutes

"

"

"

minutes
"

that

said

Robert,"

here

since

tress

was

"How

ant,

mistress

our

a
came

were

"

know

to

you

left

have

you
did

live !"

to

"

that?"

that

married

master

our

hear

ever

you

in the

been

inquired

service
mis

our

her ?"

the

elder

serv

sharply.
!" cried

rang

bell

"Is

bells

other,

boy
play-actress when

you

"Hush

"

the

has

that

Can't

the

in the

for
you

one

of us?"

Leeson.

from

his chair.

outside.

passage

asked

the

tell,by

yet ?" exclaimed

is for Sarah

other, risingquickly
Mathew.

sound, which

is which

Robert, contemptuously.
Go

out

into
A2

the

passage

and

of
"

those

That
look."

bell

THE

The

younger

SECRET.

DEAD

took

servant

candle

and

obeyed.

When

of bells met
his eye
a long row
kitchen-door,
each of them
the wall opposite. Above
was
on
painted,in
title of the servant
the distinguishing
black letters,
neat
of
The
whom
row
it was
speciallyintended to summon.
with
letters began with Housekeeper and Butler, and ended
and Footman's
Kitchen-maid
Boy.
Mathew
easilydiscovered that
Looking along the bells,

he

opened

one

of them

the

still in motion.

was

Above

it

the

were

words

Lady's-Maid. Observing this,he passed quicklyalong

passage, and knocked
end of it. No
answer
looked

into the

"Sarah

It

in the

dark

was

and

at

the door

the
and

empty.

housekeeper'sroom,"

his fellow-servant

door

said

Mathew,

in the kitchen.

is gone
to her own
then," rejoinedthe other.
room,
Go up and tell her that she ft wanted
by her mistress."
out.
went
The bell rang again as Mathew
"

"

oak

old-fashioned

an

being given,he opened

room.

is not

returningto

at

the

She

"

Tell her she is wanted

quick!" cried Robert.
directly.Wanted," he continued to himself in lower tones,
"perhaps for the last time !"
of stairs passed half-way
three flights
Mathew
ascended
down
a
long arched gallery and knocked at another oldA
This time the signalwas
answered.
fashioned oak door.
voice,inside the room, inquiredwho was
low, clear,sweet
told his
Mathew
In a few hasty words
waiting without?
Before he had done speaking the door was
errand.
quietly
and quicklyopened,and Sarah Leeson
confronted him on the
with her candle in her hand.
threshold,
Not tall,not handsome, not in her first youth shy and
limits
irresolute in manner
simple in dress to the utmost
in spiteof all these disadvan
of plainness the lady's-maid,
it was
whom
a woman
impossibleto look at with
tages, was
if not of interest. Few
at
out
a
feelingof curiosity,
men,
first sightof her, could have resisted the desire to find out
have
been satisfied with receiving
she was
who
; few would
"

Quick !
"

"

"

"

"

"

have
maid ; few would
She is Mrs. Treverton's
for answer,
informa
secret
refrained from the attempt to extract
some
tion for themselves
not

have

even

the most

succeeded

in

from

her

patientand

face and

and
manner;
none,
of
c
practiced observers,ould

discoveringmore

than that she must

have

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

passed through the ordeal of some

great sufferingat some
former
in
periodof her life. Much in her manner, and more
her face,said plainlyand sadlyj I am
the wreck
of somehave
liked to
that
n, wm'k
thing that you might once
SPP

call

be repaired that

never

"

unpiued

'ticect,
ungmdecU
and

the

relics of
Sarah

driit till the

"

of Time

waves

forever]

me

Leeson's

drift

must

have

This

throughlife unno-.
fatal shore is touched,
on

swallowed

was

the

"

these

up

story that

was

broken

told in

and no more.
this,
No two men
that story for themselves,
would
interpreting
of the suffering
which
probably have agreed on the nature
had
this woman
undergone. It was hard to say, at the out
the past pain that had set its ineffaceable mark
set,whether
her had been pain of the body or pain of the mind.
But
on
whatever
traces

the

it had

facie"
"

of the

nature

left

affliction she

had

suffered,the

visible
deeplyand strikingly

were

in every

part of her face.

Her

cheeks

had

lost their roundness

flexible
color; her lips,
singularly
in

form,had

faded

and

their natural

in movement

and

delicate

unhealthy paleness; her eyes, large

and black and overshadowed
had
by unusuallythick lashes,
startled look,which
contracted
anxious
left them,
an
never
and which piteously
of her
expressedthe painfulacuteness
the inherent timidityof her disposition.So far,
sensibility,
the marks
marks

which

sorrow

to

common

to

most

an

or

sickness had

victims

set

of mental

or

on

her

were

the

physicalsuffer

extraordinarypersonal deterioration which

she had
undergone consisted in the unnatural change that
It wras as thick and
the color of her hair.
had passed over
the hair of a young
as
soft,it grew as gracefully,
girl; but
ing.

it

The

one

as

the

contradict,in the

most

was

as

gray

hair

of

an

old

It seemed

woman.

startling
manner,

every
face.

to

personalas

With all its

youth that stillexisted in her
could have looked at it and
one
no
haggardness and paleness,
that it was
the face of an elderly
supposed for a moment
in
Wan
not
a wrinkle
woman.
as
they might be, there was
her cheeks.
Her eyes, viewed
apart from their prevailing
expressionof uneasiness and timidity,still preservedthat
in the eyes of the
seen
bright,clear moisture which is never
smooth
old. The
skin about her temples was
as
delicately
the skin of a child. These and other physicalsignswhich
us
sertion of

10

THE

mislead, showed

never

prime

very

of her

SECKET.

DEAD

that

life.

she

as
still,

was

Sickly and

sorrow-stricken

the eyes downward,

barely reached thirtyyears of age. From
the effect of her abundant
gray hair,seen
she

was,

years, in the

to

looked,from

as

who

woman

she
had

the eyes upward,

in connection
with

not
simply incongruous it was
.absolutely
face,was
make
it
to
as
no
startling
paradox to say that
; so startling

her

"

she would
hair

had

have
been

What

shock

In her

dyed.
had

natural,most

most

truth,because

be the

to

looked

her

luxuriance,with the hue of an

dreadful
it a serious illness,
a
or

seemed

like falsehood.

maturity of

the very
unnatural
old

that
grief,

womanhood
her

have

hair,in

its

in the prime of her

gray
often been
agitatedamong

would

looked

Nature

stricken

Art

case,

if her
herself,

like

age ?

had

turned

Was
her

questionhad

That

who
fellow-servants,

were

all

and
of her personalappearance,
peculiarities
of her, as well,by an inveterate
rendered
a little suspicious
of talking to herself. Inquire as they
habit that she had
always baffled. Noth
might, however, their curiositywas
Leeson
than that Sarah
could be discovered
ing more
was,
in the common
phrase,touchy on the subjectof her gray
and that Sarah Leehair and her habit of talkingto herself,
her
son's mistress had long since forbidden
every
one, from
husband
downward, to ruffle her maid's tranquillity
by in
questions.
quisitive
stood
for an
She
instant speechless,
that momentous
on
morning of the twenty-thirdof August, before the servant
her to her mistress's death-bed
the lightof
summoned
who
her large,startled,
black
the candle
flaringbrightly over

struck

by

the

"

them.
gray hair above
eyes, and the luxuriant,unnatural
silent her hand
She stood a moment
trembling while she
"

that
so
candlestick,
rattled incessantly then

extinguisherlying loose in
thanked
the servant
for calling
it
and fear in her voice,as she spoke,seemed
The trouble
her.
took
to add
to its sweetness
; the agitationof her manner
its delicate,
win
nothing away from its habitual gentleness,
held

the

the

"

ning, feminine

restraint.

Mathew, who,

like the

other

serv

from
secretlydistrusted and disliked her for differing
the ordinary pattern of professedlady's-maids,
was, on this
and her tone
by her manner
particularoccasion,so subdued

ants,

as

she

thanked

him, that he offered

to

carry

her

candle

for

THE

her

to

the

her

head,

quicklyon
The

room

thanked

It

was

twice

before

she

him

the

knocked

at

opened by CaptainTreverton.
her master

saw

dreaded

had

If she

shook

him

hesitated

Sarah

instant she

The

She

again,then passed before

her way
of the gallery.
out
Mrs. Treverton
in which
on
lay dying was

and

floor beneath.
the door.

11

SECRET.

mistress's bed-chamber.

of her

door

DEAD

blow

she started

she

back

from

could

hardly have
expressionof greater

him.

drawn

alarm.
suddenly,or with an
was
nothing in Captain Treverton's face to warrant
of harsh words.
the suspicionof ill-treatment,
His
or
even
countenance
was
kind,hearty,and open ; and the tears were
still trickling
it which
down
he had shed by his wife's bed
more

away
There

side.
"

Go

wish

in,"he said,turning away his face.

for
the nurse
to attend ; she only wishes

if the

doctor

"
"

His

voice

finish the

attempting to

without

faltered,and

Leeson, instead

"

She

you.

he

does

not

Call

hurried

me

away

sentence.

of

enteringher mistress's room, stood

with her pale cheeks
looking after her master
attentively,
with an
turned to a deathly whiteness
eager, doubting,
he had disappeared
questioningterror in her eyes. When
of the gallery,
round
the corner
she listened for a moment
outside the door of the sick-room
to
whisperedaffrightedly
herself, Can she have told him ?" then opened the door,
Sarah

"

"

"

"

with

visible effort

to

on
gering suspiciously

Mrs. Treverton's

self-control ;

her

recover

the threshold

moment,

went

lin

in.

large,loftyroom, sit
in the western
uated
front of the house, and
consequently
overlookingthe sea-view. The night-light
burning by the
bedside
displayedrather than dispelledthe darkness in the
corners

of the

tern, with
round
the

it.

bed-chamber

for

and, after

room.

The

bed

heavy hangings
Of

the other

was

was

and

objectsin

of the

thick
the

old-fashioned

curtains

drawn

pat
all

chamber, only those of

largestand most solid kind were

prominent enough to be
tolerablyvisible in the dim light. The cabinets,the ward
the high-backedarm-chair,
robe,the full-length
looking-glass,
towered
bulk of the bed itself,
these,with the great shapeless
all
Other
objectswere
up heavily and gloomily into view.
merged togetherin the generalobscurity.Through the open
window, opened to admit the fresh air of the new
morning

12

DEAD

THE

after the

sultriness of the

August night,there poured mo

the dull,still,
distant roaring of

notonously into the room

the surf on the sandy coast.
that first dark

SECRET.

All

of the

noises

outer

hushed

were

at

the
day. Inside the room
the slow,toilsome
audible sound
one
was
breathing of the
raisingitself in its mortal frailness,
dying woman,
awfully
and distinctly,
far
from
even
through the
thunder-breathing
of the everlasting
the bosom
sea.
Mistress,"said Sarah Leeson,standing close to the cur
has left the
tains,but not withdrawing them, my master
here in his place."
and has sent me
room,
Light ! give me more
light."
hour

new

"

"

"

"

The

feebleness of mortal
of the

accent

resolute

by

had

Sarah

the weak

in the voice ; but the

resolute even
yet doubly

speaker sounded

spoken.

The

"

words

of the

nature

strong

of the maid

nature

was

with the hesitation of the tones

contrast

terchange of

sickness

out,

came

spoken through

mistress

and

in that short in

even

the

in which

curtain

of

death

bed.
Sarah

lit two

with

candles

a
on
hesitatingly
lookingall round

table

wavering hand

the bedside

by

her with

"

placed them

"

waited

for

suspicious
timidity
"

moment,

then undrew

the curtains.
The

disease

of the most

of which

Mrs. Treverton

terrible of all the maladies

dying was

was

that

one

afflict humanity,

especially
subject,and one which
life without, in most
undermines
cases, showing any remark
uninable traces of its corrodingprogress in the face. No
her attend
when
structed
person, lookingat Mrs. Treverton
undrew
the bed-curtain,could possiblyhave
ant
imagined
that she was
past all help that mortal skill could offer to her.
the inevitable changes
of illness in her face,
marks
The slight
and
of its outline,
rendered
roundness
in the grace
were
of her com
hardly noticeable by the marvelous preservation
beauty.
plexionin all the lightand delicacyof its first girlish
There
lay her face on the pillow tenderlyframed in by the
rich lace of her cap, softlycrowned
by her shining brown
to

one

which

women

are

"

hair

"

to

all outward

appearance,

the face of

beautiful

wom

or
reposingafter unusual
recoveringfrom a slightillness,
her
all
had
watched
Sarah
Leeson, who
fatigue. Even
through her malady, could hardly believe,as she looked at
an

DEAD

THE

that the Gates

mistress,
of
that the beckoning hand
her

closed behind

Death

signingto

was

in paper
the
as

books
dog's-eared

Some

of Life had

her,and

her

already

of the Grave.

the Gates

from

13

SECKET.

As
pane of the bed.
ordered
Mrs. Treverton

soon

her

curtain

attendant

by

the

lay on

covers

counter

drawn

was

aside

to remove

gesture

in certain places by
plays,underscored
They were
to
with marginal annotations
and marked
ink lines,
referring
and placeson the stage. The servants, talk
entrances, exits,
ing down stairs of their mistress's occupationbefore her mar
riage,had not been misled by false reports. Their master,
after he had passedthe prime of life,
had, in very truth,taken
when
the obscure
his wife from
stage of a country theatre,
than two
little more
years had elapsedsince her first appear
in public. The
ance
dog's-earedold plays had been once her
treasured dramatic
library;she had always retained a fond
for them
from old associations;
ness
and, during the latter
her bed for days
on
they had remained
part of her illness,
and days together.
Having put away the plays,Sarah went back to her mis
in her face
of dread and bewilderment
tress ; and, with more
than grief,
opened her lipsto speak. Mrs. Treverton held up
her hand, as a sign that she had another order to give.
but
enfeebled voice,
Bolt the door,"she said,in the same
had so strikingly
of resolution which
with the same
accent
her first request to have
more
marked
light in the room.
Bolt the door.
Let no one
in,tillI give you leave."
the doctor?
"No
one?"
repeated Sarah, faintly. "Not

them.

"

"

not

my master?"
the doctor
not

even

your master,"said Mrs. Trev

weak ; but
The
hand was
erton, and pointed to the door.
in that momentary
action of it there was
no
mistaking
even
the gesture of command.
"

Not

"

Sarah

bolted

the

even

to the bedside,
irresolutely
her mis
on
eyes inquiringly

door, returned

fixed her
tress's

large,eager, startled
face,and, suddenly bending

over

in

her,said

whis

per:
"

"

Have

you

No,"

tried hard

only

to

was

to

think

told my master
the answer.

speak the
how

words

T should

?"
"

I sent
"

for

it shook

best break

him,
me

it

to
to

to

tell him

my

him

"

very
I am

"

soul,
so

14

THE

fond

of him
in

spoken
Sarah

spiteof
did

! he

lenced

! I love

DEAD

him

SECKET.

that,if he

nothing

but

had

I should

But

dearly!

so

talked

not

talk of the

child

have

of the
and

"

child.

that

si

me."

of her station which

Sarah, with a forgetfulness
might
have
in
the
the
most
appeared extraordinaryeven
eyes of
lenient of mistresses,
flung herself back in a chair when the
first word
of Mrs. Treverton's replywas
uttered,claspedher
tremblinghands over her face,and groaned to herself,Oh,
what will happen ! what will happen now
!"
"

Mrs. Treverton's

spoke

when she
eyes had softened and moistened
of her love for her husband.
She lay silent for a few

minutes

; the

in her being
working of some
strong emotion
expressedby her quick,hard,labored breathing,and by the
painfulcontraction of her eyebrows. Ere long,she turned
her head
uneasilytoward the chair in which her attendant
and
was
sitting,
spoke again this time in a voice which
had sunk to a whisper.
Look for my medicine,"said she ;
I want
it."
Sarah started up, and with the quick instinct of obedience
brushed away the tears that were
fast over
her cheeks.
rolling
The doctor,"she said.
call the doctor."
Let me
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

No

The

Which

medicine

bottle ?

"

look for the medicine."

The

opiate""
Not
the opiate. The other."
No.
Sarah took a bottle from the table,
and lookingattentively
at the written direction on the label,
said that it was
not
yet
time to take that medicine again.
"

"

"

Give

Oh,

was

don't ask

pray

bad

as

the bottle."

me

as

dram-drinking,if you

Mrs. Treverton's

clear gray
eyes
her cheeks; the

flush

deepened on
raised again,by an
lay.
"

to

Take

hour's
"

no

or
"

under
theless,
are

two

out

of the

not

week's.

Give

influence

doses left.

Wait,

took

too

doctor

began to flash ; the

commanding hand
on

"

matter
me

of her

pray

said it

much."

the counterpane

the bottle !" said

the

The

she said,
bottle,"

strength. No

want

time

No,

from
effort,

the cork
I

me.

wait.

Pray

me.

whether

rosy
was

which

and

it

give it

I die in

an

the bottle."

Sarah,giving it up,
mistress's look.

wait tillI get

"

never

There

glass."

DEAD

THE

contents, and

flungit from

her

the

instant

same

drained
lips,

it of its

the bed.

on

Sarah,running in

killed herself!" cried

has

"She

At

raised the bottle to her

Treverton

Mrs.

the table.

again toward

turned

She

15

SECRET.

terror

to

the door.

Stop !" said

ever, already.

the voice from

"

Stop !

back

Come

and

prop

me

up

higher

pillows."

the

on

"

resolute than

bed, more

the

Sarah

put her hand

"Come

on

the bolt.

is lifein me, I will be

"While

Mrs. Treverton.

reiterated

back!"

Come

obeyed.

back

!"

The

there

color be

deepen perceptiblyall over her face,and the lightto

brighterin her widely opened eyes.
grow
Sarah
came
back; and with shaking hands added one
to the many
more
pillowswhich supportedthe dying wom
shoulders.
an's head and
While this was
being done the
little discomposed. Mrs. Treverton
bed-clothes
became
a
close
shuddered,and drew them up to their former position,
to

gan

her neck.

round
"

Did

"

No."

"I
and

if

it again. Get my writing-case,

go near
ink,from the cabinet near the window."

forbid you
the pen and

Sarah

went

some

sudden

what

the

the door ?" she asked.

unbolt

you

to

to the cabinet

and

suspicionhad
writing materials were

opened it ;

crossed

her

wanted

then

stopped,as
and

mind,

asked

for.

"Bring them, and you will see."

sheet of note-paper on
with
The
a
it,was
writing-case,
knees; the pen was dipped into
placed upon Mrs.Treverton's
the ink,and given to her ; she paused,closed her eyes for a
minute, and sighedheavily; then began to write,saying to
the paper
the pen touched
Look."
her waiting-maid,
as
the
her shoulder,and saw
Sarah peered anxiously over
pen slowly and feeblyform these three words : To my Hus
"

"

band.
"

Oh, no ! no
catchingat her
again the moment

For

sake,don't write it !" she cried,

it go
hand"
but suddenly letting

God's

mistress's

Mrs. Treverton

looked

at her.

feebly,formed
slowly,more
words
enough to fill a line then stopped. The letters of
the last syllable
all blotted together.
were
The

pen

went

on

; and

more
"

16

THE

"Don't

!" reiterated
"

bedside.
Let

me

go on
Secret

Let the
known

him

to

I have

die with

and

to

tell him, after I

you

him, and my

know

to

it,and
failed

courage

It

am

"

You

have

Treverton

went

servant.
my
Fool ! look

up

take the pen.

as

from

true

as

"

you

and

me

there is

never

to

it.

not

can

is dull.

Take

face in the

last

my

On

me.

I shall not
Heaven

Treverton.
I tried

trust

you

Take

you

the pen,

bed-cover,

since my marriage,"Mrs.
than
been my friend more

have

refuse

Mrs.

be written.

her

ever

You

listen

Write,or

your
in my

rest

above

request ?

You

do !

refuse to
peril,
Write,
grave.

us, I will

come

to you

the other icorldf"

Sarah

started

"

make

on

with

on.

Do

be

and

know
I

me.

touch

of

been

the

long already.

so

me,

must

must

obeying,hid
wept bitterly.

and

borne

die with

gone.
the pen ; my sightis failing,
my
and write what I tell you."

Sarah,instead

at

can't tell it to him.

never, never!"
told," answered

be

ought

tell

her knees

never,

"

must

to

or

if you

bearing what

Secret

husband

My

SECKET.

Sarah,dropping on

write it

in this world

"The
"

Don't

DEAD

You

to

her feet with

faint

scream.

her eyes
my flesh creep !" she whispered,fixing
her mistress's face with a stare of superstitious
horror.

At

the

same

the
instant,

overdose

of the

stimulatingmed

icine

began to affect Mrs. Treverton's brain. She rolled her

head restlessly
from side to side of the pillow repeatedva
cantlya few lines from one of the old play-bookswhich had
been
removed
from her bed
and suddenly held out the pen
to the servant, with
theatrical wave
of the hand, and
a
a
glanceupward at an imaginarygalleryof spectators.
Write !" she cried,
with an awful mimicry of her old stage
voice.
Write !" And the weak hand was
waved
again with
feeble
imitation
the
old
of
a forlorn,
stage gesture.
her
Closing
fingersmechanicallyon the pen that was thrust
between
them, Sarah,with her eyes still expressingthe su
"

"

"

"

terror
perstitious

waited

for the

Mrs. Treverton

next

which

her

command.

mistress's words
Some

minutes

had

aroused,

elapsedbefore

spoke again. She still retained her senses

of the effect which
to be vaguely conscious
the
sufficiently
medicine
was
producing on her,and to be desirous of com
batingits further progress before it succeeded in utterlycon-

THE

ideas.

fusingher
for

some

This

She

DEAD

asked

Cologne.
last,poured onto her
Eau

17

SECRET.

firstfor the

next
smelling-bottle,

de

handkerchief

and

appliedto her
her
forehead,seemed to prove successful in partially
clearing
faculties. Her
their steady look of intelli
eyes recovered
she again addressed
her maid, reiterating
gence ; and, when
the word
Write," she was able to enforce the direction by
deter
beginningimmediately to dictate in quiet,deliberate,
Sarah's tears fellfast ; her lipsmurmured
mined tones.
frag
of sentences
in which
ments
of
entreaties,
expressions peni
and
all
exclamations
of
fear
were
tence,
strangelymingled
she
but
in wavering lines,
wrote
on
together;
submissively,
until she had nearlyfilledthe firsttwo sides of the note-paper.
Then
Mrs. Treverton
paused,looked the writingover, and,
at the end of it. With
this
taking the pen, signed her name
her powers
of resistance to the excitingeffect of the
effort,
medicine seemed
to fail her again. The
deep flush began to
tingeher cheeks once more, and she spoke hurriedlyand un
steadilywhen she handed the pen back to her maid.
Sign !" she cried,beatingher hand feebly on the bed
clothes.
write* Ac
"Sign Sarah Leeson, witness.' No!
complice.'Take your share of it; I won't have it shifted on
me.
Sign,I insist on it ! Sign as I tell you."
Sarah obeyed; and Mrs. Treverton
taking the paper from
her,pointed to it solemnly,with a return of the stage gest
which had escaped her a littlewhile back.
ure
You will give this to your master," she said, when I am
dead; and you will answer
any questionshe puts to you as
before the judgment-seat."
trulyas if you were
Claspingher hands fast together,Sarah regarded her mis
tress, for the first time,with steady eyes, and spoke to her
for the first time in steady tones.
"If I only knew
fit to die,"she said,"oh, how
that I was
gladly I would change placeswith you !"
Promise
that you will give the paper to your master,"
me
Promise
! I won't trust your
no
repeatedMrs. Treverton.
the Bible the
promise I'llhave your oath. Get the Bible
clergyman used wrhen he was here this morning. Get it,or
I shall not rest in
Get it,or I ivill come
to you
my grave.
from the other world"
The mistress laughed as she reiterated that threat.
The
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

18

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

maid

it was
which
shuddered,as she obeyed the command
designed to impress on her.
Yes, yes the Bible the clergyman used,"continued Mrs.
Treverton,vacantly,after the book had been produced.
The
I frightenedhim, Sa
clergyman a poor weak man
He said, Are you at peace with all the world ?' and I
rah.
"

"

"

"

"

'

said,'All but one.'

"

You

know

who."

The

Captain'sbrother ? Oh, don't die at enmity with any

with him"
body. Don't die at enmity even
pleaded Sarah.
The clergyman said so too," murmured
Mrs. Treverton,
her eyes beginning to wander
round
her
the room,
childishly
tones
You
confused.
growing suddenly lower and more
must
forgivehim,'the clergyman said. And I said, No, I
forgiveall the world, but not my husband's brother.' The
He
Sarah.
clergyman got up from the bedside,frightened,
talked about praying for me, and coming back.
Will he
"

"

'

back

come
"

?"

Yes, yes,"answered
back

come

brother

Those

married

and

"

will

come

oh!

Sarah.

"

He

is

tell him

he will
good man
forgivethe Captain's
a

"

that you
vile words he spoke of you when
you were
home
to him
some
day. Forgive him

before you die !"

those words, she attempted to

"

forgivehim
Saying

of her

out
softly

mistress's

sight. The

remove

Bible

the

action attracted

Mrs.

Treverton's

and roused her sinkingfaculties into

attention,
observation of present things.
Stop !" she cried,with a gleam of the old resolution flash
of her eyes.
the dying dimness
She
more
over
ing once
caught at Sarah's hand with a great effort,placed it on the
a little
Bible,and held it there. Her other hand wandered
until it encountered
the written paper
the bed-clothes,
over
Her fingersclosed on it,and a
addressed to her husband.
sigh of relief escaped her lips.
"I know
Ah !" she said,
what I wanted the Bible for. I'm
about me, Sarah ; you can't deceive
dying with all my senses
me
even
yet." She stopped again,smiled a little,
whispered
wait!"
added
then
to herself rapidly,
"Wait, wait,
aloud,
"

"

with

the

I won't
Kneel

bey

old stage voice

trust

down.
them

you
These

if you

on

and

your
are

dare !"

my

"

the old stage gesture :

promise. I'll have your
last words

in this world

No

oath.
"

diso

20

THE

word.

another

utter

The

DEAD

SECRET.

lipsof

the

dying woman

were

mov

At first she
ing rapidly. Sarah put her ear close to them.
then a few
heard nothingbut panting,
quick-drawn breaths
broken
words mingled confusedlywith them :
I hav'n't done
close
swear
come
close,close,
you must
to give it
swear
a third thing
your master
died away
The last words
very softly. The lipsthat had
been forming them
so
laboriouslyparted on a sudden and
Sarah sprang to the door, opened it,
closed againno more.
back
to the
and called into the passage for help; then ran
bedside,caught up the sheet of note-paper on which she had
and hid it in her bosom.
written from her mistress's dictation,
The last look of Mrs. Treverton's
eyes fastened sternlyand
and kept their expression
her as she did this,
on
reproachfully
unchanged,through the momentary distortion of the rest of
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

That

features,for one breathless moment.

ed,and, with the next, the shadow which
the

stole up and shut

quiet instant from all the face.
of death

ence

out

moment

pass
the
before
pres
goes
the lightof life in one

of the serv
and by one
by the nurse
at
saw
ants, entered the room
; and,hurrying to the bedside,
a
glance that the time for his attendance there had passed
He
who
had fol
forever.
spoke first to the servant
away
The

lowed
"

own

doctor,followed

him.

Go

"
your master,"he said, and beg him
and speak to him."
until I can
come

to

room
"

still stood

Sarah

ticingany

one

The

nurse,
started at the

"

"

without

moving

by the bedside.
approaching to draw
sightof her face,and

or

to

turned

in his

speaking,or
curtains

the

wait

no

together,

to the doctor.

this person had better leave the room, Sir?" said

of contempt in her tones
the nurse, with some
appearance
"
She seems
and looks.
unreasonablyshocked and terrified
"I think

by
"

happened."
Quite right,"said the

what

withdraw.

has

"

Let

me

doctor.

recommend

"

you

It is best that she should

to

leave

us

for

little

while,"he added,touching Sarah on the arm.

of her hands to
raised one
She shrank back suspiciously,
in her bosom, and
the letter lay hidden
the place where
while she held out the other hand for
pressedit there firmly,
a

candle.

THE

"

the

You

better

had

"

reflection.

moment's

21

SECRET.

little in your own

room," said
"
candle.
Stop,though," he contin

for

rest

doctor,giving her

ued,after

DEAD

break

going to

am

the

find that he is anxious

your master, and I may
that Mrs. Treverton
to hear any last words
may have spoken
with me,
in your presence.
Perhaps you had better come
and wait while I go into Captain Treverton's room."
sad

to

news

"No!

no!

oh, not

"

Speakingthose

words

now

in

not

"

for God's

now,

sake!"

low, quick,pleadingtones, and draw

without
to the door,Sarah
ing back affrightedly
disappeared
to be spoken to again.
waitinga moment
"A
!" said the doctor,addressing
the nurse.
strange woman
"

her,and

Follow

ed and

back."

you come
When

the

that she had

her

seen

she is want
goes to,in case
obligedto send for her. I will wait here until

are

we

she

where

see

returned

nurse

listened

it,had

enter

Leeson

Sarah

followed

she had

nothingto report

to her

but

bedroom, had

own

outside,and

had

heard

her

lock the door.

"A

strange

secret
silent,
"

One

!"

woman

sort,"said

of the wrong

the

of the

is

very

first day

THE

instant Sarah

door,she

took

in her

concealment
if the

"

nurse.

She

is always

sign,in

that

bad

my opinion. I
I entered the house."

II.

CHAPTER

room

"One

sort."

and
talkingto herself,
distrusted her,Sir,the

THE

doctor.

repeatedthe

CHILD.

Leeson

turned

had

the

key

of her bed

the sheet of note-paper from its placeof

she drew
bosom
it
shuddering,when
"

of it hurt her

placed it open on
her little dressing-table,
and fixed her eyes eagerly on
the
lines which the note contained.
At firstthey swam
and min
her
gled together before her. She pressedher hands over
eyes, for a few minutes,and then looked at the writingagain.
The characters were
clear now
and, as she
vividlyclear,
fancied,
unnaturallylarge and near to view. There was the
out,

as

mere

contact

"

"

address

"

To

my Husband
neath,in her dead mistress's
:

;" there the firstblotted line

handwriting;there

be

the lines that

22

THE

traced by
followed,
end

her

Mrs. Treverton's

"

amounted

to

but

able

fragment

have

consumed

DEAD

at the
pen, with the signature
and then her own.
The
whole
first,
own

few

very

SECRET.

sentences, written

of paper, which
in a moment.

the flame
Yet

of

there

on

perish

one

candle

she

would

sat, reading,

again; never
touching'the
it was
note, except when
absolutelynecessary to turn over
the first page ; never
moving, never
raising
speaking,never
As a condemned
her eyes from the paper.
prisonermight
and

reading,reading,

over

read
few

his

over

did Sarah

death-warrant, so

lines which

she

half

since.

and

Leeson

her mistress

read

now

written

had

the

too-ether
O

not

The

hour

an

of the

secret

paralyzingeffect

of that

writingon

her

mind

but in the circumstances

which
lay,not only in itself,
had attended
the act of its production.
The oath which had been proposed by Mrs. Treverton
un
der no more
serious influence than the last capriceof her dis
ordered
stimulated
of
faculties,
by confused remembrances
had been acceptedby Sarah
stage words and stage situations,
Leeson

the

as

which

she could

dience

sacred

most

bind

herself.

her last commands

to

the mistress had

and

uttered in

inviolable

The

threat

engagement
of

to

enforcingobe

from

beyond the grave,

mocking experimenton the

which

super
the weak

stitious fears of the

maid, now
hung darkly over
mind of Sarah, as a judgment which might descend
on
her,
of her future life.
visiblyand inexorably,at any moment
she roused herself at last,
and pushed away
When
the paper
she stood quitestillfor an instant,
and rose to her feet,
before
she ventured
with

empty
Her

to look behind

effort and

an

dimness

fluence,as

she

start,with

in the

old habit of
now

her.

remoter

she did

look,it was

searchingdistrust

corners

talkingto
walked

When

herself

of the

began

of the

room.

to

resume

rapidlybackward

and

sometimes

its in

forward,

and sometimes
it. She re
across
along the room
such broken phrasesas these :
How
can
peatedincessantly
I give him
the letter?
Such a good master; so kind to us
I can't bear
all. Why did she die,and leave it all to me f
for me."
While reiterating
it alone ; it's too much
these sen
tences, she vacantlyoccupiedherself in puttingthingsabout
in order,which
set in perfectorder
the room
were
already.
All her looks,all her actions,
the
vain
betrayed
struggleof a
"

"

"

"

23

SECRET.

DEAD

THE

sustain itself under

the

weight of a heavy re
the cheap china
She arranged and re-arranged
sponsibility.
times over
her chimney-piece
a dozen
ornaments
on
put her
then on
the table in
pin-cushionfirst on the looking-glass,
of the little porcelaindish
front of it changed the position
side of the basin,
to one
and tray on her wash-hand-stand, now
actions
to the other.
and now
Throughout all these trifling
of the
and prim neat-handedness
the natural grace, delicacy,
useless and aim
stillwaited mechanicallyon the most
woman
She knocked
of the moment.
less of her occupations
nothing
the
fastest
down, she put nothing awry ; her footstepsat
the very skirts of her dress were
sound
made
no
kept as
properlyand prudishlycomposed as if it was broad daylight
and the eyes of all her neighborswere
lookingat her.
mind

weak

to

"

"

"

time

From

to

time the

of the words

sense

she

was

murmur

they disjointing confusedlyto herself changed. Sometimes

self-reliantthoughts. Once
edly expressedbolder and more
and the
they seemed to urge her again to the dressing-table
will. She read aloud the
againsther own
open letter on it,
address, To my Husband," and caught the letter up sharp
Why give it to him at all?
ly,and spoke in firmer tones.
"

"

Why

not

ought ? Why
Saying those
within

an

it ?

he know

should

her

and
He

die with

shall

me,

know

not

it

as

it !"

words, she desperatelyheld the letter

last

inch of the flame of the candle.

the white

ment

die with

let the secret

curtain

over

the window

At

the

same

mo

before her stirred

through the oldcaught sightof it,as it

She claspedthe letter

the fresheningair found its way

as
little,

Her eye
sashes.
ill-fitting
fashioned,
waved
gentlybackward and forward.
suddenly to her breast with both hands, and shrank back
againstthe wall of the room, her eyes stillfastened on the
blank look of horror which they had
curtain with the same

exhibited

when

Mrs. Treverton

servant's obedience

from

had

the other

threatened

to

claim

her

world.

in a breathless
Something moves," she gasped to herself,
in the room."
whisper. Something moves
The curtain waved
slowly to and fro for the second time.
she crept along
Still fixedlylooking at it over
her shoulder,
"

"

the wall

to

the door.

to me
already?"she said,her eyes riveted
you come
the lock for the
the curtain while her hand groped over

uDo
on

24

THE

"Before

key.
made

Before

She

your

grave

your

body
and

moment,

"Rest!"

and

the door

opened

there for

DEAD

said.

she

SECRET.

is

Before

dug?

coffin is

your

is cold ?"

glidedinto

the passage
into the room.

back

looked

mistress

"Rest,

stopped

he

shall have

of the

passage.

"

the

letter."
The

her

guided
staircase-lamp

out

scending hurriedly,as if she feared

think,she reached Captain Treverton's
in a minute
The door
two.
or
floor,
room

to

De

give herself time to

study,on the groundopen, aiid the

wide

was

empty.

was

After

of the chamber-can
she lighted
a little,
one
reflecting
dles standingon the hall-table,
at the lamp in the study,and
After re
ascended the stairs again to her master's bedroom.
peatedlyknocking at the door and obtainingno answer, she
ventured

to

dles

not

had
been

even

in.

go

been

entered

There

but

was

in which

give him
whispered,

"

been

not

other

letter there ?

I must

! I must

she

the

"

summon

hesitated

She

had

room

seek him

place to
Could

disturbed, the
the

all appearance
during the night.
to

"

lay dead.

the

to

lit

one

his wife

bed had

The

can

not

chamber

the courage
little then
"

!"

compelled herself to take led her a

littleway down
the stairs again. She descended
very slowly
this time, holding cautiouslyby the banisters,and pausing
The

direction

she

breath

almost

to take

been

Mrs. Treverton's

ured

to

knock

I want

I mind

With

of what

had

opened,when she vent

who
inquired,
roughly and

master."
else.

He

was

here

half

an

hour

now."
where

he has

into other

gone?"
people'sgoingsand comings.

business."

own

that

was

door

the nurse,
there.
she wanted

I don't pry

my

bedroom

my
somewhere

He is gone
ago.
"Do
you know
"No.

step. The

speak to

to

for him

"Look

at every

it,by

at

what
suspiciously,
"

now

discourteous

the

nurse

closed the door

away from it she looked toward

the inner end of the passage.
The door of the nursery
wras
It was
situated there.
ajar,and a dim gleam of candle-light

again.

was

Just

as

Sarah

answer,

turned

flickering
through it.
She

went

in

and
immediately,

saw

that

the

candle-light

"AND

TOWARD

THE

OPENING

THUS

MADE

SAKAH

NOW

ADVANCED.

26

THE

spoken,they seemed

were

of all power

flyingfor
without

much

one

and, with
the

whether

she

heard

was

been

ran

look

there,

it,she made for the stairs,and

them with headlong rapidityto the kitchen-floor.
had been sitting
of the servants
who
her,
up met

so

descended
There

Reckless

Leeson

into the passage as if she had

Passing the candle she had left

and

life.

her

SECRET.

to deprive Sarah
instantly

of self-control.

not, she turned

or

DEAD

as

at

face of astonishment

alarm, asked

and

what

was

matter.

"I'm

ill
"

thicklyand

I'm

faint

I want

air,"she answered,speaking
confusedly. Open the garden door,and let me
"

"

out."
The

as
obeyed,but doubtfully,

man

to be trusted
"

She

thought her

unfit

herself.

by

gets stranger than

ever

in her

after
rejoinedhis fellow-servant,

he

if he

him

ways," he said,when

Sarah

had

hurried

past

into the open air.

Now
mistress is dead, she will
our
have to find another place,
I suppose.
I,for one, sha'n't break
Shall you ?"
my heart when she's gone.
"

CHAPTER
THE

THE

HIDING

III.
OF

THE

SECRET.

air in the

cool,sweet

garden,blowing freshlyover
the violence of her agitation.
Sarah's
to calm
side walk, which
She turned down
led to a terrace
a
and
the church of the neighboringvillage.
overlooked
The
daylight out of doors was clear already. The misty
auburn
lightthat goes before sunrise was flowing up, peace
behind
ful and lovely,
line of black -brown
a
moorland, over
all the eastern
sky. The old church,with the hedge of myr
the little cemetery in all the
tle and fuchsia growing round
in Cornwall,was
luxuriance which is only seen
clearingand
brighteningto view,almost as fast as the morning firmament
itself. Sarah leaned her arms
heavilyon the back of a gar
face,seemed

den-seat,and
wandered

turned

from

the

her

building

side,rested there,and
and
rest.

warmer

over

face toward

watched

the lonesome

itself
the

the church.
to

the

Her

cemetery

lightgrowing

refugewhere

the dead

eyes
by its

warmer

lay at

"

of

to

not

for

remained

She

she

They

seemed

the seat,looking
ponderingover the words

leaning on

the

to

say

death-bed.

Mrs. Treverton's

on

her bosom

it from

it be

must

child.

themselves,as every thing else

itself in her mind, with the letter

connect

written

been

What

connect

to

appearedto

"

and
church-yard,
heard Captain Treverton

had

which

time

some

the

sadlytoward

had

! my heart !" she said.

break ?"

heart

Oh, my

made

27

SECRET.

DEAD

THE

crushed

and

more,

once

She

it up

now

that

drew

angrilyin

fingers.

her

at the

lookingdown
said,

she

If she

fault?

heard

had

she

alive

was

by any eyes but mine!"

crumpled pages. "Is it all my

! stillnot

hands

"Still in my

now

if she had

"

in the

I heard

what

seen

nursery

I saw,

what

seen

could

"

she

if
ex

give him the letter ?"

Her mind was
apparentlysteadied by the reflection which
from
her last words expressed.She moved
away thoughtfully
wooden
crossed the terrace, descended
the garden-seat,
some
by a
steps, and followed a shrubbery path which led round
pect

to

me

the east

track from

windin^

the north

to

side of the house.

and neg
part of the buildinghad been uninhabited
than
half a century past. In the time of
lected for more

This

Captain

had

rooms

been

rooms,

which

formed

now

house, and

which

tion of the

familyand

them.

had

square, and
defenses of the

of

tower

of

extremityof

inhabited

west

part of the

sufficient for the accommoda

to stay with
of any visitors who came
had been
built in the form
originally

been

place,but

stronglyfortified.
one

now

and

the west

from

the

front.

The

remained

"

Of the
a

many
heavy,low

villagenear, the house de

Porthgenna Tower),standingat the southern

(fromwhich

rived its name

redecoratingthe

in

only

the

amply

were

mansion

The

whole

furniture,to assist

valuable

most

of the north
range
strippedof their finest picturesand their
the

father

Treverton's

south

side itselfconsisted

with a ruinous wall in front of

out-houses,
at rightangles,
joined
them, which, running back eastward
the
which
whole
the
and
the north side,
so
completed
square
outline of the buildingrepresented.

of stables

The

and

outside

weedy, deserted
many

years had

view

range of north rooms, from the

below, showed plainlyenough that

of the

garden
passed since

any

human

creature

had

inhab-

28

THE

ited them.

The

SECRET.

broken

window-paneswere

thicklywith

covered

and

DEAD

closed

dirt and

in

places,

some

dust in others.

Here,

the

only half opened.

untrained
The
ivy,the rank vegetationgrowing in fissures
the festoons of spiders'
of the stone-work,
webs, the rubbish
broken
of wood, bricks,plaster,
glass,rags, and stripsof
soiled cloth,which
lay beneath the windows, all told the
this ruinous
tale of neglect. Shadowed
same
by its position,
the
had a dark, cold,wintry aspect,even
side of the house
on
Sarah Leeson
strayedinto the
sunny August morning when
deserted northern garden. Lost in the labyrinthof her own
long since root
thoughts,she moved slowlypast flower-beds,
ed up, and along gravel walks
by weeds ; her
overgrown
the prospect, her feet me
eyes wandering mechanicallyover
of a
there was
a trace
chanicallycarrying her on wherever
footpath,lead where it might.
the words
The
shock which
spoken by her master in the
to her
mind, had set her whole
nursery had communicated
nature, so to speak,at bay, and had roused in her, at last,
herself with a final and desperate
the moral
to arm
courage
and
resolution.
more
"Wandering more
slowly along the
of her ideas
pathways of the forsaken garden,as the course
her more
and more
withdrew
completely from all outward
things,she stopped insensiblyon an open patch of ground,
still com
which had on.ce been a well-keptlawn, and which
north
manded
of the long range of uninhabited
a full view
shutters

were

there,they

"

were

rooms.
"

What

binds

at
give the letter to my master
herself,smoothing out the crumpled
"My mistress died
palm of her hand.

she

thought to
dreamily in the
out
making me
from

the

swear

do

serve, and
do

She
fears

on

more?

no

happen,so long
to

to

do

that.

world, if I keep

other

as

all ?"

to

me

I hold

the

Can

she visit it

promises I

swore

May I not risk the worst

to all that I
religiously

paper
with

on

to

that

me

ob
can

undertook

oath ?"

my

with herself
her superstitious
paused here in reasoning
stillinfluencing
her out of doors,in the daylight,
as they
"

had

influenced

She

paused
"

her
then

in her

fell to

own

room,

smoothing

in the

time of darkness.

the letter

again,and

of the solemn
engagement
gan to recall the terms
Mrs. Treverton
had forced her to contract.

be

which

DEAD

THE

What

had

she

actuallybound

stroy the letter,and

that

last wish
fided ?

be

at that

her husband.

given to

binding on the person

As binding as an
Yes.

she arrived

As

Not

to

de

it away
with her if she left
that,Mrs. Treverton's desire had been

letter should

the

herself to do?

take

to

not

Beyond

the house.

29

SECRET.

to

it had

whom

Was

that

been

con

No.

oath ?

conclusion,she looked up.

deserted
vacantlyon the lonely,
north
graduallythey became attracted
window
exactlyin the middle,on the floor
by one particular
above
the ground the largestand the gloomiestof all the
row
expressionof intel
; suddenly they brightenedwith an
ligence. She started ; a faint flush of color flew into her
advanced
closer to the wall of the
cheeks,and she hastily
eyes rested
front of the house ;

first her

At

"

house.
The

largewindow were yellowwith dust and

Be
with cobwebs.
about
fantastically
scatterred over
the dry mould
low it was
a heap of rubbish,
of what
might once have been a bed of -flowers or shrubs.
out
The form of the bed was
still marked
by an oblong
boundary of weeds and rank grass. She followed it irreso
at every step
lutelyall round, lookingup at the window
then
stopped close under it,glanced at the letter in her
hand, and said to herself abruptly
panes of the
dirt,and festooned

"

"

"

I'll risk it !"

As

fell from

the words

inhabited

her

she
lips,

hastened

and took down

led

from

to

to

the

the
on
passage
entered it,
the housekeeper's
room,

part of the house, followed

kitchen-floor which

back

nail in the wall

the

bunch

of

keys,hav

ing a largeivory label attached to the ring that connected

them, on which was inscribed,Keys of the North Rooms."
She placed the keys on a writing-table
near
her,took up
a pen, and
rapidlyadded these lines on the blank side of the
"

letter which
"

my
come

she had

If this paper

whole
to

written

should

heart it

never

the resolution

under

be

ever

found

"

pray with
say that I have
I dare not show

(whichI

be),I wish to
hidingit,because

may
of

her mistress's dictation

it is ad
writingthat it contains to my master, to whom
I am
I now
dressed.
In doing what
propose to do, though
actingagainstmy mistress's last wishes,I am not breaking

the

B2

30

THE

the

solemn

fore her

her death-bed.

on

I shall

the

place,of

of its

ever

which

may

all

SECRET.

which

engagement

or
destroy this letter,

house.

DEAD

That

obligedme

engagement

to

make

forbids

me

be
to

if I leave the
take it away
with me
neither
is to conceal it in
purpose
my

do

to

"

others,where

being found
follow

she

as

I think

there

is least chance

again. Any hardship or

consequence

misfortune

of this deceitful

proceed

ing on my part, will fall on myself. Others,I believe in my

will be the happier for the hiding of the dreadful
conscience,
Secret which

this letter contains."

She

signed those lines with her name

pressed them hur
the blotting-pad
that lay with the rest of the
riedlyover
writingmaterials on the table took the note in her hand,
after first foldingit up
and then, snatching at the bunch
of keys,with a look all round her as if she dreaded
being se
All her actions since she
cretlyobserved,left the room.
had entered it had been hasty and sudden ; she was
evident
to reflect.
ly afraid of allowingherself one leisure moment
On quittingthe housekeeper's
room, she turned to the left,
ascended
and unlocked
at the top of
a back
a door
staircase,
it. A cloud of dust flew all about her as she softlyopened
her shiver as she crossed
the door ; a mouldy coolness made
black old familyportraits
a largestone
hall,with some
hang
of which were
bulging out of
ing on the walls,the canvases
she came
of
the frames.
a row
Ascending more
stairs,
upon
the first floor of the north
on
doors,all leadinginto rooms
"

"

"

side of the house.

down, puttingthe letter on the boards beside

the key-holeof the fourth door she came
to aft
her,opposite
for
er
reaching the top of the stairs,
peered in distrustfully
then began to try the different keys tillshe*found
an
instant,
in accom
She had great difficulty
that fitted the lock.
one
which
made
from the violence of her agitation,
this,
plishing
her hands tremble to such a degree that she was
hardly able
At length
from the other.
to keep the keys separate one
in opening the door.
Thicker
clouds of dust
she succeeded
knelt

She

than

she had

of the

room

phere almost
from

yet

met

with

the floor.

She

out

the moment

the interior

atmos
suffocating
dry, airless,
she stooped to pickup the letter
and took a few
recoiled from it at first,

visible ;
choked her as
was

flew
a

steps back

back

I can't go

.the

But

she recovered

her

res

immediately.

olution
"

staircase.

the

toward

31

SECRET.

DEAD

THE

!" she

now

and
said,desperately,

entered

room.

did

She

the hand

in it

than

more

came

out

again her

which

had

held

she

When

remain

not

face

two

three minutes.

or

white

was

the letter when

with

she went

fear,and
into the

but a small rusty key.

nothing now
the largebunch
After lockingthe door again,she examined
she had taken from the housekeeper'sroom,
of keys which
room

held

with

closer attention

Besides

them, there
handles

they
used

of

gave
had

"

The

The

of the

some

labels

of these

one

parchment
faded

characters

ring that connected

parchment, tied to the
the

close

which

which

she

She

held

hanging to it.
and
to the light,

time

by

to

rooms

key
particular

The

them.

on

the

indicate

keys,to

admission.

to

yet bestowed

labels,of

smaller

were

little stripof
written

attached

ivory label

the

had

she

than

read

it,in

"

Myrtle Room."
in which

room

the

on

letter

the

hidden

was

had

name,

that would
attract
prettilysounding name
A name
people,and keep pleasantlyin their memories.
she had done,on that
be distrusted by her,after what
then

had

most
to

very

account.

She took

her housewife

of her

apron,
the label from

only ?

She

and,with
the key.

from

its usual

placein

the scissors which

Was

lost herself in

it
maze

enough

to

of useless

the

pocket
it contained,
cut
destroy that one
conjecture; and

ended

from no other motive

by cuttingoff the other labels,
than instinctive suspicion
of them.
Carefullygathering up the strirs of parchment from the
sjieput them, along with the littlerusty key which she
floor,
had brought out of the Myrtle Room, in the empty pocket
of her apron.
Then, carryingthe largebunch of keys in her
hand, and carefullylocking the doors that she had opened
her way
to the north side of Porthgenna Tower, she re
on
traced her steps to the housekeeper's
room, entered it with
out
seeing any body, and hung up the bunch of keys again
the nail in the wall.

on

Fearful,as
some

the

morning

of the female

hours

servants, she

wore

on, of

meeting

next

hastened

back

to

with
her

32

THE

bedroom.

The

DEAD

SECRET.

she had

candle

left there

still burning

was

she drew aside the win

feeblyin the fresh daylight. When
the candle,a shadow
of her
after extinguishing
dow-curtain,
her face,
in the broad daylight
former fear passed over
even
it. She opened the window, and
that now
flowed in upon
leaned out eagerlyinto the cool air.
for good or for evil,
the fatal Secret was
hidden
Whether
There
done.
the act was
was
now
something calming in
"

the

of that

first consciousness

fact.

one

She

and
composedly, after that,of herself,
future that lay before her.

of the

more

Under
main

circumstances

no

been

have

severed

by

uncertain

expected

connection

Treverton, in the last days

Mrs.

that

mistress had

her

she

that the

now
situation,

in her

self and

could

to

re

between

death.

of her

think

could

her

She knew

had
illness,

ear

her maid
to Captain Treverton's
kind
nestlyrecommended
and protection,
and she felt assured
that the wife's last
ness
be viewed
in this as in all other instances,
would
entreaties,
of obligationsby the husband.
sacred
But
the most
as
could she accept protectionand kindness at the hand of the
she had been accessory to deceiving,
and whom
whom
master
committed
herself to deceivingstill? The bare
she had now
that she accepted,
al
idea of such baseness was
so
revolting,

with

most

of

sense

the
relief,

sad

one

alternative

that

re

leavingthe house immediately.

how
And
she to leave it ? By giving formal warn
was
ing,and so exposing herself to questionswhich would be
and terrify
Could she venture
her?
to confuse
to face
sure
mained

her

again,after

master

his first

when

to

word
slightest
that

scene

of

ask

her cloak

door

in sudden

Was

her

No;

master

all

was

refer to

been

witnessed

done
her

"

when
mistress,

spoken during
?

She

face

to

started

him,
he

for
details,
the

death-

to her

feet,

of

submittingherself to that un
togetherwarningly on her mind,
from its placeon the wall,and listened at her
and fear. Had
she heard footsteps
?
suspicion
sending for her already?

the certain consequences

endurable trial all crowded

took

had

her for the last mournful

that had

she alone had

as

she

what

would
inquiries

certain

be

would
the

the alternative

"

silent outside.

few

tears

rolled

over

her

fac
bonnet, and felt that she was
and
ing,by the performance of that simple action,the last,
cheeks

as

she put

on

her

34

THE

again

to

the

DEAD

SECRET.

the kitchen-floor

reached
stairs,

in

made

her escape by the garden door which the

opened for her at the dawn of the morning.

safety,and
servant

had

gettingclear of the premisesat Porthgenna Tower, in

stead of taking the nearest
the moor
that led to
path over
the high-road,
she divergedto the church ; but stopped before
she came
at the publicwell of the neighborhood,which
to it,
had been sunk near
the cottages of the Porthgenna fishermen.
Cautiouslylooking round her,she dropped into the well the
little rusty key which
she had brought out of the Myrtle
Room; then hurried on, and entered the church-yard. She
directed her course
straightto one of the graves, situated a
On

little apart from

these words

the

the head-stone

On

rest.

were

inscribed

SACKED

TO

MEMORY

THE
OF

26

AGED
HE

MET

THROUGH

YEARS.

WITH
THE

HIS

DEATH

OF

FALL

ROCK

IN

PORTHGENNA

MINE,

17TH,1823.

DECEMBER

few leaves of grass from the grave, Sarah open

ed the little book of Wesley'sHymns which she had brought

Gatheringa

with her from

the bedroom

of

Porthgenna Tower, and placed

the leaves delicately
and carefully
between
As
the pages.
she did this,
the wind blew open the title-page
of the Hymns,
and displayedthis inscription
on
it,written in large,clumsy
characters
Sarah Leeson, her book.
The
gift of Hugh
"

"

Polwheal."

Having secured the blades of grass between the pages of

the book, she retraced her way
the path leadingto
toward
the high-road. Arrived
the moor,
of her
she took out
on
apron pocket the parchment labels that had been cut from
the keys,and scattered them
under
the furze-bushes.
Gone," she said, as I am gone ! God help and forgive
"

me

"

"

it is all done

With

those

and

words

over

she

now

turned

!"
her

back

on

the

old house

THE

and

her

on

servants

of

ments

of

words

and

addressed

her

dered

She

woman.

the
her

she

large

so

by

the

town

track

hair,

of

with

traced

was

be

looks

Sarah

her

by

had

recognize,

lost,

and

by

look

scared
.to

in

herself,
In

Truro.

as

or

missing

the

talking
far

he

letter,

to

odd,

the

as

was

the

and

constantly

certainty

of

mo

with

after

made

describe

her

habit

her

that

dying

that

read

had

to

of

the

the

hand.

to

easy

grayness
and

eyes,

that

search

was

premature

his

of

letter

the

of

Leeson

returned

with

Treverton

immediate

an

him

messenger

in

master

Captain

moment

path

one

Sarah

tell

to

and

amazement,

to

The

The

mistress.

her

moorland

desired

inform

to

had

she

all

hear

to

the

Treverton

Tower

Porthgenna

at

wished

Captain

afterward

hours

followed

and

it,

high-road.

the

to

way

Four

he

below

sea-view

the

35

SECRET.

DEAD

that

recovered

never

again.
Rewards
interested
discover
to

in
her

her

which

again,

twenty-third

the
was

suggest

slightest
at

offered

were

had

of

that

and

wealth
in

done

could

power
No

vain.

district

the

clew

was

"

whereabouts,
the

explaining
in

hinted

August,

her

of

toward

heard

never

all
and

done

suspicion

degree
she

case

of

magistrates

the

of

her

again,

eighteen

after

hundred

the

of

nature

Her

letter.

her

help

to

or

master

the
and

were

do
found
in

the

secret

saw

never

morning

to

of

twenty-nine.

the

36

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

BOOK

II.

CHAPTER
FIFTEEN

I.

YEARS

AFTER,

Long Beckley (a largeagricultural

village
counties of England),although a build
of the midland
in one
its architecture,
ing in no way remarkable either for its size,
its antiquity,
one
or
advantage which
possesses, nevertheless,
has barbarouslydenied to the noble cathe
mercantile London
It has plenty of room
dral church
of St. Paul.
to stand
in,
and
be
with
it can
convenience
seen
consequently
perfect
the compass.
from every point of view, all around
The largeopen space around the church can be approached
in three different directions. There is a road from the village,
There
is a broad
leading straightto the principaldoor.
the
gravel walk, which begins at the vicaragegates, crosses
church-yard,and stops, as in duty bound, at the vestry en
the fields,
There
is a footpath over
trance.
by which the
and the gentry in generalwho live in his
lord of the manor,
reach the side door of the build
august neighborhood,can
incline them to en
their natural humilitymay
ing,whenever
in the
observance
stables by going to
Sabbath
courage
their own
on
church, like the lower sort of worshipers,
legs.
At half-past
seven
morn
o'clock,on a certain fine summer
and forty-four,
if any ob
ing,in the year eighteenhundred
servant
un
stranger had happened to be standing in some
and to be looking about
of the church-yard,
noticed corner
him
with sharp eyes, he would
probably have been the wit
of proceedings which
ness
might have led him to believe
that there was
a
conspiracygoing on in Long Beckley,of
the rallying-point,
and
of the
the church
which
was
some
inhabitants the principal
leaders.
most
respectable
Suppos
the vicarage as the
ing him to have been looking toward
THE

church

clock chimed

of

the

half-hour,he

Long Beckley, the Reverend

house suspiciously,
by the

would

Doctor
back

way,

have

seen

the

vicar of

Chennery, leaving his

glancing behind him

DEAD

THE

approached the gravel walk

he

as
guiltily

37

SECRET.

led to

that

vestry, stoppingmysteriouslyjust outside the door, and

the
gaz

ing anxiouslydown the road that led from the village.

Assuming that our observant stranger would, upon this,
he
keep out of sight,and look down the road, like the vicar,
would

have

next

utterable

you

He

had

your

reply,with
had

"

church

"

austere,

an

in appearance,

Protestant
"

have

would

to the

manner

clerk of the

and a
Loyola
by trade
approachingwith a look of un
mystery in his face,and a bunch of big keys in his

man
yellow-faced
working shoemaker

hands.

the

seen

seen

vicar nod

the

in

an

abstracted
""

"
Fine morning,Thomas.
say,
yet ?" He would have heard

clerk,and
breakfast

Have
Thomas

regardfor minute particulars:I have

suspicious
"

cup of tea and

these two
local

crust, Sir."

And

he would

then

have

after looking up with one

conspirators,
accord at the church
clock,draw off togetherto the side door
of the footpathacross
the fields.
which commanded
a view
as
our
Following them
inquisitive
stranger could not fail
he would
have detected three more
to do
ad
conspirators
vancing along the footpath. The leader of this treasonable
face
an
elderlygentleman,with a weather-beaten
party was
and a bluff,
His two followers were
a young
hearty manner.
and
and talking
a young
gentleman
lady,walkingarm-in-arm,
in
dressed in the plainest
together
whispers. They were
The faces of both were
rather pale,and
morning costume.
the manner
of the lady was
Otherwise
there
a littleflurried.
was
nothing remarkable to observe in them, until they came
to the wTicket-gate
leading into the church-yard; and there
the conduct
of the young
gentleman seemed, at first sight,
rather inexplicable.
Instead of holdingthe gate open for the
lady to pass through,he hung back, allowed her to open it
waited till she had got to the church-yardside,
for herself,
seen

"

"

and
to

out
then,stretching

lead

him
from

through

his hand

the

the

over

entrance,

as

gate, allowed

if he

had

her

suddenly

changed
grown
and
Noting this,
remarking also that,when the party from
the fields had arrived within greetingdistance of the vicar,
and when
the clerk had used his bunch
of keys to open the
led into the
church-door, the young
lady'scompanion was
building(thistime by Doctor Chennery'shand),as he had
been previously
led through the wicket-gate,
observant
our
a

man

to

helplesslittlechild.

38

TIIE

have

stranger must

DEAD

arrived

SECRET.

at

one

inevitable

conclusion

that the person requiringsuch assistance as this

Startled
ing under the affliction of blindness.
that

he
discovery,

had

looked

would

have

been

stillfurther

was
a

"

suffer

little by

amazed, if he

into the

and the
church,by seeingthe blind man
with the
lady standingtogetherbefore the altar rails,
young
elderlygentleman in parentalattendance.
Any suspicions
he might now
entertain that the bond which united the con
of the hy
spiratorsat that earlyhour of the morning was
meneal sort,and that the objectof their plotwas
to celebrate
the strictest secrecy, would
have been con
a wedding with
firmed in five minutes by the appearance
of Doctor Chennery
from the vestry in full canonicals,
and by the reading of the
marriage service in the reverend gentleman'smost harmoni
The ceremony
tones.
ous
officiating
concluded,the attendant
have been more
perplexed than ever
by ob
stranger must
the
serving that the persons concerned in it all separated,
and congratulatingduties
the signing,
the kissing,
moment
proper to the occasion had been performed,and quicklyre
tired in the various directions by which they had approached
the church.
the clerk to return

by the village
road,the bride,
bridegroom,and elderlygentleman to turn back by the foot
and the visionarystranger of these pages
path over the fields,
in any direction that he pleases let
to vanish
out of them
follow Doctor
us
Chennery to the vicaragebreakfast-table,
and hear what he has to say about his professional
exertions
of the morning in the familiar atmosphere of his own
family
Leaving

"

circle.
The

assembled

persons

at

the

breakfast

were,

Mr.
first,

secondly,Miss Sturch,a governess ; third

and fifthly,
Miss Louisa Chennery (aged eleven
ly,fourthly,
and Master
years),Miss Amelia Chennery (agednine years),
Robert Chennery (agedeightyears).There was
mother's
no
face present, to make
the household
picturecomplete. Doc
since the birth of his young
tor Chennery had been a widower

Phippen,a guest

child.

est

The
and

guest

he

was

an

was

old

supposed to

the benefit of his health.

contrive

to

get

collegeacquaintanceof the vicar's,

be now
stayingat Long Beckley for
Most

of
reputation

men
some

of any character at all

sort which individualizes

THE

was

of

man

which

little

some

39

SECRET.

in the social circle amid

them
pen

DEAD

they

Mr.

move.

character,and

he

of his friends

great distinction in the estimation

being A Martyr to Dyspepsia.

Mr. Phippen went, the woes
Wherever

Phip

lived with
the repu

on

tation of

stomach

with

went

He

him.

and

himself

with

acquaintanceinto

was

so

maladies,that

his

the secret

Phippen's

himself

dieted

physickedhimself publicly. He

of Mr.

he

publicly,and
occupied
intensely

would

let

chance

of the condition

of his tongue at
ready to dis
perpetually

notice ; being just as

the state of his digestion
as
people in

five minutes'

generalare to dis
On this favorite subject,
of the weather.
the state
as
cuss
he spoke with a wheedling gentlenessof man
all others,
on
in languidly
in softlymournful,sometimes
ner, sometimes
cuss

sentimental

His

tones.

affectionate sort, and

in addressinghimself
called

handsome

was
politeness

to

the word

used

he

His

oppressively

"dear"

continually
could

he
Personally,

others.

man.

of the

watery, large,and

were

eyes

be

not

always rollingfrom side to side in a

of something or somebody. His
of moist admiration
state
nose
was
profoundlymelancholy if such an
long,drooping,
expressionmay be permittedin reference to that particular
feature.
For the rest, his lipshad a lachrymose twist ; his
small ; his head large,
bald, and looselyset on
stature
was
of dressinghimself eccentric,
on
his shoulders ; his manner
lightgray

they

were

"

the side of

smartness

dition that of
to

tyr

; his age

singleman.

about

Such

five-and-forty
; his

was

the guest of the

Sturch,the governess, may be

Dyspepsia,and

Miss

described

as

young
sensation

lady who

had

con

Mr.

Phippen,the Mar
vicar of Long Beckley.
brieflyand accurately

never

been

troubled

with

day when she was born. She

was
a
plump, quiet,white -skinned,smiling,neatly
little,
of
wound
dressed girl,
up accuratelyto the performance cer
tain duties at certain times ; and possessedof an inexhausti
ble vocabularyof commonplace talk,which dribbled placidly
called for,always in the same
it was
out of her lipswhenever
and always of the same
quality,at every hour in
quantity,
Miss
the day, and through every change in the seasons.
Sturch never
cried,but took the safe mid
laughed,and never
an

idea

dle
down

or

of

course
on

since the

She
smiting
perpetually.

morning

in

January, and

smiled when
said it

was

she
very

came

cold.

40

THE

She

smiled

DEAD

SECRET.

morning in July, and

the bishop came
said it was
once
very hot. She smiled when
the vicar ; she smiled when
the butcher's boy
to see
a year
Let what
came
might happen at
every morning for orders.
the vicarage,
nothing ever jerked Miss Sturch out of the one
in which
she ran
smooth
perpetually,
always at the
groove
If she had lived in a royalist
same
family,during the
pace.
in England, she would have rung for the cook, to
civil wars
order dinner,on the morning of the execution of Charles the
back to life again,and had
First. If Shakspeare had come
called at the vicarageat six o'clock on Saturday evening,to
in com
explainto Miss Sturch exactlywhat his views were
posing the tragedy of Hamlet, she would have smiled and
of seven
until the striking
said it was
extremelyinteresting,
when

she

down

came

on

have left him in the middle

o'clock ; at which time she would
in the verification
of a sentence, to superintendthe housemaid

washing-book. A very estimable young person, Miss

accustomed
to
Sturch
(as the ladies of Long Beckley were
say); so judiciouswith the children,and so attached to her
duties ; such a well-regulated
household
mind, and such a
enough,just wellcrisptouch on the piano; justnice-looking
dressed
enough,justtalkative enough ; not quiteold enough,
inclined to be embraceably
perhaps,and a little too much
but, on the whole, a
plump about the region of the waist
of the

"

so, indeed.
young
person
very much
characteristic peculiarities
of Miss Sturch's

irxost estimable

On

the

it is

"

to dwell

not

necessary
isa's habitual weakness

at

great length.

very

pupils,

Miss

Lou

inveterate

tendency to catch
Miss Amelia's
defect was
cold.
to
a
disposition
principal
gratifyher palateby eatingsupplementarydinners and break
unauthorized

fasts

at

most

noticeable

his

clothes,and

Table.
ure

"

The

they

was

times

an

and

in

virtues of all three

were

well grown,

Robert's

by alacrityin tearing
learningthe Multiplication

caused

were
failings

obtuseness

Master

seasons.

were

of much

they were

the

same

nat

and
genuine children,

fond of Miss Sturch.

boisterously
they were
To complete the galleryof familyportraits,
an
outline,at
be attempted of the vicar himself.
Doctor
the least,must
Chennery was, in a physicalpoint of view, a credit to the

Establishment
two

in his

to

which

he

was

attached.

shooting-shoes
; he weighed

He

fifteen

stood six feet

stone

; he was

42

DEAD

THE

SECRET.

placed his yel

largehead dolefully,
with a largeturquoisering,on the
low forefinger,
ornamented
looked
waistcoat
check of his light
centre
-green summer
the fin
piteouslyat Doctor Chennery, and sighed removed
a lit
ger, and produced from the breast pocket of his wrapper
took out of it a neat pairof apothecary's
tle mahogany case
of ginger,
with the accompanying weights,a morsel
scales,
Miss
"Dear
and a highly polished silver nutmeg-grater.
Sturch will pardon an invalid ?" said Mr. Phippen,beginning
to grate the gingerfeeblyinto the nearest
tea-cup.
Mr.

Phippenshook

his

"

"

"

"

Guess

has made

what

the

morning," said

me

quarter of

hour

an

late this
the

all round
vicar,lookingmysteriously

table.

in

their hands
"

bed, papa," cried the three children,

clapping

in

"Lying

triumph.

do you say, Miss Sturch ?" asked Doctor

her hands
Sturch smiled as usual,rubbed

What

Miss

her throat

cleared

begged, with the

she said nothing.
"Your

turn

usual,looked

at the

softlyas
to
most
gracefulpoliteness,

Phippen,"said

now,

the vicar.

Chennery.
as

usual,

tea-urn,and

be

"

if

excused

Come,

guess

late this

morning."
kept me
My dear friend,"said Mr. Phippen, givingthe Doctor a
I
brotherly squeeze of the hand, don't ask me to guess
what
what you eat at dinner yesterday I saw
know ! I saw
No
drank after dinner.
digestioncould stand it not
you
what has made
Guess
even
you late this morning?
yours.
You
Pooh ! pooh ! I know.
dear,good soul,you have been
taking physic!"
touched
"Hav'n't
a
drop, thank God, for the last ten
years!" said Doctor Chennery,with a look of devout grati
The fact is,I have been
tude.
No, no ; you'reall wrong.
do you think I have been doing there?
to church ; and what
with all your
Poor
ears.
listen,
girls,
Listen,Miss Sturch
I have mar
is a happy man
at last
Frankland
blind young
what

has

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

ried him

to

ing !"
"
Without

our

dear

it!"

Treverton

this very

morn

girlstogether
papa !" cried the two
of vexation and surprise. " Without

telling
us,

in their shrillest tones

telling
us,

Rosamond

when

you

know

how

we

should

have

liked to

see

DEAD

THE

"That

dears,"answered
used

so

his

to

why I did not tell you, my

has not got
the vicar.
Young Frankland
affliction yet, poor fellow,as to bear being

the

was

43

SECRET.

reason

very

"

publiclypitiedand stared at in the character of a blind

horror of being an
bridegroom. He had such a nervous
his wedding-day,and Rosamond, like
on
objectof curiosity
a kind-hearted
girlas she is,was so anxious that his slightest
capricesshould be humored, that we settled to have the
wedding at an hour in the morning when no idlers were
likelyto be lounging about the neighborhood of the church.
about the day, and
I \yas bound
to the strictest secrecy
over
was
Excepting us two, and the bride
so
my clerk Thomas.
and bridegroom, and the bride's father,
CaptainTreverton,
nobody knew
Mr. Phippen,holding his tea-cup,
"Treverton
!" exclaimed
of it,to be filled by
with the grated ginger in the bottom
Treverton!
Miss Sturch.
(No more
tea, dear Miss Sturch.)
! I know
remarkable
the name.
How
(Fillup with
very
"

"

"

water, if you please.)Tell me, my

it turns
acid on
thanks ; no sugar
been
have
whom
Treverton
you
"

again;
"To

no

is!"

she

sure

Captain Treverton, is
and

Rosamond,
Andrew
rich

that whimsical

Treverton,

family,and

Church

head

family to speak

there's much

are

stomach),is this Miss

marrying (many thanks

rejoinedthe

the

now.

old brute

the last left now

fine family,in former

Trevertons

vicar.

of the
of

(many,many

the

of the Cornish

one
milk,either)

be

dear doctor

"Her

family.
The
of

?"

father,
Not

that

Captain,and
uncle of

an

hers,

of the, old stock

times

good

"

"

friends

"

and

State,you know, and all that

Do you approve, Sir,of Amelia
having a second helping
of bread and marmalade?"
asked Miss Sturch,appealingto
Doctor
of
Chennery, with the most perfectunconsciousness
to

"

"

him.
interrupting

in her
spare room
in until the appropriatetime

Having

puttingthingsaway
bringingthem out, Miss

no

mind

for

came

for

Sturch

always asked questionsand

made
the moment
remarks
they occurred to her, without
waiting for the beginning,middle, or end of any conversa
tions that might be proceeding in her presence.
She in
but she
variablylooked the part of a listener to perfection,
never

acted

it except in the

point-blankat

her

own

ears.

case

of talk that

was

aimed

44

THE

"

Oh, give her a

vicar,carelessly
;
"

well do it

bread

DEAD

second
if she
and

SECRET.

helping,by
must

all

herself,she

over-eat

marmalade

!" said the

means

may

as

thing else."
Mr. Phippen, look what
My dear,good soul,"exclaimed
I am, and don't talk in that shockinglythoughtless
a wreck
Amelia
sweet
herself. Load the
over-eat
our
way of letting
in youth,and what becomes
stomach
in age?
of the digestion
The
thing which vulgar people call the inside I appeal to
Miss Sturch's interest in her charming pupilas an excuse
for
going into physiological
particularsis,in point of fact,an
Miss Sturch,even
the
Apparatus. Digestivelyconsidered,
on

as

on

any

"

"

"

"

fairest and

youngest of

us

is

an

Apparatus.

Oil

our

wheels,

like ; but

if you

clog them at your peril. Farinaceous pud

dings and mutton-chops; mutton-chops and farinaceous pud
dings those should be the parents'
watch-words,if I had my
end of England to the other.
Look here,my
way, from one
child
look at me.
There is no fun,dear,about these
sweet
"

"

little scales,
but dreadful

earnest.

See ! I put in the balance

and on the
bread,Amelia !),

(stale,
dry
other some
ounce
weights. Mr. Phippen,eat by weight.
Mr. Phippen ! eat the same
quantity,
day by day, to a hair'sbreadth.
Mr. Phippen ! exceed
(though it is
your allowance
only stale,dry bread)if you dare !' Amelia,love,this is not
fun
this is what the doctors tell me
the doctors,
my child,
who have been searchingmy Apparatus through and through
and have not found out
for thirtyyears past with little pills,
wheels
where my
are
clogged yet. Think of that, Amelia
think of Mr. Phippen's clogged Apparatus
'and say
No,
thank
you,'next time. Miss Sturch,I beg a thousand
par
dons for intrudingon your province; but my interest in that
child
sweet
we
Chennery,you dear, good soul,what were
the interesting
Ah! the bride
bride ! And
talkingabout?
I knew
of the Cornish Trevertons?
she is one
so
something
of Andrew
He was
Miss
a bachelor,like myself,
years ago.
Sturch.
His Apparatus was
of order, like mine, dear
out
Amelia.
Not
at all like his brother,the Captain,I should
A charming girl,
I have
suppose? And so she is married?
A charming girl!"
doubt.
no
"No
better,truer, prettiergirl in the world," said the
one

on

side

dry

bread

'

"

"

"

"

"

"

vicar.
"

very

lively,
energeticperson,"remarked

Miss

Sturch.

THE

I shall miss

"How

else amused
She used

45

SECRET.

cried Miss

her!"

Rosamond

as

me

Louisa.
I

did,when

"Nobody
laid up with

was

cold of mine."

that last bad

"

DEAD

such nice little earlysupper-parties,"

give us

to

said Miss Amelia.

"

She

only girlI

the

was

ever

who

saw
"

She
boys,"said Master Robert.
Mr. Phippen,Sir,with one
hand, and go
both her legstogether."
with

"

Bless

wife for

to prey

no

"

And

much

you

bear

more

said he
Let

not?

could
down

What

ball,

slide with

extraordinary

an

blind from

was

see, what

me

catch

play

his

birth,

his name?

was

Miss
my loss of memory,
has done with the body, it begins
indigestion
too

the mind.

on

"No,

hardly on

Mr. Frank

Something,was it not ?"

"Leonard
FrankFrankland,"answered the vicar,
blind
his
birth
from
not
It is not
by any means.

than

year ago

since he could

almost

see

as

well

of us."

any
"

not

When

Sturch?

land.

man

"

Phippen.

! You

doctor,did

will

You

as

blind

dear

my

!" said Mr.

me

fit to

was

"

I
accident,

An

excuse

me

suppose !" said Mr.

if I take the arm-chair?
"

posture is of great assistance

cident

You
will
Phippen.
a
partiallyreclining

happened

to

to

his eyes ?

after meals.

me

Ah,

what

So

an

ac

delightfully
easy

chair to sit in !"

"

said
Scarcelyan accident,"

Frankland

was

Doctor

difficult child

to

Chennery.

bring up

"

Leonard

great constitu
seemed
to get over

tional

weakness,you know, at first. He

that with time,and grew
into a quiet,sedate,orderlysort
of boy
unlike my
there as possible very amiable,
as
son
and what you call easy to deal with.
Well, he had a turn
for mechanics
(Iam tellingyou all this to make you under
stand about his blindness),
and, after veeringfrom one occu
pationof that sort to another,he took at last to watch-making.
for a boy ; but any thing that required
Curious amusement
delicacyof touch, and plenty of patienceand perseverance,
I alwa}7s
and occupy Leonard.
was
justthe thing to amuse
"

said to

"

his father and

mother, 'Get him

his

send
inagnifying-glasses,
back at leap-frog,
and teach
was

no

use.

said he must

His

him

to

him

the

parents knew

be humored.

me,
use

off that
and
of

stool,break

I'll give him

a

bat.'

best,I suppose,
Well, thingswent on
C

and

But

it

they
smoothly

46

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

time,till he got another long illness as I

euough for some
he be
from not taking exercise enough. As soon
as
believe,
to his old watch-making oc
gan to get round,back he went
cupations again. But the bad end of it all was
coming.
About
the repairingof
the last work he did,poor fellow,was
here it is; goes as regular as a steam-engine.
watch
my
I hadn't
got it back into my fob very long before I heard
that he was
getting a bad pain at the back of his head, and
all sorts of moving spots before his eyes.
that he saw
String
him
a
up with lots of port wine, and give him three hours
In
day on the back of a quietpony' that was
my advice.
stead of taking it,they sent for doctors from London, and
and
the ears
behind
between
the shoulders,
blistered him
and
and
drenched
the lad with mercury,
moped him up in
dark
and
No
The
use.
a
room.
sight got worse
worse,
"

"

'

"

flickered and

and
flickered,

of

His

candle.

before that
took

him

they

did

died

mother

happened.

"

to

was

call the

last like the

at

luckilyfor her,poor

His father

oculists in London

to

out

went

half

was

and

blindness

flame
soul

of his mind

out

oculists in Paris.

by

"

long

Latin

All

name,

tion.

hopelessand useless to try an opera

say that it was
Some
the result of the long weak
of them said it was

nesses

from

and

to

which

he had

twice

suffered

after illness.

Some

apoplecticeffusion in his brain. All of them

shook their heads when
they heard of the watch-making. So
they brought him back home, blind ; blind he is now ; and
blind he will remain, poor dear fellow,for the rest of his
said it

was

an

life."
"

You

shock

me

; my

dear

Chennery,you

shock

dread

me

"

said Mr. Phippen.

Especiallywhen you state that
fully,"
after illness. Good
Heavens
!
theory about long weakness
I have
Why, I have had long weaknesses
got them now.
Spots did he see before his eyes ? I see spots, black spots,
dancing black spots, dancing black bilious spots. LTpon my
home
to me
word of honor, Chennery, this comes
my sym
"

"

pathiesare
nerve
"

acute
painfully

"

I feel this blind

of my body ; I do, indeed !"

that Leonard
You
would hardly know

was

story in every

blind,to

look

strikinginto the conversation with

him," said Miss Louisa,,
to
view
a
restoringMr. Phippen's equanimity.
Except
look
than
other
there
his
that
seems
quieter
people's,
eyes
at

"

DEAD

THE

difference in them

no

about, Miss

you told us
show it any

Sturch,who
I

love.
famous

that famous

was

Leonard

than

more

"Milton, my
the

Who

now.

47

SECRET.

blind, and

was

Frankland

begged

to

you

character
didn't

?"
remember

that

he

of British

Miss
epic poets,"answered
Sturch with suavity. "He
describes his blindness
poetically
as
being caused by so thick a drop serene.' You shall read
After we
about it,Louisa.
have had a little French,we
will
have a littleMilton,this morningi Hush, love,your papa is
speaking."
Poor young Frankland
!" said the vicar,
That
warmly.
I
married him to this morning
good, tender,noble creature
was

most

'

"

"

sent

seems

as

human

being can

amond

Treverton

"She
her for

has

consolation

make

made

him

to

him

happy
girlto do
said
sacrifice,"

in his affliction. If ^ny

for the rest of his life,
Ros

is the

it."

Mr.

that,having made

sacrifice

Phippen;

"

but I like

myself in remaining sin

of human
indeed,on the score
gle. It seems
indispensable,
inflict
ity,that I should do so. How could I conscientiously
such a digestionas mine on
of the fairer portion
a member
of creation ?
and

I have

she cry

; I

No

sacrifice in my
for others who
fellow-feeling
am

much, Chennery,when

own
are

proper person,
like me.
Did

marrying her?"
"Cry!" exclaimed the vicar,contemptuously. "Rosamond
Treverton
is not one
of the puling,sentimental
sort,I can tell
A fine,
who
buxom, warm-hearted,quick-temperedgirl,
you.
looks what
she means
when
she tells a man
she is going
him.
to
And, mind you, she has been tried. If she
marry
hadn't loved him with all her heart and soul,
she might have
been free months
ago to marry
any body she pleased. They
were
engaged long before this cruel affliction befell young
the fathers,
Frankland
both sides,
on
having lived as near
neighbors in these parts for years. Well, when the blind
you

were

"

ness

came,

Leonard

her engagement.

at

You

should

him, Phippen,upon
like a baby
blubbered
to

should

married

have

old Frankland
insisted
tain of

on

was

six

knowing

offered

once

them

release Rosamond

mind

confessingthat

it when

they showed

at

the instant I read

once

from

read the letter she wrote

I don't

that.
over

have

to

it

to

I
I

me.

it,but

kind of man, and he

fidgety,
punctilious
months' probation,
that she might be cer
so

her

own

ruind.

He

died before the term

was

48

THE

out, and that caused

DEAD

the

SECRET.

marriageto

be put off again. But

six years, instead of six

delays could alter Rosamond

this
months, would not have changed her. There she was
morning as fond of that poor, patientblind fellow as she was
the firstday they were
know a sad
engaged. You shall never
moment,
Lenny, if I can help it,as long as you live' these

no

"

'

"

the

were

first words
'I hear

of church.

said

she

to

him

when

we

all

out

came

Rosamond,' said I. And you shall

judge me, too, Doctor,'says she, quick as lightning. 'We
will come
back to Long Beckley,and you shall ask Lenny if
I have
word.'
With
that she gave me
not kept my
a kiss
that you might have
here at the vicarage,
bless
heard down
her heart ! We'll drink her health after dinner,
Miss Sturch
we'll drink both their healths,
Phippen, in a bottle of the
you,

"

I have

best wine
"

In

in my

cellar."

glass of toast-and-water,so far as I am concerned,

if you will allow me," said Mr. Phippen,mournfully. But,
talkingof the fathers of
my dear Chennery, when
you were
these two
interesting
young people,you spoke of their living
is
as
near
neighbors here, at Long Beckley. My memory
impaired,as I am painfullyaware; but I thought Captain
and that he al
Treverton
the eldest of the two brothers,
was
on
lived,when he was
shore,at the family place in
ways
a

"

Cornwall?"
"

But

So

'twenty-nine
"

let

"

and

that makes

The

vicar

Miss
"

never

Fifteen

we

are

in the year

now

the year

'forty-four

"
"

an

instant to

and looked
calculate,

at

years
of

the ac
Sir,"said Miss Sturch,offering
little simple subtraction to the vicar,
with

ago,
a

smile.

course," continued

"

Doctor

Chennery.
Well, since
Treverton
died,fifteen years ago, Captain Treverton has
been
near
And, what is more,
Porthgenna Tower.

Of

Phippen,at
place
"

thousand
"

see,

lifetime.

Sturch.

her blandest

Mrs.

me

stopped for

commodation

"

the

death, which

since her

"

vicar, in his wife's

happened as long ago as

did," returned

he

You

the

first

opportunityhe

could

get, he sold the

and
it,out and out, mine,fisheries,
pounds."

sold

don't

find the air

say

so

!" exclaimed

unhealthy?

I should

Mr.

all
"

Phippen.

think the local

for
"

forty

Did

he

produce,in

50

DEAD

THE

remember

you

All ! and

SECKET.

there is the school-room

Shall I

forgetdear Miss Sturch coming to me out of that room

a
ministeringangel with soda and ginger so comfort
it up, so unaffectedly
ing,so sweetly anxious about stirring
I do
sal-volatile in the house!
no
grieved that there was
so
Chennery; they are as
enjoy these pleasantrecollections,
Could you
as
great a luxury to me
your cigar is to you.
walk on the other side,
my dear fellow ? I like the smell,but
ever

"

"

the

smoke
about

now
"

am

so

is

little too

the

story?

interested

for

much

What

the

was

"

you.
of the old

place
P, surely?"

name

it began with

in it

And

Thank

me.

"Porthgenna Tower," said the vicar.

"Exactly," rejoinedMr. Phippen, shiftingthe umbrella
And
what
in the
tenderlyfrom one shoulder to the other.
world made
Captain Treverton sell Porthgenna Tower?"
"

"I

believe

the

reason

the death

that

was

of his

could

he

wife,"answered

endure

not

the

Doctor

Chennery.
been entailed;so the Cap
"The
estate, you know, has never
in partingwith it,
tain had no difficulty
except, of course, the
of rindinga purchaser."
difficulty
"Why not his brother?" asked Mr. Phippen. "Why not
Andrew
eccentric friend,
Treverton?"
our
placeafter

"Don't

call him

my

friend,"said

groveling,cynical,selfish old wretch

head, Phippen, and tryingto look

that

he

was

friend,who

earlyhistoryas

treated

took

in the grossest

with

no

shocked.

well

as

you

"A
use

mean,

shaking

I know

do.

An

I know

the basest

all he had

manner.

It's

your
drew

Treverton's

vicar.

the

to

I know

ingratitudeby a college
give,and swindled him at last
all about

that.

But

one

in

in shuttinghim
ingratitudedoes not justifya man
and railing
self up from society,
as
a dis
againstall mankind
I myself have heard
the
on.
grace to the earth they walk
old brute say that the greatest benefactor to our generation
could prevent another
would
be a second Herod, who
gene
talk in
who
ration from succeedingit. Ought a man
can
be the friend of any human
to
that way
being with the
slightest
respect for his speciesor himself?"
My friend !" said Mr. Phippen,catchingthe vicar by the
loweringhis voice
My dear and rev
arm, and mysteriously
erend friend ! I admire your honest indignation
againstthe
of that exceedinglymisanthropical
uttcrer
sentiment;but
stance

of

"

"

"

"

THE

DEAD

51

SECRET.

there
Chcnncry,in the strictest secrecy
morning moments
generally when my diges
that I have
a state
actuallyagreed with that

I confide this to you,

moments

are

"

"

"

tion is in such

with

looked

end

of the human

"

of cool small

cried

to

than

the

crawled

the

to

continuance

up

glass
be

an

of this!'"

vicar,receivingMr. Phippen's
"

Take

glass
O

time

your tongue is in that state,and

continuance
of the brewing part of the

next

for

woke

myself,'Let there

burst of irreverent laughter.

O

beer

will pray

said

I have

I have

"

rather

race

pooh!"

confession with

cinder

and I have

it

at

"Pooh!

you

like

tongue

my

and

Treverton

Andrew

annihilatingperson,

But let us go back to Porthgenna

race, at any rate.
Tower, or I shall never
Captain
get on with my story. When
had once
Treverton
made
I have
up his mind to sell the place,
human

doubt

no

that,under

he
ordinarycircumstances,

would

have

thought of offeringit to his brother,with a view, of course,

in the family. Andrew
to keeping the estate
rich enough
was
to have bought it ; for,
though he got nothing at his father's
death but the old gentleman'srare
collection of books, he in
herited his mother's

thingswere

that time

at

Captaincould
for the two

fortune, as the second

make

then,and

worst

writingterms.
quarrelof the

tween

those two

even

"

on

Pardon

sorry
personaloffers of any kind

no

not

were

(andare

However,

son.

I am
still,

It is
I

kind

are

not

on

now,

as

to

say),the

to

Andrew;

speaking,or

say, but the

of is the quarrelbe

shockingthing to

ever

heard

brothers."

said Mr. Phippen,opening

dear friend,"
my
his camp-stool,
which had hitherto dangled by its silken tassel
from

me,

the hooked

before

"

of the umbrella.

handle

I sit down

getting a little excited

about this part of the story, and I dare not fatiguemyself.
I don't think the legs of my camp-stoolwill
Pray go on.
I am
holes in the lawn.
in
make
so
light a mere
skeleton,
you

any

go

further?

May

am

"

fact. Do
"

You

go

!"

on

"that Captain
heard,"pursued the vicar,
married
advanced
in life,
actress
an
Treverton, when he was
rather a violent temper, I believe ; but a person of spotless
must

have

"

character,and

as

fond

of her husband

the usual

senseless

woman

could

be ;

it,a very good wife for

the Captain'sfriends,of course,
outcry, and the Captain'sbrother,

therefore,
accordingto my
him
to
However,
marry.
made

as

view

of

52

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

the

took it on himself to attempt break

only near relation,
indelicate way.
ing off the marriage in the most offensively
like poison,he
Failingin that, and hating the poor woman
other
left his brother's house, saying,among
savage
many
the
which
infamous
about
o
ne
which,
bride,
thing
speeches,
to repeat. What
ashamed
upon my honor, Phippen, I am
the words
ever
unluckilycarried to Mrs.
they were
were,
Treverton's ears, and they were
of the kind that no woman
like the Captain'swife
let alone a quick-temperedwoman
ever
forgives.An interview followed between the two broth
and it led,as you may
ers
easilyimagine,to very unhappy
The
results. They parted in the most
deplorablemanner.
Captain declared,in the heat of his passion,that Andrew
had
had
never
one
impulse in his heart since he
generous
kind feeling
was
born, and that he would die without one
toward
Andrew
repliedthat,
any livingsoul in the world.
as

"

"

"

"

if he

had

heart,he

no

had

that he should

and

memory,

re

long as he lived. So they

of
separated. Twice afterward the Captain made overtures
reconciliation.
his daughter Rosamond
The first time when
member

those

farewell

words

as

born ; the second time when

each
occasion the elder brother

Mrs. Treverton

was

younger

would

retract

the

atrocious

againsthis sister-in-law,
every
for the harsh language
to him

ment

say
words
he
should
the

be

offered

Captain had used,

hastiness

You

time.
not

which

that,if the
had spoken

to

atonement

On

of anger, when
No
answer
they last met.
received from Andrew
and the estrange
to either letter;
the two
brothers has continued to the present
between

in the
was

wrote

died.

understand

consult
privately

now

Andrew's

his intention

liclyannounced

why

Captain Treverton

inclinations
of

before

parting with

could
he

pub
Porthgenna

Tower."

Although
he

Mr.

Phippen declared,in

understood

answer

to

this

appeal,
begged with

and although he
perfectly,
that the vicar would
the utmost
politeness
go on, his atten
in in
tion seemed, for the moment,
absorbed
to be entirely
and in ascertaining
what
spectingthe legsof his camp-stool,
impressionthey made on the vicaragelawn. Doctor Chenthat he
however, in the circumstances
interest,
nery's own
seemed
was
relating,
sufficiently
strong to make up for any
transient lapseof attention on the part of his guest. After a
that

DEAD

THE

53

SECRET.

vigorouspuffsat his cigar(whichhad

imminent
danger of going out while he

few
in

went
"

on

in these

his narrative

with

estate,the

house,the

Well,the

words

been

times

several

he
speaking),

was
:

the fisheries of

mine, and

publiclyput up for sale a few months

after Mrs. Treverton's
made
for
death; but no offers were
the property which it was
possibleto accept. The ruinous
of the house,the bad cultivation of the land,legaldiffi
state
difficul
culties in connection with the mine, and quarter-day
Porthgenna

ties in the

were

all

collection of the

rents, all contributed

make

to

Porthgenna what the auctioneers would call a bad lot to dis

could
pose of. Failingto sell the place,Captain Treverton
be prevailed
and live there again.
to change his mind
not
on
for he was, by
The death of his wife almost broke his heart
and
all accounts, justas fond of her as she had been of him
associated with the
the very
sight of the place that was
"

"

greatest affliction of his life became

moved, with his little girland

who

her

was

to

governess,

pretty little cottage

across

hateful

to

him.

relative of Mrs.

the

church

re

Treverton,

neighborhood,and

our

lie

rented

fields. The

house

by Leonard FrankThe new

land's father and mother.
neighborssoon became
I have
intimate ; and thus it happened that the couplewhom
been marrying this morning were
brought up togetheras
and fell in love with each other almost before they
children,
out of their pinafores."
were
I don't look as if I was
sitting
Chennery,my dear fellow,
all on one
I
cried
Mr.
side,do ?"
Phippen,suddenlybreaking
nearest

it

to

was

inhabited

that time

at

"

into

vicar's

the

shocked

to

narrative,with

interrupt
you

; but

look

surelyyour

of alarm.
grass
of my

"

am

is amazing

ly soft in this part of the country. One

camp-stool
shorter
is
I'm drill
and
shorter
moment.
legs getting
every
Gracious Heavens
! I feel
ing a hole ! I'm topplingover!
I
myself going I shall be down, Chennery; upon my life,
"

shall be down

!"

vicar,pullingup firstMr. Phippen,and

then Mr. Phippen's
which had rooted itselfin the
camp-stool,
side.
to the gravelwalk ;
on
Here, come
grass, all on one
"Stuff!"

cried the

"

you

can't drill holes in that.

What's

the matter

now?"

said Mr. Phippen, dropping his umbrella,

"Palpitations,"
and placinghis hand
his heart, and bile. I see those
over
"

C2

54

THE

black

spots again

DEAD

SECRET.

those

black spots dancing

infernal,
lively
before ray eyes.
Chennery,suppose you consult some
agri
cultural friend about the qualityof your grass.
Take
my
word for it,your lawn is softer than it ought to be.
Lawn
!"
repeatedMr. Phippen to himself,contemptuously,as he turn
ed round to pick up his umbrella.
It isn't a lawn
it is a
bog!"
"There, sit down," said the vicar,"and don't pay the pal
pitationsand the black spots the compliment of bestowing
the smallest attention on them.
Do you want
any thing to
drink?
Shall it be physic,or beer,or what?"
No, no ! I am so unwillingto give trouble,"answered
"

"

"

"

"

Mr.

Phippen.

I think

"

if you

I would

would

would

me.
compose
I
think
it,but
you

to

the

rather

suffer

rather,a great

"

deal.

with your story, Chennery,it

go on
I have not the faintest idea of what
led
on
saying something interesting

were

!"
subjectof pinafores

"Nonsense!"

said Doctor

of the fondness

you
grown

up
that

to

be

between

man

and

"I

Chennery.
the

wife.

children

two

And

only telling

was

who

have

going on

was

now

to

tell

Captain Treverton,shortlyafter he settled in our

neighborhood,took to the active practiceof his profession
again. Nothing else seemed to fill up the gap that the loss
in his life. Having good inter
had made
of Mrs. Treverton
the Admiralty, he can
est with
always get a ship when he
appliesfor one; and up to the present time,with intervals
on
though he is
shore,he has resolutelystuck to the sea
getting,as his daughter and his friends think,rather too old
for it now.
Don't look puzzled,Phippen : I am
not
going so
you

"

wide
sary
are

of the mark

as

think.

you

that must
be
particulars
comfortablydisposedof,I

These

are

some

of the

stated first. And

can

get
of

round

at

now

neces

they

last to the

Porthgenna Tower.
What
Do you want
to get up again?"
Yes, Mr. Phippen did want to get up again,for the purpose
the black spots,
and dispersing
of composing the palpitations
by tryingthe experimentof a littlegentleexercise. He was
most
unwillingto occasion any trouble,but would his worthy
friend Chennery give him an arm, and carry the camp-stool,
and walk slowly in the direction of the school-room
window,
in
Miss
Sturch
within
to keep
so
as
easy hailingdistance,
main

part of my
?
is it now

story
"

the

sale

"

DEAD

THE

it became

case

55

SECRET.

of taking
try the last resource
The
inexhaustible
vicar, whose

to

necessary

composing draught?
was
proof against every trial that Mr. Phipgood nature
pen's dyspeptic infirmities could inflict on it,complied
a

all these

with

requests, and

went

adopting the tone and

consciously
doing his best to
parent who was

his

with

on

of

manner

story,

un

good-humored

soothe the temper of

fret

ful child.

CaptainTreverton
been
that

that

not

the

absence
the

at

asked

word

on

for sale.

out

On

from

ship and went to

privatelyset oiF for
all he

and

had

not

the other

first

hearingthis,
the place,but

questionsabout

find out

to

found

one

They

subject of purchasingit.

the

old Frankland

estate, and

the

few

Captain got

neighborshere.

near

were

long acquaintedbefore
Porthgenna Tower was

old Frankland
said

the elder Mr. Frankland

you,"he said,"that

"I told

could

sea.

Soon

During

Cornwall
about

after

to

his

look

its advan

tages and defects from the persons left in charge of the house
lands.

and

He

tain Treverton
old

said

nothing when

returned

gentleman spoke

out

from
one

he

came

back, until Cap

his first cruise ; and then the

morning, in his quiet,decided

way.

"'Treverton,' said he, cif you wTillsell Porthgenna Tower

price at which you bought it in,when you tried to

disposeof it by auction,write to your lawyer,and tell him
take the title-deeds to mine, and ask for the purchaseto
money.'
Captain Treverton wras naturallya little astonished at
the readiness of this offer;but people like myself,who knew
old Frankland's
not so surprised.His fortune
were
history,
had been made
by trade, and he was foolish enough to be al
of acknowledging that one
a little ashamed
simpleand
ways
the

at

"

creditable fact.

The

truth

was,

that his

ancestors

had

been

importance before the time of the Civil

War, and the old gentleman'sgreat ambition was to sink the
in the landed grandee,and to leave his son
merchant
to suc
ceed him
in the character of a squire of large estate and
He
was
willingto devote half his
great county influence.
fortune
to
accomplish this scheme ; but half his fortune
would
not
buy him such an estate as he wanted, in an im
Rents
are
high,and
portant agricultural
county like ours.
landed

gentry

of

56

THE

DEAD

land is made

the most

the

Porthgenna would
Captain Treverton

estate

money
if it

at

which

situated

was

of that

aware

of with

SECRET.

in these

fact,and

us.

An

fetch

more

could

parts. Old

attached

all

as

extensive

than

double

estate

to

venture

Frankland

as

the

ask for

it,

well

was

possibleimportance to

it.

Besides,there was something in the feudal look of Porth

the mine
and fisheries,
genna Tower, and in the right over
which the purchase of the estate included,
that flattered his
notions of restoringthe family greatness. Here he and his
after him could lord it,as he thought,on
son
a largescale,
and direct at their sovereignwill and pleasurethe industry
of poor people,scattered along the coast,or hud
of hundreds
dled togetherin the little villages
inland.
This was
a tempt
ing prospect, and it could be secured for forty thousand
just ten thousand pounds less than he
pounds which was
he first determined
had made
to give,when
to
up his mind
into a magnifi
metamorphose himself from a plainmerchant
these facts were,
landed gentleman. People who knew
cent
I have
readi
as
said,not much surprisedat Mr. Frankland's
to purchasePorthgenna Tower
ness
; and Captain Treverton,
it is hardly necessary
to say, was
not
long in clinchingthe
bargain on his side. The estate changed hands; and away
old Frankland,with a tail of wiseacres from London
went
at
to work
his heels,
the mine and the fisheries on new
scien
tific principles,
and to beautify the old house
from top to
"

with

bottom
tion of

bran-new

mediaeval

decorations

under

the direc

said to be an
but
gentleman who was
architect,
who
looked,to my mind, the very image of a Popish priest
in disguise. Wonderful
plans and projectswere
they not?
And
how do you think they succeeded ?"
"

from

Do

dear fellow !" was

tell me, my
Mr. Phippen's lips. " I wonder

the

whether

"

that

answer

Miss

fell

Sturch

camphor julepin the familymedicine-chest?"

the thought that passedthrough Mr. Phippen'smind.
was
Tell you !" exclaimed
the vicar.
Why, of course, every
of his plans turned
His Cornish
out
a complete failure.
one
tenantry received him as an interloper.The antiquityof
his family made
It might be an
no
impressionupon them.
old family,
but it was
it
not a Cornish
family,and, therefore,
of no importance in their eyes.
was
They would have gone
to the world's end for the Trevertons; but not
would
a man
keeps a
"

bottle of

"

58

DEAD

THE

marriage

SECRET.

performed to better purpose than when I

read it this morning. The estate being entailed on Leonard,
CaptainTreverton's daughter now goes back, in the capacity
of

service

the

mistress,to

which

lands

her

old Frankland

which

the
away, will now, when
Frankland's
tion of young
think of the beginning and

lamented

once

as

Captain dies,be

Porth-

I don't

wife.
middle

of my

thrown

money

the

sold.

father

being an only child,the purchase-money of

Rosamond
genua,

and

house

marriage-por

know

wrhat

you

story,Phippen,but

hear
Did you ever
satisfy
you, at any rate.
of a bride and bridegroom who started with fairer prospects
bride and bridegroom of to-day?"
in life than our
Miss Sturch put
Before Mr. Phippen could make
any reply,
her head out of the school-room
window
; and seeingthe two
them with her invariable
beamed
on
gentlemen approaching,
Then addressingthe vicar,said in her softest tones :
smile.
I regret extremely to trouble you, Sir,but I find Rob
intractable this morning with his Multiplication
ert very

the end

ought

to

"

Table."
"

Where

"

At

"

Bob

does he stick
times

seven

?" asked

now

Doctor

Chennery.

eight,Sir,"repliedMiss Sturch.
the vicar through the window.

!" shouted

"

Seven

times

eight?"
"Forty-three,"answered

the

whimpering voice

of the in

visible Bob.
shall have

"You
Doctor

Chennery.

"My

"

more

Now,

before I get my
then, look out ! Seven
chance

cane,"said
times""

dear, good friend,"

interposedMr. Phippen, "if you

cane

that

have

been tried

be

one

very

unhappy boy he will scream.

My nerves
this morning by the camp-stool.I shall
once

totallyshattered

if I hear

screams.

Give

me

time

to

get

of the way, and allow me

also to spare dear Miss Sturch
the sad spectacleof correction (so shocking to sensibilities
out

like

hers)by asking her for a little camphor julep,and so

I
for getting out of the way
like me.
giving her an excuse
think I could
have done without the camphor julep under
but I ask for it unhesitatingly
now,
any other circumstances;
as

much

for Miss

sake

as

for the

sake

of my

own

got camphor julep,Miss Sturch?

Say yes, I beg and entreat,and give me an opportunityof es
poor

nerves.

cortingyou

"

out

Have

Sturch's
you

of the way

of the screams."

THE

While

Miss

Sturch

DEAD

well-trained

whose

"

59

SECRET.

sensibilities

proofagainstthe longestpaternalcaning and

acknowledgment

way

of

screams

ever, Master

the loudest filial

"

tripped up
self-possessed

camphor julep,as smilingand

Bob, rindinghimself left alone with

to fetch the

stairs
as

of it in the

in the

school-room,sidled

duced

from the

pocket of

drops lookingvery

to

up

his

much

the

worse

his sisters

youngest of the two, pro

three

trowsers

the

were

for

frowsy acidulated
wear, and,attacking
of her character,
art

greedy side
fullyoffered the drops in exchange for information on the
like 'em?" whisperedBob.
times eight. "You
subjectof seven
Amelia.
Seven
times eight?"
Oh, don't I !" answered
said
"Sure?"
asked Bob.
"Fifty-six,"answered Amelia.
The drops changed hands,
Bob.
Certain," said Amelia.
drama
and the catastropheof the domestic
changed with
Just as Miss Sturch appeared with the camphor julep
them.
of medical Hebe
to Mr.
at the garden door, in the character
himself to his father
Phippen,her intractable pupilshowed
at the school-room
window, in the character,arithmetically
The cane
speaking,of a reformed son.
reposedfor the day ;
his glass of camphor julep with a
and
Mr. Phippen drank
mind at ease
the twTin subjectsof Miss Sturch's sensibili
on
Miss Amelia

on

the

weak,

or

"

"

"

ties and

Master

Bob's

screams.

gratifyingin every way," said the Martyr to Dys

he drained the
as
pepsia,smacking his lipswith great relish,
last drops out
of the glass. "My
are
nerves
spared,Miss
Sturch's feelings
are
spared,and the dear boy'sback is spared.
idea how
have
relieved I feel,Chennery. Where
You
no
in that delightful
abouts were
we
story of yours when this
"Most

little domestic
"

At

the end

occurred
interruption
of

it,to

be

?"

sure,"said

the vicar.

"

The

bride

miles on their wray by this time to

bridegroom are some
CaptainTrevspend the honey-moon at St. Swithiu's-on-Sea.
is only left behind for a day. He received his sailing
erton
to-mor
orders on Monday, and he will be off to Portsmouth
of his ship. Though he won't
row
morning to take command
that Rosamond
admit
it in plainwords, I happen to know
this his last cruise. She has a
has persuaded him to make
plan for gettinghim back to Porthgenna,to live there with
The
I hope and believe will succeed.
her husband, which

and

west

rooms

at the

old

house, in

one

of which

Mrs.Treverton

60

DEAD

THE

SECRET.

died,are not to be used at all by the young married couple.

a sensible,
practical
They have engaged a builder
man, this
the neglectednorth rooms, with a view to
time
to survey
and thorough repairin every way.
This
their redecoration
not
possiblybe associated with any
part of the house can
melancholy recollections in Captain Treverton's mind, for
entered it during the period
else ever
neither he nor
any one
of his residence at Porthgenna. Consideringthe change in
the look of the placewhich this projectof repairing
the north
is sure
also the
to produce,and
rooms
taking into account
I should
softeningeffect of time on all painfulrecollections,
return
a fair prospect of Captain Treverton's
say there was
ing to pass the end of his days among his old tenantry. It
"

"

will be

he would
toward

for Leonard

great chance

be

their

Introduced

master.

new

if he

does, for

disposethe people at Porthgenna kindly

to

sure

Frankland

his

among

Cornish

is sure
to
Captain Treverton's
wing, Leonard
get on well with them, provided he abstains from showing
much
of the familypride which he has inherited from his
too
the advantages of
He is a little given to overrate
father.
but that is really
the only
birth and the importance of rank

under

tenants

"

noticeable

that he

of him

can

honestlysay

the

best wife in the world.

to be
pen, seems
a bold
thing to

I may,

as

not

In

in his character.

defect

deserves

What

respects I
he has got

all other

what

"

life of

happiness,
Phipawaiting these lucky young people! It is
say of any mortal creatures, but,look as far
cloud

can

see

any

where

on

their future

prospects."
"You

excellent

creature!"

tionately
squeezingthe

exclaimed

vicar's hand.

"

Mr.
How

Phippen,affec
I

enjoyhearing

you ! how I luxuriate in your bright view of life!"

"And
is it not the true view
in the
especially
"

Frankland

young
"

and

that
to

his wife ?"

and

inquiredthe vicar.
Phippen,with a mournful smile,
of manner,
I can
only answer
views depends not
speculative

me," said Mr.

philosophiccalmness

If you

ask

the direction

mince

the

matter

of

a
"

man's
on

"

the

state

of his secretions.

biliarysecretions,dear friend,are all right,and you

My biliarysecretions are all wrong,
bright views.
take
young

dark

views.

married

of

case

You

look

couple,and

Your
take
and

the future prospects of this

them.
say there is no cloud over
at

THE

DEAD

Gl

SECRET.

not
having the pleasure of
dispute the assertion,
knowing either bride or bridegroom. But I look up at the
heads
that there was
I remember
not a cloud
our
sky over
the
I
first entered
it when
we
now
on
garden
see, just over
those two
trees
growing so close together,a cloud that has
and
I
appeared unexpectedly from nobody knows where
conclusions.
draw my own
Such,"said Mr. Phippen, ascend
ing the garden steps on his way into the house, "is my phi
but it is philosophy
for
losophy. It may be tingedwith bile,

I don't

"

"

"

all that."
"All
his

the

philosophyin
the

guest up

Leonard

"

steps,

Frankland

and

the

the

vicar,
following

my

conviction

world,"said

will

shake

not

his wife have

that

future before

happy

them."

Phippen laughed,and, waitingon the steps tillhis host

in the friendliest
joined him, took Doctor Chennery'sarm
Mr.

manner.
"

You

have

told

charming story, Chennery,"he said,

'

ended
''and you have
it with a charming sentiment.
But,
dear
mind
friend,though your healthy
(influenced
by an
my

don't
enviablyeasy digestion)
despisesmy bilious philosophy,
the two
Look
trees.
quite forgetthe cloud over
up at it)
it is gettingdarker and bigger already."
now
"

CHAPTER
THE

UNDER

BRIDE

the roof of

III.

AND

BRIDEGROOM.

widowed

mother,Miss Mowlem
In the spring of the

lived

humbly at St. Swithin's-on-Sea.

year
and
hundred
the
heart
of
Miss
Mowlem's
eighteen
forty-four,
widowed
mother was
gladdened by a small legacy. Turning
in her mind the various uses
the money
to which
over
might
be put, the discreet old lady finally
decided on investingit in
furniture,on fitting
up the firstfloor and the second floor of
her

house

in the

parlorwindow
apartments

ready,and
ited
look

week
at

the

to

best

inform

to

let.

the

card

before
rooms,

taste, and

By
was

the
the

on

hanging a

public that
summer

put up.

the

It had

dignified
personage
himself
as
expressed

she

card

had

in the

furnished

apartments

were

hardly been exhib

in black appliedto
satisfied with

their

62

DEAD

THE

SECRET.

and
for a
engaged them for a month
certain,
appearance,
newly married lady and gentleman,who might be expected
in a few days. The dignilied
in
possession
personage
black
was
Captain Treverton's servant, and the lady and
were
gentleman,who arrived in due time to take possession,

take

to

Mrs. Frankland.

Mr. and

natural interest which

The

Mrs. Mowlem

felt in her

youth

vivid in its nature

necessarily
; but it
apathy itself compared to the sentimental interest which
and customs
of
daughter took in observingthe manners
lady and gentleman in their capacityof bride and bride

ful first lodgerswras

was

her
the

From

groom.

the

house, Miss Mowlem

entered

the

all the

ardor

branch

of

of

stairs

to

been
use

could have

written

of her

Mrs. Frankland

with

new

day,
stealingup

running down
By the time the

week, Miss Mowlem

with

of the

in

mother.

in the house

couplehad
such good

them

attacks

occupied herself in

her

to

study

to

moment

spare

lady
and
observations,

them

Mrs. Frankland

who

scholar

every

young

collect

communicate

Pepys

At

knowledge.

this industrious

began

industrious

an

Mr. and

when

moment

stairs

married

had

eyes, ears, and

mado

that
opportunities
days'diaryof the lives of Mr.

seven

the truth and

minuteness

to

she

and

of Mr. Samuel

himself.

longerwe live the more

information there is to acquire. Seven days'patientaccumu
lation of facts in connection
with the honey-moon had not
placed Miss Mowlem
beyond the reach of further discoveries.
On the morning of the eighth day, after bringing down
the
breakfast tray, this observant
spinsterstole up stairs again,
according to custom, to drink at the spring of knowledge
through the key-hole channel of the drawing-room door.
After an absence of five minutes she descended
to the kitchen,
breathless with excitement,to announce
a fresh discoveryin
But, learn

connection

much

as

with

as

Mr.

we

the

may,

Mrs.

and

Frankland

to

her

venerable

mother.

cried Miss
doing now?"
Mowlem, writh widely opened eyes and highlyelevated hands.
Mrs. Mowlem, with sar
answered
Nothing that's useful,"
"Whatever

do

you

think

she's

"

castic readiness.
"She's
sit

on

actuallysittingon

father's knee

when

you

his knee!
were

Mother,did

married

?"

you

ever

THE

DEAD

When

"

Certainlynot, my dear.
neither of
married,we were
knew

G3

SECRET.

and

me

your

people,and

flightyyoung

us

father

poor

we

better."

got her

"She's

head

shoulder," proceeded Miss

his

on

round
agitatedly, and her arms
be."
his neck
both her arms, mother, as tightas can
"I won't believe it,"exclaimed
Mrs. Mowlem, indignantly.
and all
and accomplishments,
"A
lady like her,with riches,

Mowlem,

and

more

"

more

"

herself like

that, demean

I won't

tell me,

Don't
It

Mrs. Mowlem's

in

chairs

with

sweetheart.

believe it !"

though, for

true

was

housemaid

There

all that.

there

drawing-room ;

plentyof

were

three

were

Mrs. Mowlem's
Pembroke
table
bound
books
on
beautifully
Smallridge'sSermons, and
(theAntiquitiesof St. Swithin's,
in English prose) Mrs. Frankland
Klopstock's Messiah
leather,stuffed with the
might have sat on purple morocco
and soothed her mind
informed
best horse-hair,might have
native theology,
with orthodox
with archaeological
diversions,
and
with devotional
poetry of foreignorigin and yet, so
of woman,
she was
frivolous is the nature
perverse enough to
preferdoing nothing,and perchingherself uncomfortablyon
"

"

knee !

her husband's
She
Miss

time

some

had

Mowlem
mother

her

to

for

sat

earnestlyinto

looked

with

described

then

"

drew
the

which
position
undignified

in the

back

graphic correctness

such

raised
little,

quiet,meditative

her

head, and

face of the blind

man.

silent this
very
If you
"What
are
you thinkingabout?
thoughts, I will tell you all mine."

"Lenny,

are

you

"Would

reallycare

you

to

hear

morning,"

all my

will tell me

she

said.

all your

thoughts?" asked

Leonard.

keep

to

"

yourself.
Me

now

Not

been
how
you.

me

what

you

thoughts that you

were
thinkingof just

any

exactlyof you."
in eightdays?
Are you tired of me
for you.
thought of any body but you ever since we have
I do love you so;
Ah!
you laugh. Oh, Lenny,

shame
not

here.
can

Tell

jealous of

?"

"More
I have

I shall be

all.

"Yes;

I sha'n't kiss
No!
of any body but you?
what you were
to know
thinkingabout first."

I think

I want

04

DEAD

THE

"

Of

SECRET.

dream,Rosamond, that I had last night. Ever since

the firstdays of my blindness
not
Why, I thought you were
going to kiss me again till I had told you what I was think
ing about !"
"I can't helpkissingyou, Lenny, when you talk of the loss
of your sight. Tell me, my
poor love,do I help to make
up
Are
for that loss ?
you happier than you used to be ? and
have I some
share in making that happiness,
though it is ever
a

"

little?"

so

She

turned

her head

quick for her.

Rosamond, you are

too
"

"

crying!"
"

gayety.
will

she

His

he
crying,"

little.

seemed
life,

my
that

moment.

with

what

I don't
to

now,

don't

know

how
and

assumption of

they?

pause.
veriest trifle.
you

now.

depend

I must

Lenny

it was, but
feel for you

mind, I've done

"

moment's

fails to tell you, and

I?
I did cry,
must

pity you

Never

sudden

in the

love,even

you,
of us

"

very

said.

answered, with

for both
eyes serve
for all that your touch
unworthy of my trust
a

she

No," she continued,after

deceive

never

spoke,but Leonard was

inquiringfingerstouched her cheek.
as

away

never

but

"

I never,
I did
as

Go

on

on

"

My
me

be

only
in all

just at
do go

going to say."
I was
going to say, Rosamond, that I have observed one
curious thing about myself since I lost my sight. I dream
a
of myself as a blind man.
dream
I
great deal,but I never
dreams
often visit in my
placesthat I saw and people whom.
I had my sight,
I knew
when
and though I feel as much
my
I
I
at those visionarytimes,as
when
wide
am
now
am
self,
awake, I never
by any chance feel blind. I wander about all
I
sorts of old walks in my
sleep,and never
grope my way.
of old friends in my
talk to all sorts
sleep,and see the ex
in their faces which, waking, I shall never
see
again.
pression
than
and yet it was
I have lost my sightmore
like
a year now,
the shock of a new
discoveryto me to wake up last night
from my dream, and remember
suddenly that I was blind."
dream
What
was
it,Lenny ?"
of the place where
I first met
Only a dream
you when
I saw
both children.
the glen,as it was
were
we
years ago,
with the great twisted roots of the trees, and the blackberry
bushes
twining about them in a still shadowed
light that
the
came
through thick leaves from the rainysky. I saw
on

"

"

"

you

were

66

DEAD

THE

"

SECKET.

it is clear in every part ? Are

doubtful
where?
lines,no unfinished corners
any
I am
altered yet since you saw
not
me
just what
But

are

there

sure

you

I have
I

"

tell
"

"

you what I
mistake?"

Suppose I ask
without making a

ago.

year
me

Try
May

like now,

am

no

was

could you

me."
You

through a complete catechism !

I don't tire you sittingon
knee, do I ? Well, in the
your
I when
first place,how
tall am
both stand up side by
we
I ?

shall be put

side ?"

just reach to my
to begin
Quite right,

"You
"

my
is dark

"It

rather

grows

people

with.

Now

for the next

question.

hair look like in your portrait

?"
brown
there is a great deal of it

does

What

ear."

"

low

too

on

forehead

your

for the

taste

it

and

"

of

some

"

"

"

for your
"

mind

Never

taste

like it taken
your ears
like that

I like it to

back, as you

too

low

low ; I like all those

againstyour forehead ; I

it,in plainbands,which

wear

leave

cheeks

all things,I
visible ; and above
that it makes
where it is all gath

your

big glossy knot

ered up togetherat the back
Oh, Lenny, how well you
"

it grow

grow

it makes

that

waves

and

people;'does

some

?"

Certainlynot.

little natural

'

about

of your head."
remember
me,

so

far !

Now

go

littlelower."
"

littlelower

is down

eyebrowrsin my

nicelyshaped
"Yes, but they

have

eyebrows. They
picture

to your

are

very

"

"

fault.

Come!

tell

me

what

the

fault is."

They are not quiteso stronglymarked as they might be."

Right again ! And my eyes ?"
Brown
always
eyes, large eyes, wakeful
eyes, that are
Eyes that can be very soft at one
looking about them.
Eyes tender and clear,
time,and very bright at another.
just at the present moment, but capable,on very slight
and lookingrather
of opening rather too widely,
provocation,
resolute."
too brilliantly
"

"

"

"Mind
below
"A

you

don't make

the eyes ?"

that is not
nose

them

look

so

now

quitebig enough

to

What

is there

be in proper

pro-

THE

portionwith

DEAD

them.

67

SECRET.

that

nose

has

slighttendency

to

be""
say the horrid
puttingit in French.

English word ! Spare my feelings

Say retrousse,and skip over
by
my
fast as possible."
nose
as
I must
that it is as near
stop at the mouth, then,and own
as
perfection
possible.The lipsare lovelyin shape,fresh in
color,and irresistible in expression. They smile in my por
and I am
sure
trait,
they are smilingat me now."
How
when
could they do otherwise
they are gettingso
much
praise? My vanitywhispersto me that I had better
If I talk about my
complexion,I
stop the catechism here.
shall only hear that it is of the dusky sort ; and that there
I am
red enough in it except when
is never
walking,or con
If I ask a questionabout my
I shall
fused,or angry.
figure,
You
receive the dreadful answer,
are
dangerously inclined
do I dress ? I shall be told,
If I say, How
Not so
to be fat.'
No!
berlyenough ; you are as fond as a child of gay colors
I will venture
more
no
questions. But,vanity apart, Lenny,
I am
so
glad,so proud,so happy to find that you can keep the
I shall do
to
image of me clearlyin your mind.
my best now
"

Don't

"

"

'

"

loves !
envied
for

last remembrance

dress like your

look and

of

love of

My

me.

I will do you credit

I will try if I can't make
you
for your wife. You deserve a hundred
thousand
kisses
"

saying your

While

catechism

Mrs. Frankland

so
was

well

and

"

there

conferringthe

they
reward

are

!"

of merit

husband, the sound of a faint,small,courteouslysig

itself timidlyaudible in a corner
nificant cough made
of the
with
the quickness that
room.
Turning round instantly,
her

on

characterized
and

confronted
indignation,

door, with

side the
mental
"

actions,Mrs. Frankland,

all her

agitationon

You

wretch

Miss

her

! how

horror

and

blush

of senti

simperingface.

dare you

the door ?" cried

her

standingjust in

Mowlem

letter in her hand

to

come

in without

knocking at

Rosamond, startingto her feet with a stamp,

and passingin an instant from the height of fondness to the
height of indignation.
Miss Mowlem
shook guiltily
before the bright,
angry eyes
that looked through and through her,turned very pale,held
and said in her meekest
tones
out the letter apologetically,
that she

was

very

sorry.

68

DEAD

THE

SECRET.

"

irri
more
Sorry !" exclaimed
Rosamond, getting even
tated by the apology than she had been by the intrusion,
and showing it by another
cares
stamp of the foot; "who
whether
have

it.

I don't want

sorry ?

are

you

never

was

insulted

so

creature
prying,inquisitive

mean,

"Rosamond!

sorrow

your

in my

I won't

"

life

never,

"

you

!"

Rosamond!

in
pray don't forgetyourself!"
terposedthe quietvoice of Mr. Frankland.
"

Lenny, dear,I

can't

would
drive
help it ! That creature
saint mad.
She has been prying after us ever
since we
a
indelicate woman
have been here
!
you have, you ill-bred,
I am
I suspectedit before
certain of it now
! Must
we
lock our
doors to keep you out?
won't lock our
doors!
we
the bill !
We
Fetch
give you warning. Mr. Frankland
gives you warning don't yon, Lenny ? I'll pack up all your
Go down
stairs
things,dear : she sha'n't touch one of them.
and make
and give your mother warning. Mr.
out your bill,
Frankland
burst into,
and his
says he won't have his rooms
doors listened at by inquisitive
and I say so too.
women
"

"

"

"

"

"

Put

that letter down

it and

read it
"

and
bill,
directly!"
the

put it down, you

tell your

this dreadful

At

the table

on

mother

we

unless you want

to open
and fetch
audacious
woman,
"

going to

are

leave the house

threat,Miss Mowlem, who

soft and

was

her hands
in de
timid,as well as curious,
by nature, wrung
and overflowed
spair,
meekly in a shower of tears.
Oh ! good graciousHeavens
above !" cried Miss Mowlem,
addressing herself distractedlyto the ceiling, what will
"

"

mother

say! whatever

will become

of

now

me

Oh, ma'am

! I humbly
I did,indeed ! Oh, ma'am
thought I knocked
! mother's
intrude again. Oh, ma'am
beg pardon,and I'llnever
have let the lodgings,
this is the first time we
a widow, and
"

and

the

furniture's

ma'am

! ma'am

words

failed Miss

suppliedtheir
"

of

Rosamond
sorrow

head

! how

all

our

and

money,

oh,

Here
catch it if you go !"
and hysterical
sobs pathetically

!" said Mr. Frankland.

There

was

this

time,as well as an
quick ear caught the

Rosamond's
As

up

I shall

Mowlem,
place.

in his voice

monstrance.

his tone.

swallowed

she looked

round

and
drooped a little,

her

at him

whole

her

color

an

accent

accent

of

re

alteration in

changed,her

expressionaltered

on

DEAD

THE

the instant.

her

side with
to

ear.
"

I made

Lenny," she whispered, have

"

husband's

close
put her lipscaressingly

eyes, and

saddened
softened,
his

gently to

stole

She

69

SECRET.

you

angry

with

me?"
"

you, Rosamond,"
wish,love,that you could
with

I can't be angry

"I

swer.

only

the

was

have

quietan

controlled

a littlesooner."
yourself
"

am

lipscame

soft
so
very, very sorry !" The fresh,
sorry
closer stillto his ear as they whispered these peni
so

"

cunning littlehand crept up trembling

So sor
ly round his neck and began to play with his hair.
of myself! But it was
enough to make
ry, and so ashamed
And
dear?
almost any body angry, just at first wasn't it,
if I promise never
won't you, Lenny?
me
you will forgive
mind
that wretched
behave
to
so
badly again? Never
whimperingfool at the door,"said Rosamond, undergoing a
slightrelapseas she looked round at Miss Mowlem, standing
immovably repentant againstthe wall,with her face buried
in a dingy-whitepocket-handkerchief. I'llmake it up with
her; I'll stop her crying; I'll take her out of the room; I'll
do any thing in the world that's kind to her,if you will only
forgiveme."
"A polite
word or two is all that is wanted
nothingmore
word or two," said Mr.Frankland,rather coldly
than a polite
and constrainedly.
Don't cry any more, for goodness sake !" said Rosamond,
walking straightup to Miss Mowlem, and pullingthe dingyfrom her face without
the
white pocket-handkerchief
away
tent

words

the

; and

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

least ceremony.
in
sorry I was
I'llnever

knock
Do

in without

come

and

"

say
at the door

leave

! leave

There

off,will you

passion though
knocking I never
"

you

"

hard

word

to

you
and
for the future,

off crying,
you

tiresome

had

?
no

am

very
business to

distress you,
again,if you will only
to

meant

leave off

creature

We

crying now.
are

not

go

or
We
don't want
any
ing away.
your mother, or the bill,
off
leave
if
for
here's
Here
!
a
you'll
cry
present
thing.
you,
it
I
on
neck-ribbon
Here's
saw
yester
ing.
you trying
my
bedroom
the
I
down
when
on
sofa,
was
lying
day afternoon,
I'm
I
Never
mind
not
and you thought was
asleep.
angry
;
"

about

that.

Take

the

ribbon

"

take it

as

if
peace-offering,

70

THE

won't

you

that

mean

And

now,

as

shake

shall take

present. You

I mean,

"

SECEET.

DEAD

pleasetake

hands

and

be

it!

No, I don't
pinned it on.

"

it !

There, I've
and go up stairs
friends,

and

glass." With these words, Mrs.

under
the pretense
Frankland
opened the door, administered,
of a pat on the shoulder,a good-humored shove to the amazed
and
embarrassed
Miss Mowlem, closed the door again,and
her husband's
knee.
her placein a moment
resumed
on
it looks

how

see

"

I've made

it up

in

the

with

her,dear.

I've sent

her away with

her look as yellow as

bright green ribbon,and it makes

Rosamond
and as ugly as
a guinea,
stopped,and looked
face.
Lenny !" she said,
anxiously into Mr. Frankland's
sadly,puttingher cheek againsthis, are you angry with me
my

"

"

"

"

still?"

"My
"I

love,I was never

will always keep

Lenny
"

am

not

am

angry

with

temper

my

you.
down

never

for

be."

can

the

future,

!"
Rosamond.
But
you will,
thinkingof your temper now."
sure

never

mind

that.

"Of

what, then?"
Of the apology you made
to Miss Mowlem."
I'll call her back if you like
Did I not say enough ?
I'll
another
make
penitentspeech I'lldo any thingbut kiss her.
I can't kiss any body now
I reallycan't do that
but you."
My dear,dear love,how very much like a child you are
of your ways ! You
said more
stillin some
than enough to
And
far more.
if you will pardon me
Miss Mowlem
for
making the remark,I think in your generosityand good-nat
I
ure
woman.
you a little forgotyourselfwith the young
allude to your givingher the ribbon
don't so much
though,
perhaps,that might have been done a littleless familiarly"
but, from what I heard you say, I infer that you actuallywent
the lengthof shaking hands with her."
the kindest way
Was
that wrong ? I thought it was
of
making it up."
My dear,it is an excellent way of making it up between
equals. But consider the difference between your station in
societyand Miss Mowlem's."
I will try and consider it,if you wish me, love.
But I
think I take after my
who
troubles his head
never
father,
(dearold man !)about differences of station. I can't help
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

THE

likingpeople who

DEAD

kind

are

71

SECRET.

to

me,

without

thinkingwhether

I got cool,
I
ray rank or below it ; and when
confess I felt just as vexed with myself for frightening
above

they are
must

that unlucky Miss Mowlem

distressing
I will try to think
been equalto mine.

and

had

but I

am

very

if her

station

you do,Lenny ;
without
got,
knowing

afraid that I have

much

as
as

call a Radical."
exactlyhow, to be what the newspapers
! don't talk of yourselfin that way,
My dear Rosamond
in joke. You
even
ought to be the last person in the world
"

confuse

to

distinctions in rank

those

which

on

being of societydepends."
it really
And
?
Does
yet, dear,we

don't

"

created

been
We

have

with

all

such

got the

same

the whole

well-

have

to

seem

very wide distinctions between

of arms
number
and legs; we

us.
are

and hot in the summer

and cold in
thirsty,
all laugh when
the winter ; we
and cry when
are
we
pleased,
distressed ; and, surely,
have all got very much
we
we
are
whether
the same
are
we
feelings,
high or whether we are
I could not have
loved you better,
low.
Lenny, than I do
if I had been a duchess,or less than I do now
if I had
now
been a servant-girl."
And, as to what you
My love,you are not a servant-girl.
remind
say about being a duchess,let me
you that you are
all

hungry

and

"

not

much

so

below

duchess

lady of high title can

tors

as

yours.

oldest in
so

Your

England

far ; and

we

seem

you
look back

not

to

think.

such

on

Many

line of

ances

father's

: even

my

landed

were

as

family,Rosamond, is one of the

father's familyhardly dates back

gentry when

many
It is reallyalmost

name

in the

heard of.
not
laughably ab
peerage was
of yourself
surd to hear you talking
as
a Radical."
"
I won't talk of myself so again,Lenny
only don't look
"

Tory, dear, if you will give me a kiss,

sit on your knee a littlelonger."
and let me
Mr. Frankland's
gravity was not proof againsthis wife's
she
and the conditions which
change of political
principles,
annexed
to it. His face cleared up, and he laughed almost
herself.
as
gayly as Rosamond
By the bye,"he said,after an interval of silence had given
him time to collect his thoughts, did I not hear you tell
serious.

so

I will be

"

"

Miss
ter

Mowlem

for you

to
or

for

put
me

?"

letter down

on

the table ?

Is it

let

72

THE

"

Ah

! I

forgot all

DEAD

about

SECRET.

the

said Rosamond, run

letter,"
It is for you, Lenny
ning to the table.
and,goodness me
here's the Porthgenna postmark on it."
"

"

"It

be

must

old house

from

"

To

I sent

whom

repairs. Lend
let us hear what he says."
drew
Rosamond
opened the letter,
with her arms
feet,and, sittingdown
follows

about

the builder

the

me

your

down

to

the

love,and

eyes,

stool to her husband's

on

his

knees,read

as

LEONARD

FRANKLAND, ESQ.

"SiR,

Agreeably to the instructions with which you fa

proceeded to survey Porthgenna Tower,
me, I have
view to ascertaining
what
repairsthe house in gen
"

vored
with

eral,and
need
"As
is all
seem

the

north

side of it in

stand

particular,
may

in

of.
a little cleaningand
new
regardsthe outside,
pointing
The walls and foundations
that the building wrants.

made

set eyes

to

last forever.

Such

strong, solid work

never

before.

on

house,!can not report so favorably. The rooms

in the west
front,having been inhabited during the period
of Captain Treverton's
occupation,and having been well
sound
I should
in tolerably
condition.
looked after since,
are
of all re
hundred
the expense
pounds would cover
say two
This sum
need.
would
pairsin my line which these rooms
which
include the restoration of the western
not
staircase,
and the banisters of which
has given a little in some
places,
are
decidedlyinsecure from the first to the second landing.
From
twenty-fiveto thirtypounds would suffice to set this
all right.
the north front,
the state of dilapidation,
In the rooms
on
"Inside

the

"

from

top

to

bottom, is

as

bad

as

can

be.

From

all that

in Cap
ascertain,
nobody ever went near these rooms
since. The
entered them
tain Treverton's time,or has ever
dread
keep the house have a superstitious
people who now
of the time
of opening any of the north doors,in consequence
that has elapsedsince any livingbeing has passed through
in my
them.
me
Nobody would volunteer to accompany
which keys fitted which
survey, and nobody could tell me
could

room

doors

in any

part of the north

side.

I could

find

no

74

DEAD

THE

"A

SECRET.

Mr. Frank-

said
honest,straightforwardletter,"

very

land.
"I wish
"

could

Why

numbers
"

he had

Rosamond.

in round
tell us at once
provoking man
repairswill reallycost ?"
afraid of shocking us, if he
dear,he was
in round

the amount

numbers."

! It is always gettingin one's way,

horrid money
upsettingone's plans. If we haven't got enough, let us

"

That

and

borrow

and

go

the

suspect, my

mentioned

it,"said

with

the

not

what

the estimate

sent

of

patch a

friend to

Horlock

"

Who

If you

somebody who has. Do you mean

Porthgenna to go over the house
do,I know who I wish you would

to

dis

with Mr.
send."

?"

"

Don't
Me, if you please under your escort,of course.
laugh,Lenny ; I would be very sharp with Mr. Horlock ; I
and beat him down
would objectto every one
of his charges,
"

without

mercy.

I know

exactlywhat

knock

at the

all the

make

once

to

do.

walls,and scrape

chimneys,and
in

notes

saw

out

surveyor go
You
stamp
at

the

over

the

on

house, and
and
floor,

and
brick-work,

of all the windows

little book, sometimes

you

"

look up
sometimes
you

measure

with

sometimes
all of a sudden,and think
foot-rule,
you sit down
profoundly and the end of it is that you say the house will
will pullout his purse, and
do very well indeed,if the tenant
"

put it in proper
"

repair."

! You have one

more
done,Rosamond
accomplish
I
and
I
than I knew
have
choice now
ment
no
of;
suppose
of displaying
but to give you an opportunity
it. If you don't
as
object,my dear, to being associated with a professional
sistant in the important business of checking Mr. Horlock's
estimate,I don't objectto payinga short visit to Porthgenna
I know
whenever
that the west
now
you please especially
Well

"

rooms

are

stillhabitable."

Oh, how kind of you ! how pleasedI shall be ! how I shall

enjoy seeingthe old placeagain before it is altered ! I was
only five years old,Lenny, when we left Porthgenna, and I
anxious to see what I can
remember
of it,after such a
so
am
Do you know, I never
saw
long,long absence as mine.
any
thing of that ruinous north side of the house ? and I do so
will go all through them, Lenny.
! We
old rooms
dote on
"

"

You

shall have

hold of my

hand, and look with my

eyes, and

THE

discoveries as I do.
many
ghosts,and find treasures, and

make

and, oh heavens
through. Pouf
ready !"
"

let

prophesy that we shall

hear mysteriousnoises

as

see

Now

! the very

are

we

the

on

be serious for

us

clouds

! what

"

of dust

shall have

we

of
anticipation

them

to

chokes

me

go
al

subject of Porthgenna,Rosamond,
It is clear

moment.

one

75

SECRET.

DEAD

to

that these

me

will cost a large sum

of money.
repairsof the north rooms
of money
how
Now, my love,I consider no sum
misspent,
ever
largeit may be, if it procures you pleasure. I am with
"
you heart and soul
He paused. His wife's
"

his neck
"

Go

arms
caressing

again,and her cheek

Lenny," she said,with

on,
in the utterance

such

of those three

for the moment,

and
in the one
luxury of
"

whispered,

there is

now
your voice touches me
I used sometimes
to feel the

I could

see."

round

his

which

the

As

he

neck, and

peated,happily as
with

speech
ab

seemed

he

that touches

I feel it all

through

night,in

the time

sky

at

me
as

me,

when

tightened
spoke,the caressingarms
the fervent lipssoftlytook the place
"

occupied. Go
well as tenderlynow,

heart and

me,

in the world

had

cheek

that his

listening."Rosamond,"
!

as

of tenderness

accent

all his sensations

music

no

an

gently againsthis.

simplewords

failed him
sorbed

laid

was

twininground

were

soul.

With

me

Lenny," they

on,
"

you said you

in what ?"

"

In your project,
love,for inducing your
from his profession
after this last cruise,
and

prevailingon him to pass

with us at Porthgenna. If

the

evening

father

to

re

were

retire

in your
of his days

hope of
happily
restoringthe

the money
spent in
north rooms,
for the future,
all live in them
that we
so
may
does indeed so alter the look of the place to his eyes as to
his old sorrowful associations with it,and to make
dissipate

livingthere again a pleasureinstead of a pain to him, I

shall regard it as money
well laid out.
But, Rosamond, are
undertake
it?
of the success
of your plan before we
you sure
to your
Have
you dropped any hint of the Porthgenna project
his

father?"
"

I told

him, Lenny, that

able unless he left the

said that he would.
genna

"

nor

did

he

sea

I should
and

I did not
"

but

came

to

mention

he knows

quite comfort

be

never

live with
a

that

word
we

us

"

about

and

he

Porth

shall live there

76

THE

when

and
settled,

are

we

DEAD

promisedthat

he

"

Is the loss of your mother

with the place?"
"

quite. There
mentioned,but
between

secrets

no

lived with

look and

and

manner,

he

association he has

has

tell you, because

had

of her

there

marriage,and

present in her
this

never

favorite maid

who

who

was,

when

room

are

she

being odd in her

with any body but

woman

as

great favorite

no

when

which
association,

mother

the time

conditions

only sad

I may

only person
hearing of

I remember

died.

the

My

us.

her from

the
accidentally,

which

no

be his home."

is another

Not

been

made

should

home

our

SECRET.

Well, on the morning of my mother's death,

she disappearedfrom the house in the strangest way, leaving
behind her a most
singularand mysteriousletter to my fa
that in my
mother's dying moments
a Secret
ther,asserting
she was
had been confided to her which
charged to divulge
her mistress was
when
and adding
to her master
no
more;
that she was
afraid to mention this secret, and that,to avoid
being questionedabout it,she had resolved on leavingthe
her

mistress.

ter

She had

forever.

house

opened

was

"

since that time.

strong

as

she

This

circumstance

Our

death.

(asI think)that
with them, and I

the

were
was

have

been

never

seen

seemed

father's mind

neighborsand

the let

when

heard

or

to

make

as

the shock

of

almost
of

all

thought
mad ; but he never
was
agreed
he has neither destroyednor for

that

servants

that time to this."

event, Rosamond

strange

that it has made

don't wonder
"

my

woman

know

gotten the letter from

"A

has

hours

some

gone

and

impressionon

an

mother's

my

been

"

very

strange

event.

lastingimpressionon him."
and the neighbors
Depend upon it,Lenny, the servants
mad.
was
right the woman
Any way, however, it
in our
event
a singular
certainly
family. All old houses
a

"

their

romance

"

that

and

is the

of

romance

our

house.

years and

passed since then ; and, what with

time, and
changes we are going to make, I
have no fear that my
dear,good father will spoilour plans.
Give him a new
north garden at Porthgenna,where he can
walk the decks, as I call it give him new
north
to
rooms
But

years have
what
with the

"

live in

"

and

I will

the future ; let

we

pay

our

us

for the result.

answer

get back

flyingvisit

to

to

But

the present time.

all this is in
When

shall

Porthgenna, Lenny, and plunge

DEAD

THE

into

We

"

and

"Yes;

would

"

that
visit

the

Write

"

ond

the

"In

Horlock

old

feet

will

not

sure

that
let

to

we

off

us

months

two

say

hence

writing-case

your

the

at

on

in

the

it

appoint

"

old

Tell

house.
stairs

unsafe

banisters
while

if

Porthgenna,

at

the
the

pen
a

sec

when

her

tell

we

west

write

you
to

as

consid

have

you

trouble

save

may

also,

have

to

"

And,

him

especially

"

on

meeting

us."

with

little

place

gayly

down

months,"

be

am

and

love

then,

housekeeper

the

sat

two

dear

vicar,

table."

immediately.

expect

ink

better
Is

the

on

us,

perhaps

Rosamond
in

is

Beckley.

the

men,

He

had

we

dependent

to

may

him.

Long

to

month."

ourselves

hand,

note

of

Porthgenna.

repaired

your

back

go

to

then,

Mr.

trust

staircase

esti

Rosamond."

here,

stay

biggest

or

time

how

ering

she

visit

by

to

not

must

Horlock's

?"

months'

two

in

first

to

close

"Yes;

in

and

Rosamond

room,

must

best

case,

to

more

we

weeks

three
In

for

our

pay

under

then

that

promised

weeks

three

have

Mr.

checking

?"

repairs

the

for

mate

of

business

important

the

77

SECRET.

again

raising

the

at

flourish
she

!
the

of

table,

in

dust

Rooms."
D2

joyfully,
months,

two

dipped

her

pen

triumph.

exclaimed
In

and

the

"I

shall

Lenny,

solitudes

the

profane

our

of

see

the

North

78

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

BOOK

III.

CHAPTER
TIMON

of Athens

TIMON

I.

OF

retreated

LONDON.

from

ungratefulworld to a
cavern
by the sea-shore,vented his misanthropy in magnifi
cent
poetry, and enjoyedthe honor of beingcalled "My Lord."
Timon
of London
took refugefrom his speciesin a detached
at
house
Bayswater expressed his sentiments in shabby
and was
The
only addressed as "Mr. Treverton."
prose
which
it is possibleto set against
one
point of resemblance
these points of contrast
between
the two
Timons
consisted
in this : that their misanthropywas, at least,
genuine. Both
haters of mankind.
were
incorrigible
There is probably no better proof of the accuracy
of that
an

"

"

definition of
than
is

is

to

man

which

be found

describes him

in the fact that

always againstany

individual

as

imitative

an

the verdict

member

of the

A man
the rest.
is one
to differ from
presumes
and his wool must
be of the generalcolor. He

animal,

of

humanity
specieswho
of
must

flock,
drink

drink,and graze where the rest graze. Let him

of countenance
and
walk at noonday with perfectcomposure
of vacancy
decency of gait,with not the slightest
appearance
when

the rest

end
from one
in his eyes or wildness in his manner,
Street to the other without his hat, and let every

of Oxford
one

of the

he passes be asked
hat-wearingpeople whom
separatelywhat they think of him, how many will abstain
that he is mad, on no other evidence
from decidinginstantly
the evidence
of his bare head ?
than
Nay, more
; let him
politely
stop each one of those passengers, and let him explain

thousands

of

manner,
out a hat

that

decided

that

their

of

form
plainest

in the

his head
with

than
he

was

opinionwhen

?
planation

words,

feels

more

one, how

mad

on

they part

In the vast

and

in the
and

easy

most

intelligible

comfortable

with

of his fellow mortals who

many
first meeting him, will change
from

him

majorityof

after

cases,

hearinghis ex
the very explana-

DEAD

THE

tion itself would

that

the

be

acceptedas

intellect of the

ranged.
Startingat

the

79

SECRET.

an

hatless

beginningof

excellent additional
man

proof

de
indisputably

was

of life out

the march

of step

Treverton
regiment,Andrew
paid
from
his
earliest
He
of
his
the penalty
was
irregularity
days.
in the nursery, a butt at school,
and a victim
a phenomenon
at college.The
ignorantnurse-maid reportedhim as a queer
child ; the learned school-master
genteellyvaried the phrase,
him
and described
eccentric boy; the collegetutor,
as
an
likened his head to a
string,
facetiously
harping on the same
with the

rest

of the mortal

When
a slate loose in it.
a slate is
roof,and said there was
off. In the
loose,if nobody fixes it in time,it ends by falling
roof of

house

view

that consequence
sult of neglect;in the roof of a man's
head
a

we

as

necessary
are

we

shocked and surprisedby it.

very much
in some
directions and misdirected
Overlooked
Andrew's

capacitiesfor good

uncouth

re

generally
in

others,

tried

to
helplessly
took
eccentricity

The better side of his

shape themselves.
and unintelli
the form of friendship.He became
violently
treat
a boy who
giblyfond of one among his school-fellows
consideration in the play-ground,
and
ed him with no especial
who gave him no particular
helpin the class. Nobody could
discover
the smallest reason
for it,
but it was
nevertheless a
notorious
fact that Andrew's
pocket-money was
always at
this boy's service,
that Andrew
about
after him like a
ran
and over
over
dog, and that Andrew
again took the blame
and punishment on his own
shoulders which ought to have
fallen on the shoulders of his friend. When, a few years aft
the lad petitioned
to be
erward,that friend went to college,
himself there more
sent to collegetoo, and attached
closely
to the strangelychosen
comrade
of his school-boy
than ever
have
touched
days. Such devotion as this must
any man
possessedof ordinarygenerosityof disposition.It made no
"

impressionwhatever
drew's

friend.

on

After

intercourse

which

sacrifice on

the other

the

inherentlybase

three years of intercourse at college

all selfishness on one
side and all self"

was

the end came, and the

When
his purse
cruellyon Andrew's
eyes.
his friend's hand, and when
his acceptances
merous

on

of An

nature

"

his friend's

the brother
bills,

let in

lightwas
grew
were

lightin
most

of his honest

nu

affec-

80

THE

tion,the

hero

of his

embarrassment,

SECRET.

simple admiration,abandoned

and
ridicule,

to

affectation of

est

DEAD

him

without
solitude,

to

penitence without

much

so

"

to

the faint
as

even

wrord

of farewell.
He

returned

to his father's

set of life

returned

contracted

to

"

the

soured

upbraidedfor

be

to

house,
who

at the out

man

the debts

that he had

had

heartlessly
outraged
in disgraceto
and shamelesslycheated him.
He left home
travel on a small allowance.
The travels were
protracted,
and they ended, as such travels often do,in settled expatria
he kept,during his long
tion. The life he led,the company
When
residence abroad,did him permanent and fatal harm.
he at last returned
to England, he presentedhimself in the
the
character
of a man
most
hopeless of all characters
his one
who believes in nothing. At this period of his life,
chance
for the future lay in the good results which his broth
him might have produced. The two
had
er's influence over
the
their intercourse
of early days,when
hardly resumed
quarreloccasioned by Captain Treverton's marriage broke it
serve

man

"

off forever.

From

poses, Andrew
last remonstrances
who

took

any

time, for

that

was

lost

that

hopelessform
sook and cheated
me," he
quarreledwith me for the
to

expect of the

rest

at

and

have

which

he met

to him

by the last friends

always with the same

of mankind
"

after that?

I have

I will

suffer

who

never

does

not

for
has
am

suffer
a

third

disturb

his

occupationof pumping blood through his

have gathered my
experienceabroad and at home,
learned enough to see through the delusions of life

its natural
I

body.

time

reply: "My dearest friend

would
say. "My only brother
sake of a play-actress.
What

for my belief in others

The wise man
is the man

time.

that

pur
the

of

ed twice

heart

made

interest in his fortunes

bitter and

From

man.

were

all social interests and

look like realities to

in this world

is to

other

men's

eyes.
and die.
eat, drink,sleep,

My
"

business

Every thing

superfluityand I have done with it."

cared to inquireabout him again,
The few peoplewho ever
after being repulsedby such an avowal as this,heard of him
three or four years after his brother's marriage in the neigh
of Bays water.
Local report described him as having
borhood
bought the first cottage he could find which was cut off from
other houses
by a wall all round it. It was further rumored
else is

"

82

THE

he had

with

met

mankind

than

DEAD

servant, who

himself,in

was

even

bitterer

againstall

of Mr. Shrowl.

the person

approached as nearly to the exist

of the primitiveman
ence
(orsavage)as the surroundingcon
ditions of civilization would allow.
Admitting the necessity
the first objectof Mr. Treverton's am
of eatingand drinking,
bition was
the least possibledependence
to sustain life with
of men
who
the race
on
professedto supply their neighbors'
bodily wants, and who, as he conceived,cheated them infa
mously on the strengthof their profession.
Having a garden at the back of the house,Timon of London
his
dispensedwith the green-grocer altogetherby cultivating
for growing wheat, or
own
vegetables. There was no room
The

life these

SECRET.

he

would

have

he

could

outwit

two

turned
the

led

farmer

also

miller and

on

the

his

; but

account

own

baker, at

any

rate, by

and
buying a sack of corn, grinding it in his own
hand-mill,
giving the flour to Shrowl to make into bread. On the same
for the house was
the meat
principle,
bought wholesale of
the City salesmen
the master
and servant
eating as much
of it in the fresh state as they could,saltingthe rest, and set
ting butchers at defiance. As for drink,neither brewer nor
publican ever had the chance of extortinga farthingfrom
Mr. Treverton's
satisfied with
pocket. He and Shrowl were
beer
and they brewed
for themselves.
With
bread,vege
these two
hermits
of modern
tables,
meat, and malt liquor,
days achieved the great double purpose of keeping life in
and keeping the tradesmen
outEating like primitivemen, they lived in all other respects
like primitivemen
also. They had pots, pans, and pipkins,
deal tables,
old sofas,
two
two
short pipes,
two
two
chairs,
and two
no
car
long cloaks. They had no stated meal-times,
and
ornamental
or
bedsteads,no cabinets,
book-cases,
pets
"

"

knickknacks
When

of any kind, no laundress,and

either of the two
wanted
to eat and

his crust

no

char-woman.

drink,he

cut

off

of

bread,cooked his bit of meat, drew his drop of

beer, without the slightestreference to the other. When
either of the two thought he wanted
which was
a clean shirt,
and washed
for himself.
When
one
very seldom, he went
either of the two

discovered

that

any

part of the house

was

and a
getting very dirtyindeed,he took a bucket of water
birch -broom, and washed
the place out like a dog -kennel.

DEAD

THE

83

SECRET.

either of the two wanted

when
to go to sleep,
he
And, lastly,
wrapped himself up in his cloak,lay down on one of the so
fas,and took what repose he required,early in the evening
late in the morning,just as he pleased.
or
there was
When
no
baking,brewing,gardening,or clean
ing to be done, the two sat down oppositeeach other,and
smoked
for hours, generallywithout utteringa word.
When
ever
they did speak,they quarreled. Their ordinary dia
a
logue was
speciesof conversational prize-fight,
beginning
with a sarcastic affectation of good-willon either side,and
ending in hearty exchanges of violent abuse
just as the
boxers go through the feeble formalityof shaking hands be
fore they enter on the serious practical
business of beating
each other's faces out of all likeness to the image of man.
Not having so many
disadvantagesof early refinement and
education
to contend
againstas his master, Shrowl generally
"

victoryin

the

won

these

engagements

of the

tongue.

In

deed,though nominally the servant, he was reallythe ruling

influence over
his
spiritin the house
acquiringunbounded
master
by dint of outmarching Mr. Treverton in every direc
tion on his own
ground. Shrowl's was the harshest voice;
"

Shrowl's

the bitterest

were

longestbeard.

The

tion that lies in wait

rashlygiven

was

retribution
bore

the

On
land
to

overtook

for

Shrowl's

of all retributions
who

man

boasting of
him

and

it

the

is the retribu
Mr.

boasts.

was

Treverton

his

independence,and when
assumed
a
personalform, and

of Shrowl.

name

certain

had

morning, about three weeks after Mrs. Frankwritten to the housekeeper at Porthgenna Tower

mention

might

to

surest

sayings;

be

the

period at

which

expected there,Mr.

her

husband

and

herself

Treverton

descended,with his
from
face and his surliest manner,
sourest
the upper regions
of the cottage to one
of the rooms
the ground-floor,
which
on
civilized tenants
would
probably have called the parlor.
Like his elder brother,
he was
well-built man
a
tall,
; but his
resemblance
bony, haggard, sallow face bore not the slightest
the handsome, open, sunburnt
to
face of the Captain. No
one
seeing them together could possiblyhave guessed that
brothers
so
they were
completely did they differ in expres
"

sion

as

well

as

in feature.

The

heart-aches

that

he

had

suf-

84

THE

fered in
he

led in manhood

had

and the
and

almost

; the

physicalexhaustion
him

worn

that

away

twenty

SECRET.

life that
reckless,wandering,dissipated

the

youth ;

DEAD

the disappointment,
petulance,
of his latter days,had so wasted
he looked his brother's elder by

With

years.

unbrushed

hair and

unwashed

face,with a tangled gray beard, and an old, patched,dirty

flannel dressing-gownthat hung about him like a sack, this
descendant
of a wealthy and ancient family looked as if his
birthplacehad been the work-house, and his vocation in life
the selling
of cast-off clothes.
It
it

breakfast-time

was

the

was

time

at

Mr. Treverton

with

which

he

felt

about

that is to say,

"

hungry enough to
same
positionover

think

the
eating something. In the
in which a looking-glass
would have been placed
mantel-piece
in a household
of ordinaryrefinement,
there hung in the cot

tage of Timon

of London

the fire stood

by
in

half

of the

corner

room

loaf of

been

thrown

was

tered pewter pots hitched

and under the grate lay a
had

side of bacon.

the deal table

heavy-lookingbrown-bread
;
barrel of beer,with two bat
nails in the wall

onto

old

smoky

when

down

On

last used

above

it;

left just as
gridiron,
and

done

with.

it

Mr.

of the pocket of his

out
greasy clasp-knife
of bacon, jerked the gridiron
cut off a rasher
dressing-gown,

Treverton

onto

the

turned

took

and began
fire,

the

the room,

rasher,when
with

his

cook

to

his breakfast.

He

had

just

opened,and Shrowl entered

eat
mouth, bent on the same

the door

pipe in

his

ing errand as his master.

In personalappearance,
Shrowl
was
short,fat,
flabby,and
perfectlybald, except at the back of his head, where a ring
of bristly
iron-grayhair projectedlike a collar that had got
amends
for the scanti
hitched out
of its place. To make
he had
cultivated by his
of his hair,the beard
which
ness
master's
his cheeks,and drooped down
desire grew
far over
old
his chest in two
thick jagged peaks. He wore
on
a very
he had picked up a bargain in
which
dress-coat,
long-tailed
Petticoat Lane
a faded
yellow shirt,with a large torn frill
"

"

velveteen

trowsers, turned

that had

been

up

at

blacked

the ankles
since

the

"

and

Blucher

day when they

last left the cobbler's stall. His color was
florid,
unhealthily
his thick lipscurled upward with a malicious grin,and his
the nearest
to
approach,in form and expression,
eyes were
boots

never

'

"

HE

HAD

JUST

TURNED
SHROWL

THE

RASHER,
ENTERED

WHEN
THE

':

".' ";."
THE

ROOM."

DOOR

OPENED,

AND

DEAD

THE

85

SECRET.

the eyes of a bull terrier which those features are

achievingwhen they are placedin the countenance

capableof
of

man.

insolence,
ugliness,
Any painterwanting to express strength,
and the
coarseness, and cunning in the face and figureof one
the purpose,

the person
Neither

discovered

have

individual,could

same

he

over, than

all the world

no

better model

might

have

for

found

in

of Mr. Shrowl.

exchanged a word or took the

smallest notice of each other on first meeting. Shrowl stood
in his pockets,wait
with his hands
stolidlycontemplative,
finished his
ing for his turn at the gridiron. Mr. Treverton
cooking,took his bacon to the table,and, cuttinga crust of
When
he had disposed
bread,began to eat his breakfast.
to look up at Shrowl,
of the first mouthful,he condescended
and ap
at that moment
who
was
opening his clasp-knife
proaching the side of bacon with slouchingsteps and sleepi
ly greedy eyes.
do
"What
mean
by that?" asked Mr. Treverton,
you
You
pointingwith indignantsurpriseat ShrowPs breast.
ugly brute,you've got a clean shirt on !"
Thankee, Sir,for noticingit,"said Shrowl, with a sarcas
this
tic affectation of humility. "This is a joyfuloccasion,
master

servant

nor

"

"

I couldn't do

is.

it's
clean shirt on, when
happy returns, Sir. Perhaps

less than put

no

master's

birthday. Many
your birthday?
you thought I should forgetthat to-day was
Lord bless your sweet
face,I wouldn't have forgotit on any
How
old are
account.
you to-day? It's a long time ago,
a
plump smiling little boy, with a frill
Sir,since you was
in your pocket,and trowsers
round your neck, and marbles

my

and

waistcoat

and

Ma

and

be afraid of
I

to

mean

day
time
"

or

of

Treverton.

I'm
"

on

put it away

on

waste

in lavender

"I
You'll

my way
Have
you

shirt

clean

be

on

to the

your

Pa

birthday. Don't you

by too much washing.
against your next birth
is just as likelyat your
retorted
funeral,"

my
any
to

way

in my
money
the work-house

Mr.

will,
when

grave."

reallymade

Shrowl, pausing,with

on

left you

hav'n't

presents from

your
this shirt

wearing out

me

kisses and

which
againstyour funeral,
life" isn't it,
Sir?"

Don't

Shrowl.

all in one, and

uncle and aunt,

an

your

will

appearance

at

last,Sir ?" inquired

of the greatest

interest,

86

DEAD

THE

in the act

of

SECRET.

his slice of bacon.

cuttingoff

pardon,but I

"I

humbly beg

afraid to do it."

always thought you was

had evidentlytouched
The servant
of
on
one
intentionally
the master's sore
points. Mr. Treverton thumped his crust
of bread on the table,and looked up angrilyat Shrowl.
Afraid of making my will,
I don't
you fool !" said he.
make
it,and I won't make it,on principle."
Shrowl
slowly sawed off his slice of bacon, and began to
"

"

whistle
"

tune.

On

principle,"
repeatedMr.

behind them are

money
wickedness.
When
of human

Treverton.

the farmers

leave

"

who

Rich

who

men

raise the crop

has

any spark of gen

erosityin his nature, if you want to put it out, leave him a
him
is bad, if you want
to make
a
man
legacy. When
of

him

leave

worse,

legacy.

togetherfor

the

man

If you

\vant

to

collect

number

of

perpetuatingcorruption
and oppression
them
on
a large scale,leave
a legacy under
to give
the form of endowing a publiccharity. If you want
the best chance in the world of gettinga bad hus
a woman
will!
I have a pretty
band, leave her a legacy. Make
my
Shrowl, but I don't quitehate
strong dislike of my species,
them
mankind
as
enough yet to do such mischief among
that !" Ending his diatribe in those words, Mr. Treverton
men

down

took

himself
Shrowl
chuckled
"

pintof

battered

cried Mr.

pewter pots, and

shifted the

gridironto
sarcastically.
you

have

clear

me

Treverton,overhearinghim.
brute

me

refreshed

beer.

the devil would

Who

thinks

of the

one

with

purpose

; who

now

would

placein
leave my
"
To my

think

me

and
fire,

the

to

money

?"

brother,who
a

fool then ;

swindling,anyhow, by spending
and strolling
players? To the
among
money
I have never
set eyes on,
child of that player-woman,whom
turn
would
has been brought up to hate me, and who
who
hypocritedirectlyby pretending,for decency'ssake,to be

and

who

would

encourage

doxies

all my

sorry

who
the
over

widow,
the

laugh as
to

baboon !
you^ you human
you,
office
a
nd
set up
a
directly,
usury
prey
upon
and the unfortunate
all
the fatherless,
generally,

for my
wrould

leave

death ?

To

good health,Mr. Shrowl

I know
I'm
when
well as you
especially
you sixpence."
world

Your
"

"

!
not

can

going

88

THE

"

looked

SECKET.

address,and went through it

again from the beginning. His lipsstillcontinued to work
round the mouth-piece of the pipe,but he smoked
no
more.
he had finished the second
When
reading,he set the letter
with
the table,looked at his servant
down
very gently on
in the expressionof his eyes, and
unaccustomed
an
vacancy
with a hand that trembled
took the pipe out of his mouth
a
ture

then

DEAD

to

up

the

little.
"
the Captain,
Shrowl," he said,very quietly,
my brother,

"

is drowned."

is,"answered Shrowl,without lookingup from

the newspaper-slip. I'm reading about it here."
The last words
when we quarreled
my brother said to me
about the player-woman," continued
Mr.Treverton, speaking
"

I know

he

"

"

his servant, " were

in my heart toward
kind feeling

to himself

much

as

without

one

to

as

that I should
any

die

livingcreat

ure."
"

will,"muttered Shrowl,turning the slipover to

see
was
reading at the back of it.
any thing worth
"I wonder
he thought about
he was
when
what
me
dy
takingup the letter
ing ?" said Mr. Treverton,abstractedly,
again from the table.
"He
didn't waste
a thought on
re
you or any body else,"
If he thought at all,
marked
he thought about how
Shrowl.
he had
he could save
his life. When
done thinking about
that,he had done livingtoo." With this expressionof opin
and drew
his morn
ion Mr. Shrowl
went
to the beer-barrel,
ing draught.
Damn
As
that player!" muttered
Mr.Treverton.
woman
he said the words his face darkened
and his lipsclosed firm
ly. He smoothed the letter out on the table. There seemed
So you
if there

"

"

be

to

doubt

some

in his mind

he

whether

had

mastered

all

in
idea that there ought to be more
yet some
In going over
it for the third
it than he had yet discovered.

its contents

time,he

"

read

it to himself

determined

was

ory.
"

This

SIB,
"

was

As

family,!am

to fix every

the

letter

the old
desired

aloud

and

very

separate word

slowly,as if
firmlyin his mem

he

legaladviser and faithful friend of your

by Mrs. Frankland,formerly Miss Trev

erton, to acquaintyou

with

the sad

news

of your

brother's

89

SECRET.

DEAD

THE

deplorableevent occurred on board the shipof

he was
which
captain,during a gale of wind in which the
lost on a reef of rocks off the island of Antigua.
vessel was
of the shipwreck,extracted from
I inclose a detailed account
The Times,by which you will see that your brother died no
bly in the performanceof his duty toward the officers and
I also send a slipfrom the local
he commanded.
whom
men
of the deceased
Cornish paper, containing
a memoir
gentle
This

death.

man.

closingthis communication,I

"Before

add

must

that

no

rigoroussearch,among
the papers
Having disposed,
he
as
you know, of Porthgenna,the only property of which
at the time of his death was
was
personalproperty,
possessed
in consequence
derived from the sale of his estate ; and this,
of law to hisj
will go in due course
of his dying intestate,
daughter,as his nearest of kin.
I am, Sir,your obedient servant,
will has

been

found, after the

most

Captain Treverton.

of the late

"

NIXON."

"ALEXANDER

tained

the

Cornish
under

readingit.

done

either of the

est notice
sat

The

from

Times.

the

on

The

table,con

slipfrom

the

Shrowl poked
paper, which had dropped to the floor,
his master's eyes, in a fit of temporary civility,
as
soon

he had

as

paragraph

fallen

had

which
newspaper-slip,

The

the

looking at

one

Mr. Treverton

took not the

paragraph or

the other.

even
letter,

after he

read

had

slight
He

still

it for the

third time.
don't you give the stripof
the sheet of writing?"asked Shrowl.
"

Why

what

about
life he

great

led,and

the

man

what

him, and

behind
with

well

as

don't you read

your brother was, and what a good
handsome
wonderful
daughter he's left

what

that's

man

printa turn, as

"Why

marriage
capital
of your

owner

old

she's made

family estate

along
?

She

now, at any rate ! The ill wind that

your money
her father's ship on the rocks has blowed
fortythou

don't want
blowed
sand
about

pounds
it ?

Cornwall

They
tom

were

of

She
than

good
and

you

her husband
have

going to

for your

into her

brother

have
to

have

got

you read
better house in

don't

lap. Why
a

Ain't you glad of that ?

repairedthe placefrom top to bot

got here.
go

and

live

along with

'em in clover

90

THE

when

he

for you ?

house

back

came

DEAD

from

I wonder

SECRET.

Who

sea.

your niece would knock

sake,now, if you was to clean

for your
up and go and ask her?"
At the last question,
Shrowl
for want

not

"

to

agement
had

anger
done

The

these two

were

not

was

changed

color

leave the

room.

Go

out

the

the wrork of aggra

but for want
of encour

first time

since

they

had

tried to

provoke his master and

or
listened,
appeared to listen,
without
the faintest change to

only words

he said when

Shrowl

had

"

an

when

easy man
he heard

!" reiterated

henceforth

tongue

woman's

child,and I

never

go

"

"I'll be

never

suddenly

about

have
will.

set

he

"

my
eyes

Hold

And

absolutely
ordered

hold

brother

tongue

your

your

and

the

upon

to

my

player"

leave

out!"

even

slowly withdrew
When

but

move,

himself

forever

and

daughter.

alone

to

Mr. Treverton.

brother's

me

"

yourself

out!"

Shrowl

"

muscle

in his face.

"Go

For

Mr. Treverton

moving

words,

had

the old

paused in

more

together,he

failed.

without

of

them.

utter

kept house

repaira place

ever

whether

about

vation

will

with

him

from

the

for

this,"thought

Shrowl

as

room.

closed the door, he listened outside of

he had

Mr. Treverton

he

it,and

aside his

chair,and walk up and

down, talking to- himself. Judging by the confused words
that escaped him, Shrowl
that his thoughts were
concluded
still running on the
player-woman" who had set his broth
heard

push

"

and

er

himself

the

the

He

seemed

to

feel

barbarous

aft
venting his dissatisfaction with himself,
of Captain Treverton's
of
death,on the memory
he hated so bitterly,
whom
and on the child whom

of relief in

sense
er

variance.

at

news

woman

she had
After

left behind

her.

rumbling tones of his voice ceased

altogether. Shrowl peeped through the key-hole,and saw
that he was
which contained the
reading the newspaper-slips
of the shipwreck and the Memoir
of his brother.
account
of those familyparticulars
The latter adverted to some
which
the vicar of Long Beckley had mentioned
to his guest ; and
concluded
the writer of the Memoir
by expressinga hope that
a

while

the bereavement

the low

which

Mr. and

Mrs. Frankland

had

suffered

THE

would

DEAD

interfere with

not

their

genna

Tower, after they had

ing a

builder

to

survey

91

SECRET.

the

Porthprojectfor repairing
gone the lengthalreadyof send
place. Something in the word

paragraph seemed to take Mr. Treverton's mem

the old familyhouse had
ory back to his youth-timewhen
been his home.
He whispered a few words to himself which
gloomilyreferred to the days that were gone, rose from his
chair impatiently,
threw both the newspaper-slips
into the
watched
them while they were
fire,
burning,and sighedwhen
the black gossamer
ashes floated upward on the draught,and
lost in the chimney.
were
The sound of that sigh startled Shrowl
the sound of a
as
His bull-ter
pistol-shot
might have startled another man.
rier eyes opened wide in astonishment,
and he shook his head

ing of

that

ominouslyas

he walked

away

II.

CHAPTER
WILL

the door.

from

COME?

THEY

the

housekeeperat Porthgenna Tower had justcompleted

for the receptionof her master
necessary preparations

and

mistress,at the time mentioned

THE

ter

from

St.

in Mrs. Frankland's

when
Swithin's-on-Sea,

she

was

startled

let

by re
by a

ceivinga note sealed with black wax, and surrounded

The note briefly
thick mourning border.
communicated
the
of Captain Treverton's
news
death,and informed her that
the visit of Mr. and Mrs. Frankland
de
to Porthgenna was
ferred for an indefinite period.
who was
the
By the same
post the builder,
superintending
also received a letter,
renovation of the west staircase,
request
in
his
him
send
the
to
account
soon
as
as
on
ing
repairs which
then engaged were
him that
he was
completed; and telling
Mr. Frankland
was
unable,for the present, to give any fur
hab
ther attention to the projectfor making the north rooms
itable. On the receiptof this communication,the builder
withdrew

himself and

made

banisters had been

again
without

left to the
master

solitary
passages

or

his

care

men

secure

of the

as

soon

the west

stairs and

; and

Porthgenna Tower was

housekeeper and her servant,

friends
mistress,
or

as

or

enliven its empty

E

strangers,to thread its

rooms.

92

DEAD

THE

From

this time

SECKET.

eightmonths

and

passed away,

the house

and mistress,
keeper heard nothing of her master
except
of paragraphs in the local newspaper,
through the medium
which
of their occupy
dubiously referred to the probability
in the affairs
themselves
ing the old house, and interesting
of their tenantry, at no
very distant period. Occasionally,
business

too, when

reports about

collected

and

dependents of

From
led to

took

these
conclude

the

sources

that

him

to

the

post-town, the steward

his

employers among the old friends

Treverton
family.
of information,
the housekeeperwas
Mr. and

Mrs. Frankland

had

returned

the news
of Captain TrevLong Beckley,after receiving
erton's death,and had lived there for some
in strict
months
retirement.
When
they left that place,they moved
(ifthe
to the neighborhood of
report was to be credited)
newspaper
friends who were
London, and occupied the house of some
have remained
Here they must
travelingon the Continent.
and brought no rumors
for some
time,for the new year came
of any change in their place of abode.
January and Febru
to

any
ary passedwithout
steward had occasion to

of them.

news

March

the

he
the post-town. When
back with a new
report

to

go

Early in

re

re
Porthgenna,he came
latingto Mr. and Mrs. Frankland,which excited the house
keeper'sinterest in an extraordinarydegree. In two differ
the steward
had heard
ent quarters,each highlyrespectable,
that the domestic
of
it facetiously
announced
responsibilities
his master
and mistress were
likelyto be increased by their
and a crib to buy at the end of the
to engage
having a nurse
In plainEnglish,
spring or the beginning of the summer.
the many
babies who might be expectedto make their
among

turned

to

in the world
appearance
months, there was one who

land,and
would
to

the

(ifthe

who

cause

In the

next

the

would

course

of the

inherit the

infant

sensation

Porthgenna

in

luckilyturned
throughout West

of Frank-

name

out

three

next

to

be

Cornwall

boy)

as

heir

estate.

month,

the

month

April,before the house

discussingtheir last and

of

keeper and the steward had done

most
important fragment of news, the postman made his
at Porthgenna Tower, and brought an
welcome
appearance
The
Mrs. Frankland.
from
other
note
housekeeper'sface
she
as
pleasureand surprise
brightenedwith unaccustomed

"

read

DEAD

The

letter announced

the first line.

ferred visit of her

93

THE

SECRET.

and mistress

master

that the long-deO

to the

old house

would

place earlyin May, and that they might be expected

arrive any day from the first to the tenth of the month.
The reasons
which had led the owners
of Porthgcnna to fix
con
period,at last,for visitingtheir country seat, were

take
to

nected
had

with

it advisable

thought

not

plainfacts

into
particulars"

certain

of the

case

of residence

which

the Continent

that

were,

the husband

between

to

enter

Mrs. Franldand

in her

letter.

littlediscussion

had

should

place

after the return

select,

of the friends whose

The

arisen

wife in relation to the next

and

they

which

from

house

they were occupying.

Mr. Frankland
had very reasonablysuggestedreturningagain
to Long Beckley
not
only because all their oldest friends
lived in the neighborhood,but also (and circumstances
made
this an important consideration)
because the place had the
advantage of possessingan excellent resident medical man.
Unfortunately this latter advantage,so far from carrying
estimation,actually
any weight with it in Mrs. Frankland's
her
the
mind
prejudiced
against
projectof going to Long
Beckley. She had always, she acknowledged, felt an un
reasonable
antipathyto the doctor there. He might be a
and an undeniablyrespect
an
extremelypolite,
very skillful,
able man
had liked him, and never
should,
; but she never
and she was
the plan for livingat Long
resolved to oppose
Beckley, because the execution of it would oblige her to
"

commit
Two

herself to his

places of

other

Mrs. Frankland
in each

she

had

been

and

who

had

residence

the

same

the resident

case

and

care.

did

objectionto

doctor

like the

would

notion

suggested;

next

were

be

oppose
a

to

stranger

but

both
to

"

her,

of

being attended by a
the
stranger. Finally,as she had all along anticipated,
choice of the future abode was
left entirely
incli
to her own
nations ; and then,to the amazement
of her husband
and her
she immediately decided
on
going to Porthgcnna.
friends,
She had formed
this strange project,
and was
resolved
now
curious than
on
more
executingit,partlybecause she was
the placeagain; partlybecause
to see
the doctor who
ever

dies when

not

with
had

she

mother

her

attended
was

her

in Mrs. Treverton's

all her

last

illness^

little mala

through
in
child,was stilllivingand practicing
own

94

the
had

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

Porthgenna neighborhood.
been

Her

father

and

the

doctor

old

and had met

for years at the same
cronies,
chess-board
every Saturday night. They had kept up their
when circumstances
friendship,
separatedthem, by exchanges
of Christmas
of the

death
Captain's

written

letter of

speakingin
could

presents every

never

the

such

had

reached

sympathy

terms

forget. He

and

year;
and

of all others who

be

the

sad

news

Cornwall,the

doctor

condolence

Rosamond,

of his former
must

when

to

had

friend
a

and patron as
nice,fatherlyold

she
man

on
fittest,
every account,
Mrs. Frankland
to attend her. In short,
was
just as strongly
in
prejudiced favor of employing the Porthgenna doctor as
she was
prejudicedagainstemploying the Long Beckley doc
married women
with affec
tor ; and she ended, as all young
tionate husbands
they please by
may, and do end,whenever
carryingher own
point,and having her own
way.
On the first of May the west rooms
all ready for the
were

now,

man

was

"

of
reception

the

master

and

nfistress of the house.

The

beds

aired,the carpets cleaned,the sofas and chairs uncover

ed.
The housekeeperput on her satin gown
and her garnet
brooch ; the maid
followed suit,at a respectful
in
distance,
and
brown
merino
a
pink ribbon ; and the steward, deter
mining not to be outdone by the women,
arrayed himself in
brocaded
a black
waistcoat,which almost rivaled the gloom
and grandeur of the housekeeper'ssatin gown.
The
day
and there were
wore
on, evening closed in,bed-time
came,
no
signsyet of Mr. and Mrs. Frankland.
But the first was
an
earlyday on which to expect them.
The steward
thought so, and the housekeeper added that it
if they did not ar
would be foolish to feel disappointed,
even
rive until the fifth. The fifth came, and still nothing hap
pened. The sixth,seventh, eighth,and ninth followed,and
sound
of the expected carriage-wheels
the
came
near
no
lonelyhouse.
On the tenth, and last day, the housekeeper,
the steward,
earlier than usual ; all three
and the maid, all three rose
opened and shut doors,and went up and down stairs oftener
than
was
needful; all three looked out perpetuallytoward
and the high road,and thought the view flatter and
the moor
it had appeared to them before.
duller and emptierthan ever
The day waned, the sunset came
changed the per; darkness
were

96

SECRET.

DEAD

THE

CHAPTER

III.

MRS.

IF,instead

of

JAZEPH.

hazarding

the

that

guess

in the way of Mr. and Mrs. Frankland's

of
genna, the housekeeper had, by way
stood

this time that

birth

arrival

might have established her character as

the actual truth.
on
by hittingat random
she

mistress had

started from

London

on

Her

at

shire.

The

the station

of

Porth-

woman,
and

master

of

May, and
railway journey,

got through the greater part of their

when
they were
suddenly obliged to stop, on
account,

at

wise

the ninth

had

land's

death

variety,surmised
which delayed them,

the obstacle

was

second

small

Mrs.

Frank-

in Somerset

town

little

who
destined to increase the
was
visitor,
domestic
of the young
married
responsibilities
couple,had
chosen to enter
the scene, in the character
of a robust boyon
earlier than he had been
baby, a month
expected,and had
his first appearance
in a small
to make
modestly preferred
Somersetshire
inn,rather than wait to be ceremoniouslywel
comed
to life in the
great house of Porthgenna, which he
was
one
day to inherit.
Very few events had ever produced a greater sensation in
of West

the town

Winston

than

the

small

one

event

of the

unexpected stoppage of Mr. and Mrs. Frankland's journey at

since the last election had the landlord
that place. Never
and landlady of the Tiger'sHead
Hotel bustled about their
house in such a fever of excitement
as
possessedthem when
Mr. Frankland's
at the door
master

and

in

servant
a

flyfrom

mistress

were

Mrs. Frankland's

and
the

to
station,

behind, and

maid

announce

drew

up
that their

that the

largestand
immediately,under

wanted
in the hotel were
quietestrooms
Never
since he had
the most
unexpected circumstances.
triumphantlypassedhis examination had young Mr. Orridge,
the new
doctor,who had started in life by purchasing the
felt such a thrill of pleasurable
Winston
West
agita
practice,
he heard that the
tion pervade him from top to toe as when

wife of

blind

gentlemanof great fortune

had

been

taken

ill

DEAD

THE

railwayjourney from

the

on

quiredall
out

that his skill and

moment's

delay.

97

SECRET.

London
attention

Never

Devonshire,and

to

do

could

since the last

re

for her with

archery meet

fancy fair had the ladies of the town been favored

with
such an
all-absorbing
subjectfor conversation as was
afforded to them
now
mishap. Fabu
by Mrs. Frankland's
of the wife's beauty and the husband's fortune
lous accounts
of the Tiger'sHead, and
poured from the originalsource
trickled through the highways and byways of the littletown.
different reports,one
There were
more
a dozen
elaborately
and the
false than the other,about Mr. Fraukland's
blindness,
condition in which his wife
of it;about the lamentable
cause
had arrived at the hotel ; and about the painfulsense
of re
the inexperiencedMr. Orhad unnerved
which
sponsibility
when he set eyes on his patient.
ridgefrom the first moment
It was
till eight o'clock in the evening that the public
not
mind was
relieved at last from all suspense by an announce
that the child was
ment
born, and screaming lustily;that
the mother
was
wonderfullywell,consideringall things;and
that Mr. Orridge had covered himself with distinction by the
and attention with which he had performed
skill,
tenderness,
ing

and

his duties.
On

day, and

the next

the accounts

were

catastrophewas
on

Mrs. Frankland

after that,
the next, and for a week
stillfavorable.
But on the tenth day a

reported. The
had

been

nurse

who

was

in attendance

and
suddenlytaken ill,

quiteincapableof performing any

least a week
and perhaps for
to come,

was

ren

dered

further service for

at

much

longerpe

riod.

large towrn this misfortune might have been readily

it was
not so
remedied,but in a place like West Winston
at a few hours'
easy to supply the loss of an experiencednurse
When
Mr. Orridge was
notice.
consulted in the new
emer
gency, he candidly acknowledged that he requireda little
In

time

for consideration

before he could

undertake

to

find

an

of sufficient character and experience

professednurse
to wait on
Mr. Frankland
a lady like Mrs. Frankland.
sug
to a medical
friend in London
for a nurse,
gestedtelegraphing
but the doctor was
to adopt that
unwillingfor many reasons
It would take some
time to
plan,except as a last resource.
find the rightperson, and to send her to West
Winston
and,

other

"

98

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

preferemploying a
moreover, he would infinitely
and
whose
character
himself
capacity he was
He

therefore

for

proposed that

few hours

to

the

care

Mrs. Frankland
of her

woman

should

maid, under

with

acquainted.
be trusted

of
supervision

the

in
landlady of the Tiger'sHead, while he made inquiries
the neighborhood. If the inquiries
produced no satisfactory
result,he should be ready,when he called in the evening,to
for a
adopt Mr. Frankland's idea of telegraphingto London
nurse.

On

that he had
proceedingto make the investigation
posed,Mr. Orridge,although he spared no trouble,met
He

pro
with

plenty of volunteers for the office of

all loud-voiced,
clumsy-handed,heavynurse, but they were
footed countrywomen,
kind and willingenough, but sadly
awkward, blundering attendants to place at the bedside of
such a lady as Mrs. Frankland.
The morning hours passed
away, and the afternoon came, and stillMr. Orridge had found
no

success.

no

substitute

to

found

for the invalided

engage.
At two
o'clock he had

or

on

got into

an

whom

he could venture

hour's drive before him

to

"Per
to see.
child-patient
somebody who may do, on the way
back again,"thought Mr. Orridge,as he
the way
his gig. "I have som,e hours at my
disposalstill,

country-housewhere
haps I may remember
out

half

nurse

he

had

for my eveningvisit at the inn."

Puzzling his brains,with the best intention in the world,

before the time

comes

Mr. Orridgereached
country-house,
his destination without
having arrived at any other conclu
sion than that he might justas well state his difficulty
to Mrs.
for.
Norbury, the lady whose child he was about to prescribe
He had called on
Winston
her when
he bought the West
and had found her one of those frank,good-humored,
practice,
who
are
middle-aged women
generallydesignatedby the
fa
epithet"motherly." Her husband was a country squire,
and his old wine.
for his old politics,
his old stories,
mous
doc
He had seconded
his wife's heartyreceptionof the new
giving him any em
tor,with all the usual jokes about never
letting
ployment,and never
any bottles into the house except
into the cellar. Mr. Orridge had
down
the bottles that went
been amused
by the husband and pleasedwith the wife ; and
he thought it might be at least worth while,before he gave
all

along the

road

to

the

DEAD

THE

99

SECRET.

up all hope of findinga fit nurse, to ask Mrs. Norbury,as an

Winston
old resident in the West
neighborhood,for a word
of advice.

Accordingly,after seeingthe child,and pronouncingthat

there

were

no

about

symptoms

which
the little patient

need

body, Mr. Orridgepaved the

that beset him by ask
of the difficulty
way for a statement
event"
ing Mrs. Norbury if she had heard of the "interesting
that had happened at the Tiger'sHead.
You
mean," answered Mrs. Norbury, who was a down
and a resolute speakerof the plainest
possible
rightwoman,
English "You mean, have I heard about that poor unfortu
nate
lady who was taken ill on her journey,and who had a
have heard so much, and no more
child born at the inn ? We
livingas we do (thankHeaven !)out of reach of the West
Winston
gossip. How is the lady? Who is she? Is the
comfortable?
child well?
Is she tolerably
poor thing! Can
I send her any thing,or do any thing for her?"
You wrould do a great thing for her, and render a great
of
assistance to me," said Mr. Orridge,"if you could tell me
in this neighborhoodwho would be
woman
any respectable
the

cause

alarm
slightest

to

any

"

"

"

"

for her."

proper nurse
"
You don't
nurse
"

She

to say that the poor creature

mean

!" exclaimed
has had

Mrs.

the best

has not

got

Norbury.
nurse

in West

Winston," replied

tak
woman
was
Orridge. But, most
I am
now
illthis morning,and was
en
obligedto go home.
wit's end for somebody to supply her place. Mrs.
at my
Frankland
has been used to the luxury of being well waited
I am
to find an
attendant,who is likelyto
on
; and where
than I can tell."
her,is more
satisfy
Mrs.
w^as ?" inquired
Frankland,did you say her name
Norbury.
She is,I understand,a daughter of that Captain
"Yes.
lost with his ship a year ago in the
Treverton
who
was
of the
the account
West Indies. Perhaps you may remember

Mr.

"

the
unfortunately,

"

?"
disaster in the newspapers
"
I do ! and I remember
Of course

acquaintedwith him when he was

His daughter and I ought
mouth.
ciallyunder such circumstances as
E2

the

Captaintoo.

was

man, at Ports
young
not to be strangers,espe
the poor thing is placed
a

100

in

will allow

Who

to introduce

me

is to

time,what

maid

Her

; but

she

she

is

and

to London

that

and doesn't
woman,
landladyof the inn is ready
young

very
The
then

demands

she has constant

I suppose

get somebody
will take

?"

now

; but

can

attention.

and

"And

done

nursingduties.

help when

her time

be

Mrs. Frankland

is with

understand
to

as
inn,Mr. Orridge,as soon
you
in
the
her.
to
mean
But,
myself
in this difficulty
about the nurse?

I will call at the

now.

"

SECRET.

DEAD

THE

telegraph
by railway."

here

sent

time,of

shall have

we

on

And

course.

to

the

nurse

new

when you
or both
thief,
Dear,
got her here,"said the outspokenMrs. Norbury.
I am
do something better than that?
dear me!
can't we
make
or
ready,I am sure, to take any trouble,
any sacrifice,
turn

may
have

if I

to be

out

drunkard

"

"

be

can

of

use

to

odd

Do

Mrs. Frankland.

ridge,I think it would be

housekeeper,Mrs. Jazeph.

you

good plan if

is

She

an

odd

we

know, Mr. Or
consulted

my

with

woman,

an

in this
you will say ; but she has lived with me
know
of somebody
than five years, and she may
more
neighborhood who might suit you, though I don't."

name,

house
in

or

our

With

who

the servant
wanted

and ordered
rang the bell,
tell Mrs. Jazeph that she was

words, Mrs. Norbury

those

answered

it

to

stairs

immediately.
lapseof a minute or so a soft knock was heard
at the door, and the housekeeperentered
the room.
Mr. Orridge looked at her, the moment
she appeared,with
for which he was
interest and curiosity
an
hardly able to ac
of
He judged her, at a rough guess, to be a woman
count.
At the first glance,his medical eye
about fifty
years of age.
of the intricate machinery of the nervous
detected that some
noted
with Mrs. Jazeph. He
the
system had gone wrong
painfulworking of the muscles of her face,and the hectic
up

After

the

flush that flew into her

found

and

cheeks

visitor there.

in her

He

eyes, and remarked

the rest of her face became

look

when

she

observed

entered
a

the

room

strangelyscared

that it did not

leave

them
"

graduallycomposed. That
dreadful fright,
has had some
some
or
great grief,
he
I
himself.
wonder
wasting complaint," thought to

when
wroman

"

some

which
"

ly

it is ?"

Orridge,the medical
West
Winston," said

This is Mr.
settled at

gentleman who has late

Mrs. Norbury, addressing

THE

SECRET.

DEAD

101

housekeeper. "He is in attendance cm a lady wlio was

and
obligedto stop, on her journey westward, at our station,
You
have heard
who
is now
staying at the Tiger'sHead.
something about it,have you not, Mrs. Jazeph ?"
Mrs. Jazeph,standingjust inside the door,looked respect
fullytoward the doctor,and answered in the affirmative. Al
words, Yes,ma'am,"
though she only said the two common
uninterested way, Mr. Orridge was
struck by the
in a quiet,
the

"

and

sweetness

lookingat her,he
woman.

young

of her

tenderness
would

His

have

voice.

If he had

supposed it to

eyes remained
felt that they

fixed

on

not

been

be the voice of

her after she had

ought to have been look

spoken,though he
of men
ing toward her mistress. He, the most unobservant
in such things,found himself noticingher dress,so that he
muslin
remembered, long afterward,the form of the spotless
gray hair,and the quiet
cap that primly covered her smooth
brown
color of the silk dress that fitted so neatly and hung
folds. The
little
around
her in such spare and disciplined
she evidentlyfelt at findingherself the ob
confusion which
ject of the doctor's attention did not betray her into the
of gesture or manner.
If there can be
awkwardness
slightest
the grace of restraint,
such a thing,physically
as
speaking,
that

was

the

which

grace

which

slightest
movements;
carpet, as she advanced
which

governedthe

seemed

when

led her

her mistress next

action of her

lightlyon a table by
next
questionthat was
Well," continued

her

side,while

addressed
Mrs.

no

of age and
helped. We want

woman

Jazeph's
over

the

her ;
it rested

spoke to

righthand as
she stopped to

wan

hear

the

her.

to

Norbury,
gettingon comfortably,when the
after her fell ill this morning ; and
and
strange place,with a first child,
"

Mrs.
govern
feet smoothly

to

"

this poor
who
nurse

lady was just

was
looking

there

is now, in
attendance

no

she

proper
to help her as
experience

she

ought

a
"

to

somebody fit to wait on a delicate

who has seen
woman
nothing of the rough side of humanity.
find nobody at a day'snotice,
and I can
tell
Mr. Orridge can
Are there
him
of nobody. Can you help us, Mrs. Jazeph?
Mr. Norbury's
in the village,
down
or
among
any women
and
understand
tact
nursing,and have some
tenants, who
them
into the bargain?"
tenderness to recommend
Mrs. Jazeph reflected for a little while,and then said,very

be

102

THS

DEAD

SECRET.

but Very briefly

respectfully,
also,and
of interest in her

pearance
whom
she could
"

"

Don't

she knew

any
of no

ap
one

recommend.

make

of that tillyou have thought a little

Norbury. " I have a particularinterest in

too

sure

longer,"said Mrs.
serving this lady,for
in that she is the

came

manner,

that

still without

Mr.

Orridge told

daughter

of

just before you

Captain Treverton,whose
me

"

shipwreck
"

The

round

instant those
with

words

start,and

spoken,Mrs. Jazeph turned

at
the doctor.
Apparently

were

looked

the table,she moved

on
forgettingthat her right hand was
it so suddenly that it struck against a bronze statuette
of a
The statuette
fell to
dog placed on some
writing materials.
the ground, and Mrs. Jazeph stooped to pick it up with a cry
of alarm which seemed
strangelyexaggerated by comparison
the
with
of the accident.
nature
trifling
"Bless
the woman!
is she frightened about?"
what
ex
claimed Mrs. Norbury.
The dog is not hurt
put it back
again ! This is the first time,Mrs. Jazeph, that I ever knew
awkward
thing. You may take that as a com
you do an
saying,this lady is the
pliment,I think. "Well,as I was
dreadful
shipwreck
daughter of Captain Treverton,whose
"

"

we

early days,and
of service
within

her father in my
I knew
in the papers.
I am
that account
doubly anxious to be

about

all read

on

her

to

who

reach

Do

now.

be

can

think

trusted

doctor,still watching

The
medical

interest

of his in
she

deadly pale when

Mrs.

her

started

to

again.
nurse

and

looked

nobody

her?"

Jazeph

case, .had

Is there

with
seen

that
her

toward

secret
turn

him

so

that

surprisedif she had fainted on the

observed
that she changed color again when
spot. He now
hectic red tinged her
her mistress left off speaking. The
with two
cheeks once
more
bright spots. Her timid eyes
and her fingers,
she
wandered
as
uneasilyabout the room;
claspedher hands together,interlaced themselves mechanic
to treat,"
case
thought
ally. That would be an interesting
of the house
movement
the doctor,followingevery nervous

he

would

not

have

been

tc

keeper'shands
"Do
anxious

think
to

with

watchful

eyes.
again," repeated Mrs.

help

this poor

so
ISTorbury."I am
if I
lady through her difficulty,

104

THE

him

at

asked

way,
"

he

as

DEAD

Mrs.

spoke.

SECRET.

Norbury, in

immediatelywhat

her

the doubt

downright,abrupt

was.
"

I feel

uncertainty,"repliedMr. Orridge, as to
whether
Mrs. Jazeph she will pardon me, as a medical man,
for mentioning it
Mrs. Jazeph is strong
whether
to
as
under
control to per
sufficiently
enough, and has her nerves
form the duties which she is so kindlyready to undertake."
of the explanation,
In spiteof the politeness
Mrs. Jazeph
was
evidentlydisconcerted and distressed by it. A certain
quiet,uncomplaining sadness,which it was very touchingto
see, overspreadher face as she turned away, without another
word, and walked slowly to the door.
Don't go yet !" cried Mrs. Norbury, kindly,"or, at least,
if you do go, come
I am
back again in five minutes.
quite
shall have something more
certain we
to say to you then."
Mrs. Jazeph's eyes expressedher thanks in one
grateful
glance. They looked so much brighterthan usual while they
that Mrs. Norbury half doubted
rested on her mistress's face,
the tears
not just risingin them
whether
at that mo
were
Before she could look again,Mrs. Jazeph had courtement.
left the room.
sied to the doctor,and had noiselessly
"Now
are
we
alone,Mr. Orridge,"said Mrs. Norbury, "I
to your medical judgment,
may tell you, with all submission
some

"

"

"

that you

mities.

are

Mrs.
littleexaggerating

She looks

Mrs. Frankland

day

or

if you

She

two.

but, after five years'

poorlyenough,! own;

experienceof her,I can tell you

looks,and I honestlythink you
try

is the

our

that she is stronger than she

will be doing good service to
volunteer

nurse, at least for

tenderest
gentlest,

with,and conscientious to
any duty that she undertakes.
I gave
about takingher away.

met

infir

Jazeph'snervous

creature

ever

fault in the

performanceof
Don't be under any delicacy
last week, and
a dinner-party

I
time to come.
give another for some
easilythan
spared my housekeepermore

shall not

never

have

can

could

spare

her now."
"

well

am
as

sure

I may
offer Mrs. Frankland's
thanks
"
own," said Mr. Orridge. After what

my
said,it would

be

your advice.
tion ? Did you
low

fits of any

kind?"

ungraciousand ungratefulin
But
ever

will you excuse

hear that Mrs.

me

me

if I ask

Jazeph

was

to you

you
not
one

as

have
to fol

ques

subjectto

"

Never."

"

Not

"

"

to

even

105

SECRET.

DEAD

THE

and

now
affections,
hysterical

has

Never, since she

You surprise
me,

in this house."

been

there

is

then ?"

something in

her look and

man

ner""
"

Yes, yes

; every

remarks

body

that at first; but it

and
that she is in delicate health,

means

that she has

simply
not

led

suspect)in her younger days. The

told
I had her (with an excellent character)
lady from whom
in a sadly
she was
that she had married unhappily,when
me
She never
says any thing about her
poor, unprotectedstate.
ill-used
married
troubles herself;but I believe her husband
that this is our
busi
her.
to me
However, it does not seem
I can
ness.
only tell you again that she has been an excellent
here for the last five years, and that,in your place,
servant
poorly as she may look,I should consider her as the best
that Mrs. Frankland
under the
could possiblywish for,
nurse
a

life (as I

happy

very

is

There

circumstances.

no

for

need

to

say any more.

for a stranger

me

Jazeph,or telegraphto London

rests with you."
the decision of course
tone of irritability
Mr. Orridgethought he detected a slight
He was
in Mrs. Norbury's last sentence.
a prudent man
; and
he suppressedany doubts he might stillfeel in reference to
rather than risk
for nursing,
Mrs. Jazeph'sphysical
capacities
offendingthe most importantlady in the neighborhood at the
Mrs.

Take

in
practice

of his

outset

"I

"

hesitate

not

can

enough

to

tell

me," he

said.

stant

The

and

your
the bell.

wondered

doctor

side the

whether

door,and thought it
be

she should

so

anxious

medical

man.

you have been good

believe that I gratefully

"

Pray
housekeeper'soffer."

It
Norbury rang
by the housekeeperherself.

Mrs.

as

after what

moment

accept your kindness

Winston

West

was

on

the in

out
listening
strange, if she had, that

she had

rather

answered

been

to learn his decision.

Orridge accepts your offer with thanks,"said Mrs.

Norbury,beckoning to Mrs. Jazeph to advance into the room.
and
I have persuaded him that you are not quiteso weak
"Mr.

"

ill as

you

look."

joyfulsurprisebroke over the housekeeper's

It looked suddenly younger
by years and years, as she
of the trust that was
her gratefulsense
and expressed

gleam

face.
smiled

of

106

DEAD

THE

about

to be

doctor

had

SECRET.

since the
the firsttime,also,

reposedin her. For

seen
her,she ventured

speakingbefore

on

she

was

spoken to.
"

When

"

As

Sir ?" she asked.

required,
possible,"
repliedMr. Orridge. How quickly

will my

soon

as

dim

brightlyher

and

the

was

looked

eyes

much

How

answer

attendance

seemed

appealinglyat

clear

to

hasty than

more

with

movement

be

which

she

her

now

as

she heard

that

usual movements
round

turned

and

her mistress !

you," said Mrs. NorI know your accounts

are
always in order,and your
bury.
make
con
keys always in their proper places. You never
fusion and you never
leave confusion.
Go, by all means, as
the doctor wants
as
soon
you."
"

Go

Mr.

whenever

Orridge

wants

"

"I

you

suppose

have

some

to
preparations

said

make?"

Mr.

Orridge.
than half an hour,"
None, Sir,that need delay me more
Mrs. Jazeph.
answered
tak
This evening will be earlyenough," said the doctor,
Come
to the
ing his hat, and bowing to Mrs. Norbury.
I shall be there between
seven
Tiger'sHead, and ask for me.
and eight. Many thanks again,Mrs. Norbury."
doctor."
My best washes and compliments to your patient,
At the Tiger'sHead, between
and eightthis even
seven
ing,"reiterated Mr. Orridge,as the housekeeperopened the
"

"

"

"

"

for him.

door
"

Between

seven

and

eight,Sir,"repeatedthe soft,sweet

than ever, now

voice,sounding younger
under-note of pleasurerunningthrough

CHAPTER
THE

As

the clock

struck

NEW

seven,

that

there

was

an

its tones.

IV.
NURSE.

Mr.

Orridge put
just opened

on

his hat to

He had
his own
door,
go to the Tiger'sHead.
when he was
the
summoned
met
on
step by a messenger, who
him immediatelyto a case
of sudden illness in the poor quar
The inquiries
ter of the town.
he made
satisfied him that the

appealwas reallyof an urgent nature, and that there was

help for it but to delay his attendance for a little while

no

at

DEAD

THE

inn.

the

covered

in the

symptoms

case

The

operationnecessary.
duty occupied some
Tiger'sHead.
On
enteringthe

of the

which

time.

It

was

this
to

time, on

dis

immediate

an

quarter

second

patient,he

rendered

performance of

house, for the

left his

he

bedside

reaching the

On

107

SECRET.

professional
eightbefore

his way

the

to

inn

informed
that the new
door,he was
arrived as early as seven
had
and had been
nurse
o'clock,
waiting for him in a room
by herself ever since. Having re
ceived no orders from Mr. Orridge,the landladyhad thought
it safest not

to

fore the doctor

"

Did

introduce

to

go

up

into Mrs. Frankland's

quiredMr. Orridge.
Yes, Sir,"repliedthe landlady.
"

seemed

Will

thought she
beg her to

step this way, and

you

back

farthest from

corner

to

that she drew

see

the window.

He

her veil down

was

rather

the moment

her

see

parlor."
landladyinto a little room
found Mrs. Jazeph sitting
alone

house, and

of the

?" in

room

is in my
Mr. Orridge followed the

at once, Sir ?

She

"And

I said that I must

when

rather put out

till you got here.

wait

be

came.

ask

she

the stranger to Mrs. Frankland

at

the

in the

surprised

the door

was

opened.
he said ;
sorry you should have been kept waiting,"
but I was
called away
to a patient. Besides,I told you
between
and eight,if you remember; and it is not
seven
"

am

"

eighto'clock yet."
"

was

anxious

very

to

be

good time,Sir,"said

in

Mrs.

Jazeph.
There

was

an

accent

of restraint

in the

quiet tones

in

Orridge'sear, and a little

She was, apparently,
not
only afraid that
perplexed him.
her face might betraysomething,but apprehensivealso that
than her wrords expressed.
her voice might tell him more
What
feelingwas she anxious to conceal ? Was it irritation
at having been
kept waiting so long by herself in the land
lady'sroom?
If you will follow me," said Mr. Orridge, I will take you
to Mrs. Frankland
immediately."
Mrs. Jazeph rose
slowly,and, when she was on her feet,
which

she

spoke which

struck

Mr.

"

rested

"

her

hand

for

an

instant

on

table

near

her.

That

108

THE

action,
momentary
his conviction
she had
"

as

of her

volunteered

You

DEAD

SECRET.

it was,

helped to
physicalunfitness

for the

in

positionwhich

he

led the way

"

door.

the doctor

to

occupy.
h
e
tired," said,as

seem

confirm

Surely,you did not walk all the way

kind as to
so
No, Sir. My mistress was
in the pony-chaise." There
drive me
servants

here

"

restraint in her voice

as

she made

that

let

?"
of the

one

the

was

answer;

of the

out

same

and stillshe

attempted to lifther veil. While ascending the inn

stairs Mr. Orridge mentally resolved to watch
her first pro
and to send, after
ceedingsin Mrs. Frankland's room
closely,
remark
all,for the London
nurse, unless Mrs. Jazeph showed
able aptitudein the performance of her new
duties.
The room
which Mrs. Frankland
occupied was situated at
the back of the house,having been chosen
in that position
with the objectof removing her as much
as
possiblefrom
the bustle and noise about the inn door.
It was
lightedby
window
few
which
one
a
overlooking
spread
cottages, beyond
the rich grazinggrounds of West
bounded
Somersetshire,
by
hills. The
line of thicklywooded
bed
a
long monotonous
of the old-fashioned kind,with the customary four posts
was
and the inevitable damask
curtains.
It projectedfrom the

never

wall into the

keep

the door

the window

in such a situation as to
room,
of the person occupying it,
the righthand

on

the

on

of the bed.

of the

middle

On

and
left,

the

fire-place
oppositethe

side of the bed

the

the

window

the

foot,and on the side near

the door,they were
closelydrawn.
By this arrangement the
concealed from the view
interior of the bed was
necessarily
of any person on first enteringthe room.
do you
Mrs. Frankland
How
find yourselfto-night,
?"
asked Mr. Orridge,reachingout his hand to undraw
the cur
curtains

open, while

nearest

foot

were

at

the

"

you think you

freer circulation of air ?"
tains.

"

the

"

On

Do

the

ter

"

Mr.

But

consider

will suffer

I have

the

worse

for

little

contrary, doctor,I shall be all the better,"was

answer.

disposedto

will be any

afraid

am
me

"

sensible

little in your

outrightwhen

he looked

case

you

woman

have

been

ever

that my
when
you
"

estimation

occupying myself for

Orridge smiled as he undrew
been

in

charac
see

how

the last hour."

the

at the mother

and laughed
curtains,
and

child.

DEAD

THE

109

SECRET.

and gratifying
amusing herself,
her taste for bright colors,
by dressingout her baby with
blue ribbons as he lay asleep. lie had a necklace,shoulderall of blue ribbon ; and, to completethe
knots, and bracelets,
quaint fineryof his costume, his mother's smart little lace

Mrs.

Frankland

cap had
Rosamond

been

of

gayety

the bosom

as
herself,
dress,wore

and

tered

about

comicallyon
if determined
a

side of his head.

one

to

vie with

the

baby

lightpink jacket,ornamented

the sleeves with

over

Laburnum

of white

bows

in

down

satin rib

blossoms,gathered that morning,lay scat

white

the

over

flowers

been

hitched

bon.

some

had

lilyof

of the

counterpane, intermixed

valley,tied

the

up

into

with

two

nose

ribbon.
Over this varied
stripsof cherry-colored
the baby's smoothly rounded
assemblage of colors,over
cheeks and arms, over
his mother's happy, youthfulface,the
tender
lightof the May evening poured tranquiland warm.
Thoroughly appreciatingthe charm of the picturewhich he
had
the doctor stood
disclosed on
undrawing the curtains,
of the errand
lookingat it for a few moments, quiteforgetful
that had brought him into the room.
He was
only recalled
of the new
to a remembrance
nurse
by a chance question
with

gays

which
"

Mrs. Frankland

addressed

to him.

I can't

help it,doctor,"said Rosamond, with a look of

I reallycan't help treating
I am
apology.
my baby,now
a grown
just as I used to treat my doll when I was
woman,
into the room
with you?
a little girl. Did
any body come
and
Lenny, are you there ? Have you done dinner,darling,
"

did you

drink

my

health

when

you

left at dessert all

were

by yourself?"
"

Mr. Frankland

is stillat

dinner,"said

the doctor.

"

But

into the room

with me.
one
certainly
brought some
Where,
in the name
of wonder, has she gone to ?
Mrs. Jazeph !"
The housekeeperhad slippedround to the part of the room
between
the foot of the bed and the fire-place,
where she was
"

hidden
Mr.

by

the

curtains

that

still remained

drawn.

When

Orridge called to her,instead of joininghim where he

stood,oppositethe window, she appeared at the other side
behind
of the bed, where the window
her.
Her shadow
was
stole darklyover
the brightpicturewhich the doctor had been
the counterpane, and
admiring. It stretched obliquelyacross
its dusky edges touched the figuresof the mother
and child.

110

"

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

Gracious

goodness! who are you ?" exclaimed Rosamond.

A woman
or
a ghost ?"
Mrs. Jazeph'sveil was
up at last. Although her face was
in shadow
in the positionwhich she had chosen
necessarily
it when
to occupy, the doctor saw
Mrs.
a change pass over
Frankland
spoke. The lipsdropped and quivered a little;
and age about the mouth
the marks
of care
deepened ; and
the eyebrows contracted
suddenly. The eyes Mr. Orridge
could not see; they were
the counterpane at
cast
down
on
the firstword that Rosamond
uttered.
Judging by the light
of his medical experience,
that she was
the doctor concluded
suffering
pain,and trying to suppress any outward manifes
tation of it.
he
An
affection of the heart,most
likely,"
She has concealed it from her mistress,
thought to himself.
"

"

"

but she can't hide it from

"Who
world

only

you?" repeatedRosamond.

are

do you

Mrs.

me."

stand

Jazeph

moved

there for

neither

back

between

"

answered

timidlyto

"And
us

and

the

sunlight?"

raised her

nor

the farthest

in the

what

She

eyes.

of the

corner

win

dow.
"Did

from me this afternoon?"

message
ed the doctor,appealingto Mrs. Frankland.
"

not

you

To be

sure

teringmessage
"There
to Mrs.

she

get

"A

did," repliedRosamond.
about

very

ask

kind,flat

nurse."

new

is,"said Mr. Orridge,pointingacross

the bed

Jazeph.

"
But of course
don't say so !" exclaimed Rosamond.
it must
in with you ? I ought
be. Who
else could have come
that.
here
to have known
(what is her name,
Pray come
"

You

"

Joseph,did you say? No ? Jazeph?) pray come

Mrs. Jazeph,and let me
apologizefor speaking so ab
nearer,
obligedthan I can say for your
ruptly to you. I am more
kindness in coming here,and for your mistress's good-nature
I hope I shall not give you much
in resigningyou to me.
and I am
sure
trouble,
you will find the baby easy to manage.
He is a perfectangel,and sleepslike a dormouse.
Dear me !
doctor?

"

"

"

I am
I look at you a little closer,
afraid you are in very
delicate health yourself. Doctor, if Mrs. Jazeph would
not

now

be offended

I should

with

me,

she looks in want

of

Mrs.

Jazeph bent

almost

feel inclined to say that

nursingherself."

down

over

the laburnum

blossoms

on

the

112

DEAD

THE

range
about
and

the

various

it.

She

useful

with

arrangement, and

for

taste

objectsscattered
remarkable
dexterity

ornamental

and

in order

set them

neatness, showing

SECRET.

capac
likelyto be

between
things that were
ity for discriminating
wanted
and things that were
not, which impressed Mr. Ornoticed the carefulridge very favorably. He particularly
she handled
bottles of physic,reading
with which
some
.ness
the labels on
each, and arranging the medicine that might
side of the table,and the medi
be requiredat night on
one
the other.
cine that might be required in the day-time on
When

tingthe
ing that

furniture

and
straight,

had been

thrown

hazard

moved

one

foldingup articles of cloth

move
side,not the slightest

seemed

hands

set

be

to

ever

made

at

and neatness
and order
side of the room,
When
Mr. Orridgo
she went.
her steps wherever
his place at Mrs. Frankland's
bedside,his mind was

side

from

followed
resumed
ease

the

in

in

modestly,observantly,she
Noiselessly,

in vain.

or

on

thin,wasted

of her

ment

at

and occupiedherself
dressing-table,

she left the

on

one

least

point at
could

nurse

new

to

be

depended

"

What

"

Odd, indeed," returned

odd

an

it

"

she

woman

was

perfectlyevident
make

to

on

that

mistakes.

no

is,"whispered Rosamond.
"

Mr.

and

Orridge,

desperately

health,though she may not confess to it. How

and careful,and there
ever, she is wonderfully neat-handed
in trying her for one
be no harm
can
night that is to say,
unless you feel any objection."
the contrary,"said Rosamond,
"On
she rather interests
There is something in her face and manner
I can't say
me.
in

broken

"

"

"

what
must

that

"

makes

get her

to

talk,and

culiarities. Don't

stop here

feel curious

me

know

more

of her.

try if I can't bring out

be afraid of my

in this dull

to

room

on

my

all her pe
excitingmyself,and don't
account.

I would

much

down
rather you went
and
stairs,
his wine.
Do go and talk to
over

kept my husband company

him a little
him, and amuse
be so dull,
he must
while I am
poor fellow,
up here ; and he
likes you, Mr. Orridge he does,very much.
Stop one mo
and
look
the
He
doesn't take a
at
ment,
just
baby again.
dangerous quantityof sleep,does he ? And, Mr. Orridge,one
word more
: When
you have done your wine,you will promise

"

"

to lend

my

husband

stairs to wish

me

of your eyes, and

good-night,won't you?"
the

use

bringhim

up

DEAD

TIIE

113

SECRET.

pay attention to Mrs. Frankland's

request, Mr. Orridgc left the bedside.
As he opened the room
door,he stoppedto tell Mrs. Jazeph

Willinglyengaging to

that

should

he

stairs if she wanted

down

him, and that

she might stand

any instructions of which

later in the evening,before he left the inn for the

give her

he would
in need

The

night.
over

be

new

he

passed by her,was kneeling

ar
open trunks,arrangingsome
been rather carelessly
folded up.

when

nurse,

of Mrs. Frankland's

one

clothingwhich had
Just before he spoke to her,he observed
isette in her hand, the frill of which was
ticles of

that she had

laced

chem

through with

ribbon.
end

One

of this ribbon

she

him

appearedto

to

pointof drawing out, when

the

and

worthless.
intrinsically

be

on

the

of his

sound

disturb
footsteps
ed her.
The moment
she became
of his approach she
aware
dropped the chemisette suddenlyin the trunk,and covered
it over
with some
handkerchiefs.
Although this proceeding
Mrs. Jazeph'spart rather surprised
the doctor,he abstain
on
ed from showing that he had noticed it. Her mistress had
for her character,
vouched
after five years'experienceof it,
bit of ribbon

the

accounts, it

was

steal it ; and yet, as Mr.

he had left the room, her
the

to commit

Orridgecould

not

conduct,when

he

exactlythe

trunk,was

her

impossibleto suspect

was

conduct

of

On

both

of

attempting to
help feelingwhen
surprisedher over

person

who

is about

theft.

about my luggage,"said Ros

"Pray don't trouble yourself
the
as
amond, remarking Mrs. Jazeph'soccupation as soon
and you
doctor had gone.
"That
is my idle maid's business,
will only make
her more
careless than ever
if you do it for
her.

here

and

am

sure

the

sit down

is

room

and

rest

kind-hearted
unselfish,

woman

to

The

serve

told

me

ther's.

Any
in

me

stranger.

that your mistress

I suppose she must

in order.

Come

yourself. You must be a very

all this trouble
to give yourself
this afternoon
message
a friend of my
was
poor, dear fa
have known
him before my time.
doctor's

way, I feel doubly gratefulto her for takingan interest

for my father's sake.
But you can
have no such feel

ing ; you must have come

anxiety to help others.
dow.

set
beautifully

Come

and

sit down

here from
Don't

by

go

me."

pure

away,

good-nature and
there,to the win

114

THE

Mrs.

DEAD

risen from

SECEET.

trunk,and was
approach
in the di
bedside
when
she suddenly turned away
of the fire-place,
justas Mrs. Frankland began to speak

Jazeph had

ing the

the

"

rection

of her father.
"

Come

tient at

doing

and

sit here,"reiterated

receivingno

"

answer.

Rosamond, gettingimpa

What

in the world

are

you

there at the foot of the bed ?"

the
between
again interposed
figureof the new nurse
bed and the fadingeveninglightthat glimmered through the
before there was
window
any reply.
is
"The
evening
closingin," said Mrs. Jazeph, and the
I was
window
is not quiteshut.
thinkingof making it fast,
if you had no
and of drawing down
the blind
objection,
The

"

"

ma'am

?"

Oh, not yet ! not yet ! Shut the window, if you please,
the
in case the baby should catch cold,but don't draw down
Let me
blind.
get my peep at the view as long as there is
any lightleft to see it by. That long flat stretch of grazingat this dim
time,to look
ground out there is justbeginning,
"

littlelike my
any
you know
a

childish recollections of

Cornish

Do

moor.

thing about Cornwall, Mrs. Jazeph ?"

"At those first three words of reply the
"I have heard
nurse
stopped. She was just then engaged in shuttingthe
in closingthe
window, and she seemed to find some
difficulty
"

"

lock.
you heard?" asked Rosamond.
is a wild, dreary
I have' heard that Cornwall

"What
"

said Mrs.

window,
to

have

Jazeph, still busying herself with

and, by consequence,

the

country,"

lock

still keepingher back

of the
turned

Mrs. Frankland.
"

window, yet ?" said Rosamond.

My
maid always does it quiteeasily.Leave it tillshe comes
up
for
I
her
brush
I am
to
her directly. want
going to ring
my
hair and cool my face with a littleEau de Cologne and water."
I have
shut it,ma'am," said Mrs. Jazeph,suddenly suc
if you will allow me, I
And
ceeding in closingthe lock.
for the night,
should be very glad to make
you comfortable
and save
you the trouble of ringingfor the maid."
the oddest woman
she had ever
nurse
Thinking the new
met
accepted the offer. By the time
with,Mrs. Frankland
Mrs. Jazeph had preparedthe Eau de Cologne and water, the
"Can't

you

shut

the

"

"

"

softlyover
twilightwas falling
room
was
beginningto grow
"Had
you not better lighta
"

"I

the

dark.

suggestedRosamond.

candle?"

Jazeph,rather hastily.

quitewell without."
began to brush Mrs. Frankland's hair
the same
time,asked a questionwhich
see

She

and, at

Pleased

Cornwall.

them

passedbetween

that had

words

few

and
landscapeoutside,

the

not, ma'am," said Mrs.

I think
can

115

SECRET.

DEAD

THE

find that the

to

she

as-

referred
the

on

to

the

subjectof
had

nurse

new

spoke;

grown

speak before she was spoken to,

desired nothing better than to talk about her
Rosamond
inex
recollections of her native country.
But, from some
plicablereason, Mrs. Jazeph's touch, lightand tender as it
effect on her,that
was, had such a strangelydisconcerting
familiar

enough

could

she

last

at

to

succeed, for the

not

in

moment,

her
collecting

The
reply,except in the briefest manner.
of the nurse
careful hands
lingeredwith a stealthygentle
wasted face of the
the locks of her hair;the pale,
ness
among
and then,more
nurse
closelyto
new
approached,every now

thoughts so

her

appearedat

than

own

to

as

uneasiness,which
of her

which

"

could

she

could

she

all

seemed

and

could

not

move,

though

could

not

turn

her head

brush

; she

"

could

whether

brush
so, she

out

of Mrs.

or

so

confused

of the

as

to

look round
had
At

nurse

part
particular

any

reallyfelt,in

that she

floatingabout
to

move

humor

could

been

caused

not

sense

at

the

instant she had

discourteous
alarm

exhibited.

and
With

the

break

by her own
of oppression
snatchingthe

real" irritated her into

of the

She

in the bed ; she

the action of the

; she

The

her,to be

the air she breathed.

last the

Jazeph'shand.

felt ashamed

action,and
manner

fancied

be

she wanted

embarrassing silence which

short,discouraginganswer.
"

to

sensation of

vague

to

trace

her,like

over

not

not

hardly say

bodily sense, at
hanging around

all needful.

done

abruptnessof
surprisewhich
the

strongest

the
the

sense

absurdityof her own

conduct,and yejbwithout the
and
she burst out laughing,
least power of controlling
herself,

of the

tossed the brush

"

away
look

to

the foot of the bed.

Mrs. Jazeph," she said,still

Pray don't
surprised,
laughing without knowing why, and without feelingin the
"I'm very rude and odd, I know.
degree amused.
slightest
I can't tell
have brushed
hair delightfully;
but
You
my
"

116

DEAD

THE

how

it

seemed, all

the

SECRET.

time,as

if you

brushing the
I can't help laughing at
strangest fancies into my head.
I can't indeed ! Do you know, once
them
or
twice,I ab
solutelyfancied,when your face was closest to mine,that you
hear of any thing so ridic
! Did you ever
wanted
to kiss me
of a baby, in some
ulous?
I declare I am
more
things,than
the little darlinghere by my side !"
Mrs. Jazeph made
She left the bed while Ros
no
answer.
amond
was
speaking,and came
back,after an unaccountably
As she held
long delay,with the Eau de Cologne and water.
bathed
the basin while Mrs. Frankland
her face,she kept
it was
when
time
at arm's
no
nearer
length,and came
away
Rosamond
to offer the towel.
began to be afraid that she
had
seriouslyoffended Mrs. Jazeph,and tried to soothe and
the management
her by asking questionsabout
of
propitiate
the baby. There was
a
slighttrembling in the sweet voice
"

were

"

of the

new

nurse,

but

not

the

faintest

tone

of sullenness

or

ad
simply and quietlyanswered the inquiries
to her.
By dint of keeping the conversation stillon
Mrs. Frankland
the subjectof the child,
succeeded,little by
in tempting her to
in luringher back to the bedside
little,
bend down
admiringly over the infant in emboldening her,
One kiss was
the cheek.
all
at last,
to kiss him tenderlyon
that she gave ; and she turned away
from the bed, after it,
and sighedheavily.
Rosamond's
The
sound
of that sigh fell very sadly on
heart.
Up to this time the baby's little span of life had al
ways been associated with smilingfaces and pleasantwords.
anger,
dressed

she

as

"

"

It made

her uneasy
sigh after it.

and
"

am

any
so

that any

one

could

caress

be fond of children,"
she
you must
little from natural delicacyof feeling.

excuse

fondness
you
do

think

want

for

me

noticingthat

it

Pray pray don't answer

pain if you have any loss

my

"

"

to

ask if you have

ever

rather

seems

to

him

said,hesi

sure

tatinga
you

to

"

But

will

mournful

questionif it gives
but I
deplore; but
"

child of your own?"

chair when
that question

had

standingnear a
was
put. She caught fast hold of the back of it,graspingit
or
so
perhaps leaningon it so heavily,that the wood
firmly,
She
Her head dropped low on her bosom.
cracked.
work
did not utter, or even
attempt to utter, a singleword.
Mrs.

Jazeph

was

DEAD

THE

Fearing that

the

his cheek

child of her

said
her

and

own,

she

nothing,as
Her

turn.

Mrs.

where

little above

lost

by venturingto
unnecessarily

Rosamond
questions,
baby to kiss him in

more

over

have

must

distress her

dreading to
any

she

117

SECRET.

ask

stooped

lipsrested

Jazeph'slipshad

on

rested

before,and they touched a spot of wet on his

of the water
skin. Fearing that some
in which
smooth
warm
she had been bathing her face might have dropped on him,
his head,neck,and bosom,
she passedher fingerslightly
over
and felt no
The one
other spots of wet
drop
any where.
that had fallen on him was
the cheek
the drop that wetted
the

moment

which

the

The

had

nurse

twilightfaded

darker
close

new

and
to

darker
table

the

over

and

kissed.

landscape,the
still,
though she was

which

on

the

the

and

candles

have

yet almost

as

was

grew

sitting

now

matches

placed,Mrs. Jazeph made no attempt to strike

amond
did not feel quite comfortable
at the
in the darkness,
awake
with nobody in the room
who

room

were

light. Ros
idea of lying

but

person
she resolved to

total stranger ; and

the candles

lightedimmediately.
Jazeph,"she said,lookingtoward the gatheringob
scurityoutside the window, "I shall be much obligedto you,
I can
the blind.
if you will lightthe candles and pulldown
"

Mrs.

trace

no

resemblances

more

out

there,now,

to

Cornish

pros

pect ; the view has gone altogether."

"
Are you very fond of Cornwall,ma'am

?" asked

Mrs. Ja

in
zeph,rising,

lightthe

candles.

"

Indeed

husband

my

rather

dilatorymanner,
"

am," said Rosamond.

and

were

on

obligedto stop, on my account, at

long time gettingthe candles lit.

were
a

match-box

there ; and
Cornwall
when
we

was

to

way

our

to

this

born

place.

Can't

you

You

are

find

the

?"

which was
rather sur
Jazeph,with an awkwardness
prisingin a person who had shown so much neat-handedness
in at
broke the first match
in settingthe room
to rights,
tempting to lightit,and let the second go out the instant
Mrs.

after the flame

was

kindled.

the third attempt she

lit one
candle,and that

At

successful ; but she only

she carried away
from the table which

more

see, to the

curtains

which
dressing-table,

at the

foot of the bed.

was

Mrs. Frankland

hidden

from

her

was
one

could

by

the

118
"

DEAD

THE

do you

Why

SECRET.

the candle ?" asked

move

Rosamond.

thought it was best for your eyes, ma'am, not to have

the light too
near
them," repliedMrs. Jazeph ; and then
if she was
added
as
unwillingto give Mrs. Frankhastily,
land time to make
so
going
any objections "And
you were
To
to Cornwall,ma'am, when
you stopped at this place?
I suppose ?"
After saying these
travel about there a little,
words, she took up the second candle,and passed out of sight
she carried it to the dressing-table.
as
Rosamond
thought that the nurse, in spite of her gentle
But
woman.
looks and manners,
a remarkably obstinate
was
about assertingher right
she was
too good-natured to care
she
she pleased;and when
to have the candles placed where
Mrs. Jazeph's question,she still spoke to her as
answered
and familiarly
as
ever.
cheerfully
Not
to travel about,"she said, but to go
Oh, dear no!
straightto the old country-housewhere I was born. It be
Mrs. Jazeph. I have
been
not
longs to my husband
now,
of age.
Such a
it since I was
a little girlof five years
near
ruinous,rambling old place! You, who talk of the dreari
and wildness of Cornwall,would be quitehorrified at the
ness
very idea of livingin Porthgenna Tower."
The
faintlyrustlingsound of Mrs. Jazeph's silk dress,as
had been audible all the
about the dressing-table,
she moved
while Rosamond
was
speaking. It ceased instantaneously
she said the words
when
"Porthgenna Tower;" and for one
"

"

"

"

there

moment

was

have

"You, who

dead

silence in the

been

living all

your

room.

I
life,

suppose, in
place it is

nicelyrepairedhouses, can not imagine what a

that we
I am
well enough to travel
are
going to, when
What
do you think,Mrs. Ja
again,"pursued Rosamond.
zeph,of a house with one whole side of it that has never
You
been inhabited for sixty or seventy years past ?
may
of
from
notion
of
size
Tower
the
that.
some
Porthgenna
get
"

There
and

is
a

side that

west

north

side,where

we

to live in when

are

the

old

empty

rooms

hope we shall be able to repair. Only think

odd, old-fashioned thingsthat we may find in
ited

rooms

mean

gardener'sgloves,and
bottom.

How

to

put

rummage
I shall astonish

on

the
all

the

we

get there,

I
are, which
of the hosts of
those uninhab

cook's
over

and the
apron
them from top to

when
housekeeper,

I get

120

DEAD

THE

him

from
away
Frankland

to

SECEET.

part of the

the

talkingtogether.

were

Mrs.

the last person in the world who would

of impertinent
curiosity
yet she
; and

was

obliged to
could
"

to attend

get her

And

an

his most

assume

Mrs.

to

peremptory

him

Mrs.

Jazeph looked like

be guilty of an act
openly betrayed all

while
woman
inquisitive
standing by his wife's pillow. The

the characteristics of
land

Mr. and

where

room

Mr. Frankdoctor

was

before

manner

he

at all.

Frankland,"

said

Mr.

Orridge,turning
I have given Mrs. Jazeph all the
from the nurse,
as
away
directions she wants, I shall set the example of leavingyou
in quietby saying good-night.
Understanding the hint conveyed in these words, Mr.
Frankland
attempted to say good-night too, but his wife
kept tight hold of both his hands, and declared that it was
now,

"

unreasonable

to

expect her

to

let him

go

for another

half-

Orridge shook his head, and began to ex

and the blessings
of
patiateon the evils of over-excitement,
and sleep. His remonstrances, however, would
composure
if Rosamond
have produced very little effect,
had al
even
hour

least.

at

lowed

him

Mr.

of the
them, but for the interposition

to continue

happened to wake up at that moment, and who

the doctor's side,
on
by
proved himself a powerfulauxiliary
mother's
attention
his
all
absorbing
immediately. Seizing
Mr. Orridge quietly
led
his opportunityat the rightmoment,

baby, who

of the room, just as Rosamond

He stopped before
ing the child up in her arms.
last word to Mrs. Jazeph.
door to whisper one

Mr.

Frankland

out

"If Mrs. Frankland

her,"he
ought to
ner, which

down.

said.
go

to

you

"As

wants
soon

sleep.

to
as

There

talk,you

must

not

has

is

chair-bedstead

open for yourselfwhen

you
it
is
the candle where
behind
now,
can

closingthe
encourage

quieted the baby, she

she
a

tak

was

in that
want

to

cor

lie

the curtain.
Keep
The less lightMrs. Frankland
she will com
sees, the sooner
pose herself to sleep."
Mrs. Jazeph made
at the doc
answer
no
; she only looked
That strangelyscared expressionin her
tor and courtesied.
he had noticed
first seeing her,was
on
more
eyes, which
painfullyapparent than ever when he left her alone for the
and child.
"She
will never
night with the mother
do,"
he
led
Mr.
Frankland
Mr.
down
the inn
Orridge,as
thought
.

DEAD

THE

"

stairs.
er

shall have

We

to

121

SECRET.

send

to

London

for

nurse, aft

all."
little irritated

Feeling a

had

her husband

taken

been

the summary
from
away

by

in which

manner

her,Rosamond

fret

made
to
the offers of assistance which
were
fullyrejected
the doctor had left the room.
as
her by Mrs. Jazeph as soon
declined ;
her services were
said nothing when
The
nurse
anxious
to
and
yet, judging by her conduct, she seemed
toward
the bedside
opened
speak. Twice she advanced
before she settled
her lips stopped and retired confusedly,
in her former
herself finally
place by the dressing table.
until the child
she remained, silent and out of sight,
Here
and had fallen asleepin his mother's arms,
had been quieted,
little pink,half-closed hand
with one
restingon her bosom.
her lips,
to
resist raising the hand
could not
Rosamond
As she
though she risked waking him again by doing so.
followed by a faint,
the sound
of the kiss was
kissed it,
sup
curtains
of
side
the
from
other
the
pressedsob, proceeding
"

"

"

"

of the bed.

end

lower

at the

is that ?" she exclaimed.

What

con
Nothing, ma'am," said Mrs. Jazeph, in the same
whispering tones in which she had answered Mrs.
strained,
former
Frankland's
just falling
question. "I think I was
I
have
told you
and
here
to
ought
asleepin the arm-chair
;
perhaps that, having had my troubles,and being afflicted
with a heart complaint,I have a habit of sighingin my sleep.
It means
nothing,ma'am, and I hope you will be good
it."
enough to excuse
"

Rosamond's

generous

said.

it!" she

"Excuse

instincts
"I

that,Mrs. Jazeph, and be the

Mr.

Orridge

will take
No

no

to-morrow

comes

that you want

Don't thank me

care

aroused

were

hope
means

in

moment.

I may
do better than
of relieving
it. When

you shall consult him, and I

order.
for nothing that he may
of
until I have been the means

and keep where

you well
you are, if the arm-chair
is comfortable.
The baby is asleepagain ; and I should like

making
to

have

"

half

an

hour's

quietbefore

change

to the

night side

Stop where you are for the present : I will call

as
soon
as I want
you."
So far from exercisinga soothing effect on Mrs. Jazeph,
these kindly meant
words
produced the preciselyopposite
of the bed.

122

THE

result of

making her

DEAD

SECKET.

restless.

She

began

walk

to

about

the

and

for the change

confusedlyattempted to account
in her conduct
by sayingthat she wished to satisfyherself
that all her arrangements were
properlymade for the night.
In a few minutes more
she began,in defiance of the doctor's
into talkingagain,by
to tempt Mrs. Frankland
prohibition,
asking questionsabout Porthgenna Tower, and by referring
for and againstits being chosen as a perma
to the chances
married couple.
residence by the young
nent
"Perhaps, ma'am," she said,speaking on a sudden,with
in her voice which
an
was
curiouslyat variance
eagerness
with the apparent indifference of her manner
"Perhaps
when
not
like it so well
you see Porthgenna Tower
you may
room,

"

as

think

you

will

you

Who

now.

can

tell that

get tired and leave the placeagain after

peciallyif you go into the empty rooms?

not

"

as

face

can

to

inconveniences

worse

the

see

settle

Seven

altogetherat

stay there for

At

that

asked

no

room

near

the

the

doctor

had

few

minutes
as

and down

once

World.

if

Even

my
more

than

Porthgenna

Mrs.

to

don't

we

shall

we

Jazeph abruptly turned

door, where

She
the

retired to

chair-bedstead

away, and
of the
corner
stood

which

pointed out to her occupied herself for a

in making it ready for the night then left it as
she had
approached it,and began to walk up
"

"

This unaccountable

more.

which
restlessness,

made
alreadysurprisedRosamond, now
twice
when
she once
or
especially
uneasy
Jazeph talkingto herself. Judging by words

her

had

"

of sentences

am

house, I feel certain that

questions.

more

time."

some

answer,

suddenly

the old

those,where
"And

at

rooms

of the

Wonders

than

Rosamond.

the uninhabited

see

have

"

curiosityis concerned,"said
curious

es

I should
saying so, ma'am
my
like you would
have liked to get
from dirt and dust,and disagreeable
possible

"

far away
smells."

days

"

I should

thought if you will excuse

have thought that a lady
as

may

you

few

that

still running,with

were

the most

subjectof Porthgenna
she continued

ing,Rosamond's

to

audible

Tower.

now

and

feel rather

and

fragments

then, her mind

was

on
inexplicable
persistency,

As

the minutes

wore

the

on, and
talk
on

up and down, and still went

uneasiness began to strengtheninto
walk

Mrs.

overheard

some-

THE

thing like

She

alarm.

DEAD

123

SECRET.

resolved

awaken

to

Mrs.

Jazeph,in

of the strangeness of
the least offensive manner,
to a sense
her own
but by
conduct, by noticingthat she was
talking,
understand

appearingto

not
"

What

tion

at

did you
moment

Mrs.
she had

herself.

thinkingaloud.

Jazeph stopped,and
been

talkingto

was

say ?" asked Rosamond, puttingthe ques

when the nurse's voice was
most
distinctly

in the act of

betrayingher

that she

awakened

raised her
of

head

as
vacantly,

if

heavy sleep.
about our
thought you were
saying something more
"I thought I.heard
old house," continued
Rosamond.
you
I
not
to
that
that
to
would
or
Porthgenna,
ought
say
go
you
there
in
that
of
not
sort."
or
place,
something
go
my
Mrs. Jazeph blushed
like a young
girl. "I think you
have been mistaken,ma'am," she said,
and stoopedover
must
the chair-bedstead again.
that, while she
saw
Watching her anxiously,Rosamond
to arrange
the bedstead,she was
was
affecting
doing noth
it for being sleptin. What
did
to prepare
ing whatever
out

"I

that

What

mean

As

half-hour?

Mrs.

the thrill of
tions,

Frankland

terrible

very roots of her hair.

but it suddenly struck
that
conviction,
All that

was

conduct

did her whole

the

new

herself those

suspicionturned

It had
her

asked

never

now,

nurse

not

in her behavior

unaccountable

to

her

the force of
in her

ques

her cold to the

occurred

with

was

for the last

mean

before,

positive

rightsenses.
"

her odd

dis

the curtains at the foot of the bed ; her

over-familiar way of usingthe hair-brush ;
lingering,
stealthy,
behind

appearances

time,her talkativeness at another ; her

her affectation of being
her whisperingto herself,
restlessness,
deeplyengaged in doing something which she was not doing
of her strange actions (otherwise
at all
incompre
every one
in
that
dread
b
ecame
moment
a
on
one
intelligible
hensible)

her

silence

at

one

"

ful

that
supposition

Terrified
One

of her

as

arms

she

was

mad.

she was, Rosamond

kept her presence of mind.
round the child;and shehacl
stole instinctively

hanging above
bell-rope
Mrs. Jazeph turn and look at her.
her pillow,
when
she saw
A woman
would, proba
possessedonly of ordinarynerve
the
at
at
instant
have pulled
bell-ropein the un
bly, that
had courreasoningdesperationof sheer fright.Rosamond

half raised the other to catch at the

F2

124

DEAD

THE

SECEET.

that
enough to calculate consequences, and to remember
Jazeph would have time to lock the door, before assist
could arrive,
if she betrayed her suspicions
ance
by ringing
for doing so.
without
first assigningsome
reason
plausible
looked at her,partly
She slowly closed her eyes as the nurse
the notion that she was
to convey
composing herself to sleep
for sum
safe excuse
partlyto gain time to think of some
The flurryof her spirits,
however, inter
moning her maid.
after min
fered with the exercise of her ingenuity. Minute
and stillshe could think of no assign
ute dragged on heavily,
able reason
for ringing the bell.
She was
just doubting whether it would not be safest to
send Mrs. Jazeph out of the room, on
to her
some
message
she was
alone,and
husband, to lock the door the moment
then to ring she was justdoubtingwhether
she would boldly
she heard the
of proceeding or not, when
adopt this course
rustle of the nurse's silk dress approaching the bedside.
Her first impulse was
to snatch at the bell-rope
; but fear
raise it from the
had paralyzed her hand; she could not
pillow.
The
She half unclosed
rustlingof the silk dress ceased.
her eyes, and saw
that the nurse
was
stoppingmidway be
age
Mrs.

"

"

and

part of the

the

tween

the bedside.

look.

tation of

There

perplexityand

which

she

nothing wild

was

agitationwhich

The

from

room

had

or

advanced
in her

angry

her face

expressedwas the agi

She stood rapidlyclasping
and
image of bewilderment

alarm.

and

unclasping her hands, the

stood so for nearly a minute
distress
then came
forward a
few steps more, and said inquiringly,
in a whisper:
"Not
asleep? not quiteasleep,
yet?"
Rosamond
tried to speak in answer, but the quick beating
of her heart seemed
and to stifle
to rise up to her very lips,
"

the words
The

"

on

them.
on, stillwith

came

nurse

the

same

and
perplexity

in her

face,to within a foot of the bedside

by the pillow,and looked earnestlyat Rosamond
and glanced all round her,as if to make
a little,
tress

room

was

empty

whispered into
"When
JRoom

'"

you

"

her
go

bent forward
ear

to

"

hesitated

these words

"

dis

knelt down

"

shuddered

"

sure

that the

bent nearer, and

Porthgenna, keep

out

of

the

Myrtle

DEAD

THE

she
of the woman,
as
cheek, and seemed to flyin one

spoke,beat

hot breath

The
mond's

vein of her

every

sensation burst

held

her
a

The

body.

able

with

125

SECRET.

speechless.She

and

of that

started

unutter

hitherto
in bed

up

pulledit

and
bell-rope,

of the

hold

caught

scream,

through

that had

of the terror

the bonds

motionless

fever-throb
shock

nervous

Rosa

on

violently.
Oh, hush ! hush !" cried Mrs. Jazeph,sinkingback on her
with the
knees,and beatingher hands togetherdespairingly
of a child.
helplessgesticulation
and
Rosamond
rang againand again. Hurrying footsteps
"

outside

heard

eager voices were

o'clock yet
ten

the

on

It

stairs.

not

was

nobody had retired for the night and the

the house.
violent ringinghad already alarmed
The nurse
to her feet,
rose
staggered back from the bed
side,and supportedherself againstthe wall of the room, as
She said not
and the voices reached the door.
the footsteps
The hands that she had been beatingtogether
another word.
nerveless at
so
violentlybut an instant before hung down
"

"

side.

her

blank

The

of

all her

spreadover

great agony

face,and stilled it awfully.

entered the room
first person who
land's maid, and the landlady followed her.
The

Mrs. Frank-

was

addressing
Frankland,"said Rosamond, faintly,
the landlady. I want
to speak to him directly. You," she
continued,beckoning to the maid, sit by me here tillyour
I have been dreadfully
master
comes.
frightened.Don't ask
me
questions; but stop here."
"

Fetch

Mr.

"

"

"

The

maid

stared at her mistress in amazement

round

with

disparaging frown

landladyleft the
a

little away

the bed.
pense, of
her other
said
not

features

aside

an

as

don't !"
the

the

Frankland,she
to

fixed with

were

When

nurse.

command
a

had moved

full view

look of breathless
face.

Rosamond's

the

From

of
sus

all

be gone.
She
did not start,she did

expressionseemed

to

nothing. She
inch,when the landladyreturned,and

noticed

led

to his wife.

Lenny ! don't
by

wall,so

devouring anxiety,on

Mr. Frankland

pray
band

the

eyes

nothing,she
move

"

from

Her

to fetch Mr.

room

the

at

; then looked

let the

new

nurse

stop here to-night pray,

"

whisperedRosamond, eagerlycatchingher
arm.

hus

126

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

Warned

laid
by the trembling of her hand, Mr. Frankland
his fingers
her temples and on her heart.
on
lightly
has happened ?
Good
I left
! what
Heavens, Rosamond
you quietand comfortable,and now
dear
I've been frightened,
dreadfullyfrightened,
by the
Don't be hard on her,poor creature
new
nurse.
; she is not
I am
in her right senses
certain she is not.
Only get her
quietly only send her back at once to where she came
away
I shall die of the fright,
if she stops here.
She has
from.
been behaving so strangely she has spoken such words
to
She came
me
Lenny! Lenny! don't let go of my hand.
stealingup to me so horribly,
just where you are now; she
knelt down
at my
ear, and whispered oh, such words !"
Hush, hush,love !" said Mr. Frankland,gettingseriously
alarmed
by the violence of Rosamond's
agitation. Never
I
mind repeatingthe words
calmer
now
; wait till you are
I will do
beg and entreat of you, wait till you are calmer.
and be quiet,
every tiding
you wish,if you will only lie down
and try to compose
yourselfbefore you say another word.
that this woman
has
It is quite enough for me
to know
frightenedyou, and that you wish her to be sent away with
little harshness
as
as
possible. We will put off all further
morning. I deeply regret now
explanationstill to-morrow
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

in carryingout
persist

that I did not

ing for
lady?"

London.

from

nurse

proper

landladyplaced herself by

The
"

Is it late ?" asked

"

Oh

"

Order

no, Sir ; not

my

own

idea of send

Where

is the

Mr. Frankland's

land

side.

Leonard.
o'clock

ten

yet."

the door,then,as soon

as
fly
brought
?"
if you please. Where
is the nurse
possible,
Standing behind you, Sir,near the wall,"said the maid.
be

to

to

"

As Mr. Frankland

pered to

him

words

"

on

flowed

down
on

her face

again,close

Don't

whis

her,Lenny."
at
curiosity

Mrs. Ja-

alter,as
expressionof her countenance
her
thick
in
spoken. The tears rose
eyes,
The
her cheeks.
deathlyspellof stillness

were

that had lain

back

be hard

direction,Rosamond

whole

the

zeph,saw
and

"Don't

in that

maid, lookingwith contemptuous

The

those

turned

be hard

on

to the

was

broken

in

an

instant.

She drew

wall,and leaned againstit as before.

her !" the maid

heard her repeat to

herself,

128

DEAD

THE

SECRET.

and yet, slightthingthough it was, the inexorable instinct

actions still.
of proprietyguided their most
trifling

"

On

her way

to

the

door, she stopped again at passingthe

bedside,looked through her tears at

and
struggleda little with herself,
words
"

bless you, and

she said.
prosperous,"
If you
member
She

that

stood

turned

of

think

ever

keep

for

away
of her

and

"

her

and

tears

the

morning

that she had

Frankland's
the inn

from

and

happy

door.

went

utter

from

out

COUNCIL

child

in the last

Of the four

room.
as

then

"

the

nurse

closed

alone.

them

V.
THREE.

OF

after the

and

Something

word,

complained."
weeping, and still

never

mother

silence in the

could

been

that

the

at

to the

voice caused

child

your

longer,still

CHAPTER

Mr.

her farewell

angry at being sent away.

again,after to-mght,pleaseto re

angry,

walked

persons in it not one

the door gently,and

news

spoke

child,

not

moment

and

you

am

me

not

was

looking through

Ox

then

the

"

God

tones

and

Rosamond

departure of

Mrs.

Jazeph,the

from the Tiger'sHead

by
away
reached
the doctor's residence
directions,

just as

he

sent

was

down
sitting

to breakfast.

Find

not accom
ing that the report of the nurse's dismissal was
of the cause
of it,Mr.
paniedby any satisfactory
explanation
Orridge refused to believe that her attendance on Mrs. Frankland had reallyceased.
However, although he declined to
credit the news, he was
so far disturbed
by it that he finished
his breakfast in a hurry,and went
to pay his morning visit
at the Tiger'sHead
nearly two hours before the time at
which he usuallyattended on his patient.
On his way to the inn,he was
and stoppedby the one
met
waiter attached to the establishment.
"I was
justbringing
said
from
Mr.
the
He
man.
Frankland,Sir,"
you a message
to see
wants
as
possible."
you as soon
"

"

Is it true

night by
"

that

Mrs. Frankland's

Mr. Frankland's

Quite true, Sir,"answered

The

doctor

and
colored,

?" asked

order

was

nurse

Mr.

sent

away

last

Orridge.

the waiter.

looked

seriously
discomposed.One

\
%

DEAD

THE

about

if
especially
professionis our dig

have

thingswe
precious

of the most

129

SECRET.

us

happen to belong to the medical

nity. It struck Mr. Orridge that he ought to
of his recommending
sulted before a nurse
we

situation

her

from
land

presumingupon

The

power

at

of wealth

his

as
position

good
more

of rank
disrespectfully

solute

of

had

was

dismissed
Mr. Frank-

Was

the

con

fortune ?

to

doctor

it is

man's

thought

had

he been

with
on
republicanprinciples
reflecting

such ab

is that ?" asked

open.
"
Mr.

been

impunity,but

riches ;

and

when
as
impartiality,

Who

have

gentleman of

with

Never

he

Sir,"said
Orridge,

never

followed

now

sullen silence to Mr. Frankland's

"

"

contradictions
practical

offer any
opinion of himself.

conscious

do much

may

to
privileged

not

notice.

moment's

"

in

the waiter

room.

Leonard,when

he heard

the door

the waiter.

ab
with self-asserting
Good-morning,"said Mr. Orridge,
ruptness and familiarity.
with his legs
in an arm-chair,
Mr. Frankland
was
sitting
selected another arm-chair,
crossed.
Mr. Orridge carefully
and crossed his legson the model of Mr. Frankland's the mo
in the pock
Mr. Frankland's hands were
he sat down.
ment
no
ex
ets of his dressing-gown. Mr. Orridge had
pockets,
which
he could not conveniently
get
cept in his coat-tails,
"

at ;

but

he

coat, and
wealth

put his thumbs

asserted

into the arm-holes

himself

easy insolence
difference to him
so

againstthe

It made

in that way.

of his waist

no

"

of
cu

is the range of a man's perceptions

when
his own
importance that Mr. Frankland

he
riouslynarrow
is insisting
on
was
of
being impressed by
blind,and consequentlyincapable
the independenceof his bearing. Mr. Orridge's
own
dignity
vindicated in Mr. Orridge'sown
was
presence, and that was
enough.
"I am
so
early,doctor,"said Mr.
glad you have come
A very unpleasantthing happened here last
Frankland.
nurse
night. I was obligedto send the new
away at a mo
"

"

ment's notice."
"

match
you, indeed !" said Mr. Orridge,defensively
ing Mr. Frankland's composure by an assumptionof the comWere

indifference.
pletest
"

"

Aha

you indeed ?"

If there had been time to send and consult you, of
!

were

course

130

THE

I should

have

Leonard

but it

alarmed

by

her

to

"

been

agitationand
frightenedby
the

would

ation

toward

new

in

She

told

I may

she

me

; and

house

as

with

I could

not

tell what

that I

entreated

as

circumstances,what

been

might

that

little delay and

these

have

dreadfully

conviction

her

in consider

wanting

my own
you, in proceeding on
in such a state
was
bility
; but Mrs. Frankland
that

all

were

been

had

rightsenses

to

seem

We

wife's bell ; I was

taken up
condition of the most
violent

possible.Under

as

so,"continued

hesitate.

; declared

nurse

of the

out

my

her

in her

not

littleharshness
I do ?

found

the

get her

could

ringingof

done

have

impossibleto

was

alarm.

was

woman

SECEET.

only too glad to

loud
and

room,

DEAD

sole

responsi

of excitement

be the

of op
consequence
delays; and after the dif

posing her, or of venturingon any

ficultyhad been got over, she would
disturbed by a summons
to the inn.
derstand this explanation,
doctor,in

hear

not

am

the

of your

sure

you

in
spirit

being

will

which

un

I of

fer it."
Mr.

Orridgebegan

to look

littleconfused.

His

solid sub

of

independence was
softeningand sinking from
under him.
He suddenly found himself thinkingof the cul
tivated manners
of the wealthy classes ; his thumbs
slipped
of
waistcoat
the
arm-holes
of
his
out
mechanically
; and, be
he was
fore he well knew
what
about, he was
stammering
his way through all the choicest intricacies of a compliment
reply.
ary and respectful
"You
will naturallybe anxious to know
what
the new
said or did to frightenmy wife so,"pursued Mr. Franknurse
land.
I can
tell you nothing in detail ; for Mrs. Frankland
in such a state of nervous
dread last night that I was
was
reallyafraid of asking for any explanations;and I have pur
this morning until you could
poselywaited to make inquiries
here and accompany
come
me
kindly took
up stairs. You
much
trouble to secure
this unlucky woman's
so
attendance,
be allegedagainst
that you have a rightto hear all that can
she has been sent away.
her, now
Consideringall things,
Mrs. Frankland
is not so ill this morning as I was
afraid she
structure

"

would

be.

She

kindly give
ately."
On

me

expects
your

enteringMrs.

to

arm,

see
we

Frankland's

you with
will go

room,

me

up
the

and, if you will

to

her

doctor

immedi

saw

at

DEAD

THE

she had

glance that

altered for the

been

past evening. He

of the

remarked

srreeted her husband

she

131

SECKET.

by

worse

smile with which

that the

the faintest and

was

the events

saddest

he had

seen

Her

face.

her

on

eyes looked

dim

and

weary, her skin

plainthat she had

dry, her pulsewas irregular.It was

passed a wakeful night,and that her mind was not at ease.
of her medical attendant as briefly
She dismissed the inquiries

was

as

led the conversation

and
possible,

subjectof

the

accord,to

Mrs.

of
immediately,

her

own

Jazeph.

I suppose you have heard what has happened," she said,

addressingMr. Orridge. " I can't tell you how grieved I am
"

My

it.

about

look in your eyes, as well

unfortunate
of
nurse, the conduct

conduct

of the poor

the eyes

must

in

as
a

ca

ready to cry with sorrow

I remember
when
how thoughtlessI was, and
and vexation
I showed.
how
little courage
Oh, Lenny, it is dreadful to
of any body, but to have pained that un
hurt the feelings
as
we
pained her, to have made her
happy, helplesswoman
caused her such humiliation
and
to have
cry so bitterly,

unfeelingwoman.
pricious,

"

wretchedness
"

are

am

"

"

My dear Rosamond," interposedMr. Frankland, you

and forgetting
causes
lamenting effects,
altogether.Re

member
have

your

what

been

some

"

and

It is that

worrying

tain than
poor

that

was

have

that there must

intellect

creature's

"

of my
for having been

Orridge,did
manner

were
"

which

hear

you

that

her

she

too, how

out

was

opinionon

that

must

strongO

of her

senses.

pointal

cause

might

here.
was

of
any

lead you
as

Mrs.

the

I remember
and

help me,

how

how
anxious

useful,I can't help feeling

help reproachingmyself
her dismissal last night. Mr.
thing in Mrs. Jazeph'sface or

can't

to

doubt

they ought
Frankland,

I should

with

something wrong

yet, when

herself

notice

quiteas sound
Certainly not,

brought

and

suspicions
; I
the

be

here to

came

make

to

ashamed

nurse

there

"

love, that has been perplexing

very opinion,
all night. I can't alter it ; I feel more
me
cer

ever

seemed

the

in

you

Remember,

altered your

not

good-naturedlyshe
she

I found

for that.

reason

conviction

Surely you
ready?"

of terror

state

not

to

her intellects

whether
be ?"

or

I should

have

or
suddenly taken ill,

been

never

have

astonished

that she had

to

been

132

DEAD

THE

seized with

SECRET.

that some
or
fit,
slightaccident, which would
have
frightenednobody else,had seriouslyfrightenedher;
but to be told that there is any
thing approaching to de
in her faculties,
does,I own, fairly
surpriseme."
rangement
Can I have been mistaken !" exclaimed
Rosamond, look
from Mr. Orridge to her
ing confusedlyand self-distrustfully
husband.
Lenny ! Lenny ! if I have been mistaken,I shall
never
forgivemyself."
Suppose you tell us, my dear,what led you to suspect
mad ?" suggested Mr. Frankland.
that she was
Rosamond
hesitated.
Things that are great in one's own
mind," she said,"seem to get so littlewhen they are put into
I almost
what
words.
despair of making you understand
I had to be frightened and then,I am
afraid,
good reason
in trying to do justiceto myself,that I may
do
not
justice
a

"

"

"

"

"

the nurse."

to
"

Tell your own

story, my love,in your own
way,
will be sure
said Mr. Frankland.
to tell it properly,"
"And

remember," added Mr. Orridge,"that I attach

importance to my opinion of Mrs. Jazeph. I have
time enough to form it. Your
of ob
opportunities

had

not

you

pray

real

no

and

servingher have been far more

Thus
encouraged,Rosamond
that had happened in her room
to the time

she had

when

than mine."

plainlyand simply related all

the previousevening,up
on

closed her

eyes and had heard

Before
repeatingthe

bedside.

approaching her
traordinarywords that
nurse

ear, she made

numerous

the
ex

Jazeph had whispered in her

looked earnestlyin her husband's

Mrs.

pause, and

face.
"

Why

do you

"

I feel

nervous

the words
"

the

stop ?" asked Mr. Frankland.

and

nurse

said

still,
Lenny, when

I think

just before I rang the

it something you would

of

bell."

me,

rather

repeat ?"

"

No

no

am

you think it means.

had been talkingof

ploringthe

north

I must
was

rooms

As

to

repeat it,and

to

hear

I have

just told you, Lenny,

Porthgenna,and of my projectof ex
as

soon

as

I got there ; and

she had

questionsabout the old house; appearing,

considering
say, to be unaccountablyinterested in it,
a stranger."

asking many

been

anxious

most

what

she

to

Was

did she say ?

What

not

we

flurried

THE

133

DEAD

SECRET.

to the

bedside,she knelt down

"Yes?"
"

at
to

she

Well, when
my

came

whisperedall

ear, and

Porthgenna,keep

out

of the

started.

Mr. Frankland

"

on

sudden

"

you

go

"

Myrtle Room

Is there such

'When

close

!'
a

at

room

Porth

genna?" he asked,eagerly.
it,"said Rosamond.
Are you sure of that ?" inquiredMr. Orridge. Up to this
the doctor had privatelysuspectedthat Mrs. Frankmoment
after he left her the evening
have fallen asleepsoon
land must
she was
now
relating,
before ; and that the narrative which
was
actuallyde
with the sincerest conviction of its reality,
rived from nothing but a series of vivid impressionsproduced
by a dream.
heard of such a room," said Rosa
certain I never
I am
I left Porthgenna at five years old ; and I had never
mond.
heard of it then.
My father often talked of the house in aftercertain that he never
spoke of any of the
years ; but I am
of
names
rooms
by any particular
say the same
; and I can
after he
I was
in his company
Lenny, whenever
your fatlier,
had bought the place. Besides,don't you remember, when
"

never

heard

of

"

"

"

the builder

we

sent

down

to survey

the house

you that
of the rooms

wrote

he complainedthat there were

no
names
letter,
in
the different keys to guide him
on
opening the doors,and
information
from any body at Porth
that he could get no
have heard of the
could I ever
genna on the subject? How
there to tell me ?"
was
Myrtle Room ? Who
Mr. Orridge began to look perplexed; it seemed
by no
had been dreaming,
certain that Mrs. Frankland
means
so

after all.
to her
thought of nothing else,"said Rosamond
I can't get those mys
husband, in low, whisperingtones.
Feel my
terious words
off my mind.
heart,Lenny it is
beating quicker than usual only with saying them over to
What
words.
They are such very strange, startling
you.
do you think they mean
?"
Who
is the woman
who
spoke them ? that is the most
importantquestion,"said Mr. Frankland.
is what I
That
"But
why did she say the words to me?
to
that is what I must
want
ever
to know
know, if I am
feel easy in my mind again !"
"

I have

"

"

"

"

"

134

DEAD

THE

"

SECKET.

Gently,Mrs. Frankland,gently!" said

child's

your

calm, and

well

sake,as

to look

for your

as

at this very

Mr.

Orridge.

own,

pray

mysteriousevent

try

"

For

composed
lightupon

as

If any exertions of mine can throw

this strange woman
and her stillstranger conduct, I will
I am
going to-dayto her mistress's house to
spare them.

ly as

can.

you

children

of the

one
some

who

you
will insist

cleared

see

the

having

on

whole

can

as

woman

instantly

mystery

up."

Rosamond's
"

sal.

not

in
it,I will manage
; and, depend upon
Mrs. Jazeph explainherself. Her mistress

every word that you have told me ; and I

she is just the sort of downright,resolute

shall hear
sure

make

to

way

be

to

eyes

weary

Oh, go

at

once, Mr.

brightenedat
Orridge!" she

the doctor's propo

"
exclaimed
go at
"

!"

once
"

I have

great deal of medical

said the doctor,smilingat Mrs.

first,"
"

Begin
"

it,then,without

work

do

to

in the

Fraukland's

losinganother

town

impatience.

instant,"said Ros

quitewell,and I am quite well we

need not detain you a moment.
And, Mr. Orridge,pray be
as
gentle and considerate as possiblewith the poor woman
;
and tell her that I never
should have thought of sendingher
if I had not been too frightenedto know
what I was
away
about.
And
this morning, and say
say how sorry I am
My dear,if Mrs. Jazeph is reallynot in her right senses,
what would
be the use
of overwhelming her with all these
It will be more
?" interposedMr. Frankland.
to
excuses
the purpose if Mr. Orridge will kindlyexplainand apologize

amond.

The

is

baby

"

"

"

"

"

for
"

us

to her mistress."

Go

Don't

amond,

as

"Don't

opening

stop

the doctor

to

talk

"

pray

go

at

once

attempted to reply to

Mr.

!" cried Ros

Frankland.

said Mr. Orridge,

be afraid ; no time shall be lost,"
"
the door.
But remember, Mrs. Frankland,I shall

expect you

to reward

your embassador,when he returns

showing him that you are a littlemore

his

mission,by
composed than I
partinghint,the doctor
and

find you this morning."

took his leave.

With

from

quiet
that

Porthgenna,keep out of the Myrtle

Room,'
repeatedMr. Frankland, thoughtfully."Those are
Who
this woman
can
really
very strange words, Rosamond.
be ? She is a perfectstranger to both of us ; we
are
brought
"'When

"

you

go

to

130

THE

DEAD

SECKET.

CHAPTER

VI.

ANOTHER

WITH

SURPRISE.

all the haste he could

make, it was one o'clock in the

afternoon before Mr. Orridge'sprofessional
avocations allowed
him to set forth in his gig for Mrs. Norbury's house.
He
drove
there with
such good-willthat he accomplishedthe
half-hour's journey in twenty minutes.
The footman
having
heard the rapidapproach of the gig,opened the hall door the
instant the horse was
pulledup before it,and confronted the
doctor
"

with

Well,"

smile of malicious

said

Mr.

Orridge,bustling into
surprisedlast night when

were

all rather

came

back,I suppose

"

satisfaction.

Yes, Sir,we

night,"answered the
surprisedwhen she went
last

Went

"

when
surprised

Yes, I do, Sir

she has

"

"

footman

you

housekeeper

but

we

she

came

back

stillmore

were

again this morning."

away

don't

You

away

the

?"

were
certainly

"

"

hall,

the

she is gone ?"

and gone for good."
lost her place,
to say

mean

smiled

again,as he made that reply; and the

stairs
housemaid, who happened to be on her way down
while he was
speaking,and to hear what he said,smiled too.
Mrs. Jazeph had evidentlybeen no favorite in the servants'
The

footman

hall.

preventedMr. Orridgefrom utteringanother

Amazement

Hearing

questionsasked,the footman threw

of the breakfast-parlor,
the door
fol
and the doctor
open
Mrs. Norbury was
lowed him into the room.
the
near
sitting
in a rigidly
window
uprightattitude,
inflexibly
watching the

word.

proceedingsof
"

I know

no

more

her invalid child

what

you

going to talk
outspoken lady.
are

said the
your lips,"
and say what
child first,
you

please,before

The

child

enter

on

examined, was

any

was

about
"

But

to

say on
other."

before you open

just look to the
that

pronounced to
to
by the nurse

carried away
little. As soon
as the door

and
rapidly,
rest

was

you

have

you

basin of beef-tea.

over

of the

room

be

if
subject,

improving

lie down

had

and

closed,Mrs.

DEAD

THE

137

SECRET.

him, for
Norbury abruptlyaddressed the doctor,interrupting
about to speak.
the second time,just as he was
Now, Mr. Orridge,"she said, I want to tell you some
I am
and I
a remarkably just woman,
thing at the outset.
You
of my having
the cause
have no quarrelwith you.
are
audacious
insolence by three peo
been treated with the most
I don't
ple but you are the innocent cause, and, therefore,
blame you."
Mr. Orridge began
I am
quite at a
reallyat a loss,"
"

"

"

"

"

"

loss,I
"

To

"

assure

"

know

tell you.

soon

you
what
Were

you

"

?" said Mrs.

mean

the

not

Norbury.
of
originalcause

Mrs.
housekeeperto nurse
Mr. Orridge could not
"Yes."

ing my

Frankland

I will
send

my

?"

hesitate

to

acknowledge

that.
"

Well," pursued Mrs. Norbury, and the consequence

sending her is,as I said before,that I am treated
my
insolence by no less than three people.
unparalleled
"

Frankland

takes

an

to

be

an

insolent readiness

frightenedby

insolent whim

into her

housekeeper.

my

that

to humor

with
Mrs.

head, and affects

Mr. Frankland

whim,

of

and

hands

shows
back

me

a bad
last,and
housekeeper as if she was
shilling
; and
of all,
face as
to my
worst
ruy housekeeperherself insults me
back
insults me, Mr. Orridge,to that- de
she comes
as
soon
gree that I give her twelve hours' notice to leave the place.
all about it ; I know
Don't beginto defend yourself! I know
said
you had nothing to do with sending her back; I never

my

"

All the mischief you have done is innocent mis

you had.
that
whatever
chief. I don't blame
you do,
you, remember
"

Mr.

Orridge,remember

that !"
"

defendingmyself,"said the doctor, for

I have no reason
But you surprise
to do so.
me
beyond all
when
of expression
you tell me that Mrs. Jazeph treat
power
ed you with incivility."
Mrs. Norbury.
Don't talk about
!" exclaimed
Incivility
bra
Impudence is the word
incivilityit's not the word.
zen
impudence. The only charitable thing to say of Mrs.
I never
noticed
Jazeph is that she is not rightin her head.
used to
any thing odd about her myself; but the servants
laugh at her for being as timid in the dark as a child,and for
"

I had

no

idea of

"

"

"

"

often

running away

to

her

candle

in her

own

room

when

138

DEAD

THE

they

declined
I

in.

set

to

lightthe lamps
troubled

never

SECRET.

the world

night had fairly

about

me
contradicting

the
flatly

the very last woman

herself in that way," answered

misbehave

to

the

this before ; but I

tell you, when I found her look
head

my

thought of it last night,I can

in the face,and
ing me fiercely
I spoke to her."
moment
I should
have
thought she
"

before

in

was

the

doctor.

Very

"

Now

well.

hear

what

happened when

she

came

night,"said Mrs. Norbury. "She got here just as

were
we
going up stairs to bed. Of course, I was astonished ;
and, of course, I called her into the drawing-room for an ex
planation.There was nothing very unnatural in that course
I suppose ? Well, I noticed that her eyes were
of proceeding,
and
swollen
red, and that her looks were
remarkably wild
and queer;
but I said nothing,and waited for the explana
that something she
tion. All that she had to tell me
was
had unintentionally
said or done had frightenedMrs. Frankland,and that Mrs. Frankland's husband had sent her away
the spot. I disbelieved this at first and very naturally,
on
in the story, and answered
I think
but she persisted
all my
questionsby declaringthat she could tell me nothing more.
So then,'I said, I am
inconven
to believe that,after I have
ienced myself by sparingyou, and after you have inconven
ienced yourself
by undertakingthe business of nurse, I am to
and you are
to be insulted,
be insulted,
by your being sent
the very day when
from Mrs. Frankland
on
you get to
away

back

last

"

"

'

she

her,because

accused

never

head,'said
with

such
five

my

chooses

Mrs. Frankland

Mrs.
a

take

to

look

Jazeph, and
as

never

years'experienceof

whim

into her head ?'

'

into her
taking a whim
stares
me
straightin the face,
in her eyes before,
after all
saw
of

her.

'

What

do you

?' I

mean

'Are
asked,giving her back her look,I can promise you.
you have received in
you base enough to take the treatment
I am
the lightof a favor ?'
justenough,'said Mrs. Jazeph,
and stillwith that same
stare straight
as
at
sharp as lightning,
Mrs.
blame
Frankland.'
I
not
to
am
me
just enough
Oh,
all
I
I
tell you is,
Then
that I
can
you are, are you ?' said.
if you don't ; and that I consider Mrs. Frankfeel this insult,
of an ill-bred,
land's conduct to be the conduct
impudent,ca
Mrs. Jazeph takes a step up to
unfeelingwoman.'
pricious,
'

'

"

me

takes

"

139

SECKET.

DEAD

THE

word

step,I giveyou my

and says dis

is neither ill-bred,

of honor

in so many
words, Mrs. Frankland
tinctly,
nor
unfeeling.''Do
impudent,capricious,
*

tradict me, Mrs.

from
Frankland

mean
Jazeph?'I asked.
unjustimputations,'
says

those

my
words."
her
exactly

were

doctor's

The
Mrs.

honor,as

on

"

Norbury

face

went

on

to

she.
a

defend
Those

con

Mrs.
were

gentlewoman,
astonishment.

blankest

expressedthe

to

mean

you

'I

words, Mr. Orridge

her

"

"

towering passion I don't mind confessing

I said,
Mrs. Jazeph,'
that,Mr. Orridge" but I kept it down.
not accustomed
to, and that I cer
this is language that I am
expectedto hear from your lips. Why you
tainlynever
"I

was

in

"

'

should take it on

to
yourself

defend Mrs. Frankland

for treat

ing us both with contempt, and to contradict me for resent

tell
But I must
ing it,I neither know nor care to know.
be spokento by every person
you, in plainwords,that I will
in my
employment, from my housekeeperto my scullerymaid, with respect. I would have givenwarning on the spot
to

any

in this house

other servant

you have
not
I would

as

behaved.'
allow her.

justyet ; you are

I tell you again,should
ing ; but I will be more

to

me

She
'

behaved

had

to

me

me
there,but
interrupt
said, you are not to speak

tried to

No,' I

to hear

have

who
'

me

Any

out.

left this

other servant,

placeto-morrow

morn

I will give you

just to you.
the benefit of your five years'good conduct in my service.
and to re
I will leave you the rest of the night to get cool,
I will not expect
flect on what has passedbetween
us ; and
until the morning.'
the proper apologies
to me
you to make
determined
to
act justlyand
You
see, Mr. Orridge,I was
and what do you
kindly; I was ready to make allowances
'I am
think she said in return?
willingto make any apolo
gies,ma'am, for offendingyou,'she said, without the delay
whether it
of a singleminute ; but,whether it is to-night,
or
is to-morrow
morning,I can not stand by silent when I hear
or
Mrs. Frankland
charged with actingunkindly,uncivilly,
improperlytoward me or toward any one.' Do you tell me
I tell it you sin
Mrs. Jazeph ?' I asked.
that deliberately,
ma'am,' she answered ; and I am
cerely,
very sorry to be
to be sorry,'
obligedto do so.' Pray don't trouble yourself
consider yourself
I said,for you may
no
longerin my servthan

"

'

'

'

'

'

140

THE

I will order

ice.

DEAD

SECRET.

the steward

to

instead of the month's

wages

you

pay

warning

the usual month's

the first thing to-mor

as
beg that you will leave the house as soon
I will leave to-morrow,
afterward.'
you convenientlycan
I beg
ma'am,' says she, but without troublingthe steward.
thanks
for your past kindness,
and with many
respectfully,
which I have not earned by
to decline takinga month's
money
service.' And
month's
a
thereupon she courtesies and goes
That
out.
is,word for word, what passed between
us, Mr.
in your own
conduct
Orridge. Explain the woman's
way,
I say that it is utterlyincomprehensible,
unless
if you can.
in her rightsenses
that she was
not
when
you agree with me
back to this house last night."
she came
doctor
The
began to think,after what he had justheard,
in relation to the new
that Mrs. Frankland's
nurse
suspicions
had
he
been at first disposed
not
as
were
quiteso unfounded
He wiselyrefrained,
them.
to consider
however, from com
he thought;
to what
by giving utterance
plicatingmatters
and, after answering Mrs. Norbury in a few vaguely polite
her irritation againstMr. and
to soothe
words, endeavored
the bearer
Mrs. Frankland
as
by assuringher that he came
and wife,for the apparent
of apologiesfrom both husband

and

row;

'

'

in their conduct

of courtesy and consideration

had made inevitable.
circumstances

want

absolutelyrefused

ever,

her hand

waved
"

can

with

hear

not

word

condescends
of the

more

to

matter.

propitiated.She
of great dignity.

more

Under

rose

up, and

you, Mr. Orridge,"she

apologieswhich are made indi
from

any
chooses

write

lady,how

to

and if Mrs. Frankcall,

am
willingto think no

me, I
any other

to

circumstances,I

must

keep my present opinionsboth of the lady and

gentleman. Don't say another word, and be so kind as

be allowed
the

to

offended

be

air

an

said; "I can not receive

rectly. If Mr. Frankland
land

to

The

which

excuse

how

to

me

if I leave

the child is

you,

gettingon.

and
I

am

go

the nursery to see

delightedto hear that you
up

to

or
Pray call again to-morrow
next
Good-morning !"
day, if you convenientlycan.
at the curt
at Mrs. Norbury, half displeased
Half amused
for a
she adopted toward
tone
him, Mr. Orridge remained
alone in the breakfast-parlor,
minute
two
or
feelingrather
He was, by this
undecided
about what he should do next.

think

her

so

much

better.

DEAD

THE

141

SECRET.

time,almost as much interested in solvingthe mystery of

Mrs. Frankland
as
her
Mrs. Jazeph'sextraordinaryconduct
all accounts, to go back to the
on
self;and he felt unwilling,
Tiger'sHead, and merely repeat what Mrs. Norbury had told
him, without being able to complete the narrative by inform
of the direction that the house
ing Mr. and Mrs. Frankland
keeper had taken on leavingher situation. After some
pon
to
question the footman, under the
dering,he determined
The
at the door.
pretense of desiringto know if his gig was
man
having answered the bell,and having reportedthe gig
to be ready,Mr. Orridge,while
crossingthe hall,asked him
if he knew
at what time in the morning Mrs. Jazeph
carelessly
had left her place.
When
About
ten o'clock,
Sir,"answered the footman.
his way to the sta
the carrier came
on
by from the village,
"

"

o'clock train."

tion for the eleven

"

Oh

"And
"

She

had

to

said Mr.

her, too, Sir,"said the

took

he

her boxes?"

he took

! I suppose

ride,for

in her

once

at
life,

man,

any

Orridge.
with

grin.

rate,in

car

rier's cart."

gettingback

On

the station
to

the

ed

to

No

and
newspaper,
slopeof the embankment.

the

the train

"

Mr.

in the

peoplego by it?"
porter repeatedthe names

Were

there

no

passengers
inquiredthe doctor.

"Yes, Sir.
"

Did

"

Yes, Sir."

eleven
The

the

of

some

of the inhabitants

Winston.

of West

"Do

gardening on

many

The

Mr.

was

read

morning an up-trainor
the porter.
Orridge,addressing

eleven

?" asked

porter

was

down-train."

"Did

"

at

station-master

The

that time.

ing the

down-train

before he returned
particulars,
trains,either up or down, happen

collect further

to

Tiger'sHead.
be due just at

"Is

Winston, the doctor stoppedat

to West

I think there

the station-master

Orridge went

on

from the town

but passengers

was

one

stranger
"

?"

lady."

issue the tickets for that train ?"

to the station-master.

giving a ticket this morning, by the

you remember
alone ?"
o'clock down-train,
to a lady traveling
station-master

pondered.

"

I have

issued

tickets,
up

142

THE

down,

and

half-a-dozen

to

DEAD

SECRET.

ladies

to-day,"

he

doubt

answered,

fully.
"

said

but

Yes,

Remember

question
had

lady
to

veil

her

o'clock

that

me

down,

train.

flurried,
asked

often

she

and

know

for

her

you

who

put

She

station.

here

got

who

and

this

at

train,"

?"
I

carrier, brought

the

Crouch,

remember

rather

recollect,

o'clock

eleven

remember

do

not

am

the

can't

you

seemed

who

of

only
if

Try

Stop

mean.

"

Orridge.

Mr.

"

speaking

am

the

eleven

into

trunk

the

office."
"

is the

That

"

For

"

You

"

take

she

ticket

her

said

far

too

off

her

ommended

about

have

to

told

people
timid,

Oh,

helpless

kind

no

When

Tiger's

fident

air

him.

her

of
It

news

add,

the

formation

drew

back

he

of

Mrs.

best
that

few

face

had

were

and

She

rec

seemed

Any

alone.

gone

Orridge,
his

to

gig

minutes

thing

done
Mrs.

again.

his

all

to

vehicle

that

could

Frankland

departure,

the

station-

the

leaving

afterward,
of

out

Jazeph's

authority,
she

Mr.

has

to

easy

journey.

travel

to

jumped
who

man

was

up,

her

we

Devonshire

the

to

Ex

at

her, Sir?"

said

nothing,"

of

end

woman

with

Head,

factory
on

of

hastening

he

the

to

connection

and

master

of

got

in

wrong

the

she

when

rail

time-table,

correct

information

for

apply

to

the

the

met

Cornwall.

into

here

coaches

what

"

"

?"

?"

question

you

travelers

take

to

asked

she

question

rather

for

Exeter."

Yes

eter

did

Where

woman.

important
Cornwall.

with
now

at

door

the

with
be
the
that

the

of
con

expected'
unsatis
he

supplementary

could
in

144

THE

SECEET.

DEAD

humming a tune and

ly at regularintervals,as if he were
in the
keeping time to it with his head. Seeing no customers
shop,Mrs. Jazeph opened the door and walked in.
that the cheer
she became
As soon
aware
as she was
inside,
ful man
behind the counter
was
keeping time,not to a tune
of his own
humming, but to a tune played by a musical box.
from a parlorbehind the shop,
The clear ringingnotes
came
the lovely "Batti,
and
the air the box
was
playing was
Batti," of Mozart.
"

Is Mr. Buschmann

"

Yes, ma'am,"
door

the

toward

himself

Mr. Buschmann

?" asked

Mrs.

Jazeph.

said the cheerful man, pointingwith a smile

music
that led into the parlor. "The
an

box

Mr. Buschmann's

Whenever

for him.

swers

home

at

is not

far off from

it.

Did

is

playing,

you

wish

him, ma'am ?"

If there is nobody with him."
?"
Oh, no, he is quitealone. Shall I give any name
and said
Mrs. Jazeph opened her lipsto answer, hesitated,
nothing. The shopman, with a quickerdelicacyof perception
than
might have been expected from him, judging by out
but opened
did not repeat the question,
ward
appearances,

to

see

"

"

the door

at

once,

and

the visitor

admitted

to

the presence

of

Mr. Buschmann.
The

shop parlorwas

very

small room,

with

an

old three-

bright green paper on the

the fire
walls,with a large dried fish in a glass case over
pipeshanging togetheron the
place,with two meerschaum
as
and a neat round table placed as accurately
wall opposite,
teapossiblein the middle of the floor. On the table were
things,bread, butter,a pot of jam, and a musical box in a
quaint,old-fashioned case; and by the side of the table sat a
simple-lookingold man, who
white-haired,
little,
rosy-faced,
the door was
started up, when
opened,with an appearance
the top of the musical box
and touched
of extreme
confusion,
to the end of the
that it might cease
so
playingwhen it came
cornered

look

about

it,with

air.

lady to speak with you, Sir,"said the cheerful shopman.

in a lower tone,
is Mr. Buschmann, ma'am," he added
"That
seeingMrs. Jazeph stop in apparent uncertaintyon entering
the parlor.
?" said Mr. BuschWill you pleaseto take a seat, ma'am
"

"

when

mann,

his

to

He

shopman

the

"

counter.

in

words

spoke these

closed the door and

had

music

the

Excuse

145

SECRET.

DEAD

THE

; it will

stop directly."

but

foreignaccent,

back

gone

with

perfect

fluency.
while he was
address
Mrs. Jazeph looked at him earnestly
a
ing her, and advanced
step or two before she said any
I so changed?" she asked softly. "So sadly,
tiling."Am
sadly changed,Uncle Joseph?"
"

Gott

! it's her

Himmel

im

voice

cried the old man,

his visitor

he

her

was

running up to
boy again,taking both

with

odd, brisk tenderness

an

niece

at

not

was

Uncle

all above

the

short

that

Joseph was
tiptoeto perform the
"

so

To

into

think

"

chair.

as

nimbly as

if

cheek.

Although his
height of women,

average
he had to

raise himself

coming

embracing her.
last !" he said,
pressingher

at

years and years, to think

Uncle Joseph again !"

After

all these

Leeson

on

of

ceremony

of Sarah

!"

hands, and kissingher

the

on

Leeson

it's Sarah

"

of

coming to see
Sarah still,
but not Sarah Leeson," said Mrs. Jazeph,press
ing her thin,trembling hands firmlytogether,and looking
the floor while she spoke.
down
on
Ah ! married ?" said Mr. Btischmann, gayly. "Married,

Sarah
"

"

of

Tell

course.
"

He

me

all about

Dead

is dead.

your

husband, Sarah."

and

the
forgiven." She murmured
last three words in a whisper to herself.
Ah ! I am
did
so
sorry for you ! I spoke too suddenly,
I not, my child ?" said the old man.
mind
Never
! No,
I mean
I don't mean
that
let us talk of something else.
no;
You
will have a bit of bread and jam, won't you, Sarah ?
Some
ravishingraspberryjam that melts in your mouth.
"

"

"

"

So, so, she will have

tea, then ?
won't talk of our
troubles
we
look
It

tune

"

box

going still.

don't,pray.

Do

listen

Have

at

"

pretty music
the

And

sure.

"

was

your

tea, to be

not just yet. You

least,
older than you ought to
very much
very pale,Sarah
that either;I don't mean
to be rude.
no, I don't mean
your voice I knew
your voice that
you by, my child
always said would have made your for
poor Uncle Max
if you
would
only have learned to sing. Here's his
"

look

some

box?
you

"

my

brother

forgottenthe

Don't

look

little to the music

Max's
box

box?

downhearted

so

Why,

you
how

that the divine Mozart

"

remember
you

look!

gave

to

146

THE

DEAD

my brother with his own

music school at Vienna?

SECKET.

Max

hand, when

! I have

Listen

boy in the
it going again.
a

was

set

It's a song they call ' Batti,Batti ;'it's a song in an opera of

said
Mozart's.
Ah ! beautiful ! beautiful ! Your Uncle Max
I know
comprehended in that one song.
nothing about music,but I have my heart and my ears, and
they tell me that Max was right."
and
gesticulation
Speaking these words with abundant
Mr. Buschmann
poured out a cup of tea
amazing volubility,
for his niece,stirred it carefully,
and, patting her on the
shoulder,begged that she would make him happy by drink
close to her to press this
ing it all up directly.As he came
that all music

was

request, he discovered
that she

"

looked

he

as

her;

at

once

to

remember

my

It

more.

sad

for

so

thought

Joseph

am

now.

I had

come

at

the stop of the musical box.

little,"he said,gravely,"till I have
touched

remem

in,when

I last

to you

in trouble

have

to

saw

written
a

the burden

very
of

own."
last words, and

these
"

shall wait

Mozart

told

you

something.

I say, and drink your tea, and own

to me
I speak the truth
What
did I, Joseph
not.
or

Sarah,hear
whether

what

Buschmann, tell you, when

ah more
fourteen,
fifteen,

you first came

! sixteen years

and

I said

in this

Sarah's

if any

"

life has been

than my

his head

face sad

When

never

me

pock

or
forgetful

me

rightto lay

no

shoulders

shook

her

man's

interest

an

past ; but my

years

other

on

sorrow

in
neglectful

seems

many

one, and

Uncle

'

from

the box

take

to

in trouble ; and

to you

came

you

in her eyes, and

were

don't think

"and

Uncle
Joseph. I
ungrateful,
ber every thing that you used
and happierthan
was
younger
you, I

tears

trying to take her handkerchief

being observed.
mind me," she said,
seeingthe old

Don't

den

the

was

without

et

that

is my

sorrow

man

house

same

asks

me

sorrow,
reasons

me

in

trouble,

in this town,

ago,
then,what I say

and
for

to

again now :
Sarah's joy is my joy ;'and
that,I have three to give

him."
stir up his niece's tea for the second time,
and to draw
her attention to it by tapping with the spoon
the edge of the cup.
on
He

"

stopped to

Three

child

"

some

he
reasons,"

resumed.

of her flesh and

"

First,
you
and
some
blood,

are

of

my

sistet's

mine,there-

THE

DEAD

147

SECRET.

fore,also.

and lastly
me
Second,my sister,
my brother,
my
father
all.
A
to
little
word
w
e
owe
self,
your good English
that means
much, and may be said again and again all.
Your father's friends cry, Fie ! Agatha Buschmann
is poor !
is foreign
! But your father loves the
Agatha Buschmann
and he marries her in spiteof their Fie,
girl,
poor German
Your
father's friends cry Fie ! again; Agatha Busch
Fie.
has a musician brother,
who gabbles to us about Mo
mann
to his porridge salt. Your
fa
zart, and who can not make
ther says, Good ! I like his gabble; I like his playing
; I
shall get him people to teach ; and while I have pinchesof
salt in my kitchen,he to his porridgeshall have pinchesof
"

"

salt too.

Your

fathers

Agatha Buschmann
Head, who to the

friends cry Fie ! for the third time.

has another
brother,a little Stupid-

other's

gabble can only listen and say

Amen.
Send him trotting;for the love of Heaven, shut up
all the doors and send Stupid-Head trotting,
at least. Your
father says, No ! Stupid-Headhas his wits in his hands; he
cut
and carve
and polish
can
a little at the start
; help him
ing,and after he shall help himself. They are all gone now
but me ! Your
father,
they
your mother, and Uncle Max
all
and
are
Stupid-Head alone remains to remember
gone.
for his sorrow, and
to be grateful to take Sarah's sorrow
Sarah's joy for his joy."
He stopped again to blow a speck of dust off the musical
to speak,but he held up his
box.
His niece endeavored
at her warningly.
hand, and shook his forefinger
and your
It is yet my business to talk,
No," he said.
"

"

"

"

business
Ah

! you

before

to

drink

look

I say
wife dies,
and

the

boy

tea.

away
word.
leaves

Have

from

me

falls sick,who

; you

third
my
know
my

still?

reason

third

reason

turn, marry, and my

my
alone with little Joseph,and when

I,in

When
me

not

then,so

comes

quiet,so pretty, so

bright young eyes, and the hands so tender

and light? Who
helpsme with little Joseph by night and
by day ? Who makes a pillowfor him on her arm when his
at his ear?
head is wreary? Who
holds this box patiently
who
has touched
yes ! this box, that the hand of Mozart
holds it closer,
closer always,when littleJoseph'ssense
grows
has
and
that
known
he
for
m
usic
he
the friendly
moans
dull,
from a baby, the friendly
music that he can
so
now
hardly,
neat, with the

"

"

G2

148

THE

Who

hardly hear?
heart

is

the

or

Sarah ! you can

the Long Ago !
is

kneels down

is

heavy, it

kindness

to

When

to

him

Uncle

when

Joseph

The

Who?

more?'

days ; you
is bitter,
and
Joseph to keep

is

shall

Ah,
forget

not

can

his

boy

sickness

the trouble

crueltyto

him

Uncle

Oh, hush ! hush

plays,where the

forgetthose

not

by

touch

sorrow

the burden
; it is

away

here."

come

recollections

The

'

says,
the better music

waste

never

SECRET.

and
breaking,

where

gone

DEAD

that

the

old

had

man

called up

found

tenderlyto Sarah's heart. She could not answer

Uncle Joseph bent
him; she could only hold out her hand.
and
kissed it ;
down, with a quaint,affectionate gallantry,
then
stepped back again to his place by the musical box.
Come
!" he said,pattingit cheerfully,we will say no more
Mozart's
for a while.
box, Max's box, little Joseph'sbox,
you shall talk to us again !"
Having put the tinymachinery in motion,he sat down by
the table,and remained
silent until the air had been played
twice.
Then
over
observing that his niece seemed calmer,
lie spoke to her once
more.
in trouble,
"You
tell
are
Sarah,"he said,quietly. "You
me
that,and I see it is true in your face. Are you grieving
their way

"

"

?"
for your husband
"
I grievethat I ever
that I

married

ever

him," she

met

him.

Now

that

"

answered.
he

is

dead,I

grieve I can only forgivehim."

Forgive him ? How you look,Sarah,when

grieve
not

can

"

"

say that !

you

Tell me""
"Uncle

dead,and
"You
you,

I have

Joseph!
that
have

then ?

beginning?

I have

told you
forgivenhim."

forgivenhim?
I

see

; I

Is the

see.

That

He

was

is the

that

my

hard

and

end, Sarah

husband

with

cruel
"

is

but

the

beginning that

you loved him ?"

her head
she turned

Her

aside.
pale cheeks flushed ; and
It is hard and humbling to confess it,"she murmured, with
out
raisingher eyes ; but you force the truth from me, un
cle. I had no love to give to my husband
love to give
no
"

"

"

any man."
"And
Wait!
it is not for
yet you married him!
It is for me
blame.
to find out, not the bad, but the
to

Yes,

yes ; I shall say

to

myself,she

married

him

when

me

to

good.
she

DEAD

THE

was

come

and
self,

helpless;she married
to Uncle
Joseph instead.
shall pity,but I shall ask no
and

poor

have

149

SECRET.

reached

half

hand

her

him

when

she

I shall say that

more."
old

the

should
to

my

again
then suddenly pushed her chair back,and changed the posi
tion in which she was
sitting. It is true that I was poor,"
she said,looking about her in confusion,
and speaking with
difficulty. But you are so kind and so good, I can not ac
Sarah

to

out

man

"

"

"

cept the

that your forbearance makes

I was
him because
not
marry
poor, but
claspedher hands together,and pushed her

for

excuse

She

"

farther from
"

So !

her
noticing

so

I had

stopped,

chair back

still

the table.

!" said the old man,

will talk about it no more."
"

I did

me.

excuse

no

"

confusion.

of love ; I had no
excuse
of bitterness
sudden
burst

of

We

poverty,"

and despair.
said,with a
Uncle
weak
too
to
Joseph,I married him because I was
of weakness
and fear has
persistin saying No ! The curse
all the days of my life! I said No
to him
followed me
once.
I
I said No to him twice.
if
could only have said
Oh, uncle,
it for the third time ! But he followed me, he frightened
she
u

me, he took
I had.
He

from

away
made

me

that

own

speak,and

don't come
to
No, no, no
me, uncle ; don't say any thing. He is gone ; he is dead
I have got my
release ; I have given my pardon ! Oh, if I
and hide somewhere
could only go away
! All people's
eyes
all
look
words
to threat
to
seem
seem
through me ;
people's
me.
en
My heart has been weary ever since I was a young
woman
; and all these long,long years it has never
got any
in the shop I forgotthe man
Hush
! the man
in the
rest.
shop. He will hear us; let us talk in a whisper. What
made
break out so ? I'm always wrong.
Oh me
! I'm
me
I say nothing; wher
when I speak; I'm wrong
when
wrong
I do, I'm not like other people. I
I go and whatever
ever
where

go

wished

all the little will of my

speak as he wished me to
me

he

me

to

go.

"

"

"

seem

to

never

little child.
he

heard

heard

me

have

Hark

me?

grown
! the man

Oh,

Uncle

mind
since I
up in my
in the shop is moving

Joseph!

you

think

"

he

has
has

?"

Looking hardly less startled

assured

do

was

her

that the door

was

than

his

solid,that

niece,Uncle
the

man's

Joseph
place in

150

THE

DEAD

SECKET.

it,and that it was im

if he heard voices in the parlor,
that he could
evenpossible,
also distinguish
spoken in it.
any words that were
You are sure
of that ?" she whispered,hurriedly. Yes,
the

shop was

at

distance

some

from

"

"

yes, you are

would
you ?

had

We

that,or you would

of

sorrow

other

"

not

were

often kind

were

to

when

me

say just that much

The trouble that I

"

it is

and

so,

about

talkingnow.
my
I
had some
past. Say that
I deserved
and suffering,
which
say that I
I was
of quiet,
when
livingin service with

years
mistresses who

fellow-servants

Not

me

and

and

masters

told

have

not

on

go
may
life: that is buried

married
years

of

sure

about

my

my

life,

in now, the
am
saying enough.
trouble that brings me
further than the
to you, goes back
have been talking about
years we
goes back,back,back,
Uncle Joseph,to the distant day when
last met."
we
Goes back all through the sixteen years !" exclaimed
the
old man, incredulously. Goes back,Sarah,even
to the Long
Ago !"
Even
I was
where
to that time.
Uncle, you remember
and what had happened to me, when
living,
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

When

here in secret ? When

to
you asked me
you came
the same
hide you ? That was
week, Sarah,when your mis
in the old
mistress who
lived away
west
tress died; your

You

house.
I

see
"

were

you now."
As every one

then
frightened,

sees

People

me

pale and frightenedas

"

always staringat
always pityingme

are

always thinking that I am nervous,

for being ill."
she lifted
Saying these words with a sudden fretfulness,
drained it of its contents
the tea-cup by her side to her lips,
the table to be filled again.
at a draught,and pushed it across
"
I have
all over
come
thirstyand hot," she whispered.
me

"

More
"

tea, Uncle

It is

Joseph
"

cold,"said

tea."

more

the old

"

man.

till I ask for hot

Wait

water."
"No!"
rise.
in

"

"

about
exclaimed, stoppinghim as he was
Give it me
cold; I like it cold. Let nobody else come

I can't

she

speak if any body

else

comes

and
uncle's,

went

on

chair close to her

gotten how
remember

in."
"

You

She
have

frightenedI was in that by-gone time

why I was frightened?"

"

to

drew

her

not

for

do

you

152

"

THE

Are

there

from

away
ened

all

lonelyhours,"she

in

alone

on

and

in the

even

felt

have

crawl

hair,and

head

bit

"

I have

summer.

heath, in

the

heat

and

if

as

that the dead

into the

came

holy city.

Tell me,
round

the
I

back ?

your

been

un

of

out

doors,

brightnessof noon,
touching me
chilly,
"

in the

New

Testa

of their graves, and went

Have
rested al
they rested,

out

once

The

"

and

bit down

by

chillyfingerswere
damp, softlycreepingfingers. It says
ment

looking
him, when
why
fright

foot ?

to

cold steal round

felt the

wide

instant,from

an

ever

you

of your
felt that

have

on, still never

went

the

over

cle,have
roots

SECRET.

corner, still not seeming to hear

sometimes
frightenedwithout knowing

are

you

DEAD

dead

ways, rested forever,since that time ?"

Uncle
recoiled
Joseph's simple nature

in bewilderment

from

which

dark

the

and

to
daring speculations
Without
saying a word,

questionsled.
the
away
the effort

in her chair

ward
the

so

look closer stillinto the

to

as

mistress

Bible.

made

She

she made

me

swear

not

destroyit.

She

with

me,

if I left the

house;

have

made

my

master, but

her

from

she

threatened

and
She

man's

to

death

of

I have

thwarted

the

part of the

and

made

room

on

alive now?

take it away
take it away.
She

not

quick for
on

to

time,to give it to
her
death
stopped
"

conscience.

my

dead

dampness

her cheeks

other world

removed

on

she

"

But
her

threat

if I thwarted

her

her

from

old

hand

strange gesture with

which

remained

her eyes

mistress,rest,"she whispered
master

the

her !"

stopped,suddenly
arm,

on

destroy the letter;and

I did not

third oath

from

me

oath

was

for the third

too

was

take my

swear

me, uncle,with the

the dead whiteness
on
to

come

me

and

swear,

fasteningthat

forehead,and
ened

me

made

mistress

"my

"

me

to

never

I did

would

said

dying,"she

was

grave, when

her

near

very

under

Rest, till the

her

drowned

the

it toward
fixed.

breath.
rise.

the

"Rest,
"

Is my
Tell him

gives up her dead."

"Sarah!
Sarah ! you are changed
you are ill you fright
!" cried Uncle Joseph,startingto his feet.
me
and looked at him with eyes void
She turned round slowly,

the Secret

when

the

sea

"

en

corner

room.

"My

"

draw

to

still held ; but the only result of

her tightenher grasp, and bend for-

make

to

was

tried

she

which

arm

he

his niece's

"

DEAD

THE

of all
him

Himmel!

im

Are

faint ?

open ?"
He took

trembled

"

escaped him.

both

by

Are

ill?

you

all

of his

Their

over.

shook

cold

fast that the

so
"

Come

More

"

So !

so

ill

what

"

doctors
"

have

Wait

the instant

expressionflew back
flash of light. Without
her seat and began stir

in her cup, round

into the

like

and

round

saucer.

said
herself,"

been

tillto-morrow,

at

Uncle

with

Joseph,

been
I

on.

of that !"

more

the Secret

pleaded the

old

You

good

the best."

they are al
something.

much

to

we

griefand terror,Uncle

again about

terror

so

stoppingjust when
in

am

eyes ;
to find out

I had

"

I can't bear

curious

stopping for?

to have

going

such

if they wanted

as

me,

shall have

you
speak of doctors.

Don't

me

been

we

seem

No

At

she

doctors.

no

griefand
"

the

they look
prying into

have

eyes

repeated,vacantly.
the old man, trying to soothe her.
English call out of sort.
They are

!" said

here.

we

your

natural

round

more

myself?"

ways
What
and

like

I want

them

gets

Are

her.

"

are

and

is it !

with

her.

round

hands, she started violently

liquidoverflowed

! she

watching

in

round

tea

looked

! what

dreaming

into her eyes with the rapidityof

saying a word, she hastilyresumed

ringthe

staring
through

He

Sarah

you
and

arms

she felt the touch

when
and

her

does she see?"

what

the exclamation

you

to be

something beyond.

vacantly

at

as

eyes that seemed

with
expression,

"Gott

153

SECRET.

say;

ought to
Joseph ;

"
"

"

man.

No

more

to-nightat least !"

Why not ?"
"

you will be ill againwith talkingabout it. You

will be lookinginto that corner, and dreaming with your eyes
You
ill yes, yes, Sarah ; you are too ill."
too
are
open.
"

Because

"

"

I'm

that I

not

ill!

ill?

am

talk about

Oh, why does every

Let

me

body keep tellingme

talk about

it ; I can't rest

it,uncle. I have
have told you."

till I

to

come

She
ner,

man
spoke with a changing color and an embarrassed
now
apparentlyconscious for the first time that she had

allowed
been
"

her

words

more

Don't

actions to escape her which

prudent to have restrained.
and

notice

me

again,"she said,with

gentle,pleadingmanner.

"

Don't

it would

her soft

notice

me

have

voice,and

if I talk

or

154

DEAD

THE

look

as

ought

I lost

myself just
nothing,indeed."

ing it; and I suppose

nothing,Uncle Joseph
Endeavoring thus to
"

of
position

tered the

part of the

the

myselfsometimes,without

I lose

not.

the

re-assure

her

chair,so

as

which

her

to

room

SECRET.

It

now.

she

old man,
face had

means

again al

back

placeher

to

know

been

toward
hitherto

turned.
"

"

Well, well,it is good

hear

to

that," said Uncle

Joseph ;

about the past time,for fear you should

speak no more
Yes,
yourselfagain. Let us hear about what is now.
the
and
Leave
take
to
Long Ago
give me my way.
me,
I can
the present time.
go back through the sixteen

but

lose

yes,
you

well

as

years
what

as

happened

! you doubt it ? Hear me

hear me
last met
prove

Ah

you.
when

we

tell you
myself in

"

placeat the old house

you run
in
while
here
with
hiding
me,
your master
you stop
away
and his servants
when
are
hunting after you
you start off,
far away
from
as
your road is clear,to work for your living,
Cornwall
as
get I beg and pray you to stop with
you can
words

three

You

leave

your

"

"

"

"

afraid of your master, and

me, but you are
away
you go.
There
! that is the whole
story of your trouble the last time
Leave
it so; and tell me
what is
to this house.
you came
the
"

of your

cause

The

past

cause

cause

of my

"

What

! you

"

I must

ent

"And
"

Uncle Joseph,and
trouble,
the

are

Yes

; and

And

the

what

"

to

long
lighthas

in all the world

danger

Sixteen

all that

who

years
time, the
come

gether

it from

"

ought

her

own

of

being

lain hidden

dreadful
a

never

chance

judgment.
to

set

lips.

eyes
find it !"

Chance

"

us

What

do you

mean

by

us

The

?"

and

"

one

is,

now,

of its

on

likely
Sarah
certain,
to

It

discovered.

"

Us ?

"

letter

it has

like

is the very person who is most

"
So ! so !
Are you very
it ?"
know
know

in

of that ?"

letter is in

it is !

"

dragged

"

"

Secret

that !"

to

the Secret is written

"

"I

The

same.

the pres

why?"

"

after

of my
trouble

now."

will go back
go back to it."

Because

uncle

trouble

being

person

that letter

How

do

brought

us

you
to

DEAD

THE

"I
was

mean

forgottenhis name.
I left my place,
Miss

I had

"

I lived at

when

master

my
"

remember

uncle,you

"

When

is

She

five years old.

clever,such

155

SECRET.

that

Captain Treverton

Porthgenna Tower?"
But

matter

no

Treverton

married

go

"

was

woman

now

a
"

on."

littlegirlof

beautiful,

so

youthful,happy face ! And she has

a child as
lovelyas herself. Oh, uncle,if you could see her !
if you could only see her !"
I would give so much
Uncle Joseph kissed his hand and shrugged his shoulders ;
expressingby the first action homage to the lady'sbeauty,
under the misfortune
and by the second resignation
of not
Well, well,"he said,philosophically,
being able to see her.
by, and let us go on."
"put this shiningwoman
is Frankland
A prettier
Her name
now," said Sarah.
than Treverton
a much
name
prettiername, I think. Her
so

sweet,

"

"

"

"

is fond

husband
heart

any
"

So !

at

of her

and
all,

"

not

he is.

sure

am

be fond

How

he have

can

of her ?"

Uncle

Joseph, looking very much

perplexed. Good, if he is fond of her very good. But
what
all this
are
we
gettinginto now ? Wherefore
labyrinth
and a wife ?
about a husband
My word of honor,Sarah,but
explanationexplainsnothing it only softens my
your
!" exclaimed

so

"

"

"

brains."
"

speakof

I must

genna

Tower

going to

her and

belongs to

her

of Mr.

Frankland,uncle. Porth
husband
now, and they are both

live there."

gettingback into the straightroad at last."

They are going to live in the very house that holds the
Secret ; they are going to repairthat very part of it where
"

Ah

are

we

"

I heard
She will go into the old rooms
her say so ; she will search about in them
to amuse
her curi
will clear them out, and she will stand by
osity; workmen
the letter is hidden.

in her idle

hours, lookingon."
suspects nothing of the Secret ?"

"

But

she

"

God

forbid she

"

And

there

in which

Why
"

"

ever

should

rooms
many
the Secret is written

should

are

she hit

on

that

one

!"

in the house ?
is hidden

in

one

And

the letter

of the many

?"

always say the wrong thing! because I always

time ! The let
get frightenedand lose myself at the wrong
in a room
ter is hidden
called the Myrtle Room, and I was
Because

156

DEAD

THE

SECKET.

foolish

her
enough, weak
enough, crazed enough, to warn
againstgoing into it."
"Ah, Sarah ! Sarah ! that was
a mistake,indeed."
I seemed
I can't tell what possessedme
to lose my
senses
I heard
her talking so innocentlyof amusing herself
when
by searchingthrough the old rooms, and when I thought of
It was
what she might find there.
gettingon toward night,
too ; the horrible
and
twilightwas
gatheringin the corners
creepingalong the walls. I longed to lightthe candles,and
"

"

yet I did

dare,for

not

And

when

I did

how

I did

it !

torn

my

Other

it

lightthem
I don't

tongue

them.

fear she should

know

for

out

people

was

the truth in my face.

Oh, I don't know

see

worse.

why

I did

it !

saying the words,

think

can

act for the best ; other

can
laid on their minds, and have

for the

peoplehave

I could

still I said

and

best ; other
had a heavy
it

dropped under

not

Help me, uncle,for the sake of old times

happy help me with a word of advice."
I will help you ; I live to help you, Sarah

have

people
weight
I have.

as

when

we

were

"

"

look
not
you must
those crying eyes.

so

No,

no,

forlorn ; you must

not look at me
Come
! I will advise this minute

no

"

with
"

but

say in what ; only say in what."

"
I not told you ?"
Have
"

"

No

have

; you

I will tell you

not

told

me

word

yet."

now."

toward
paused,looked away distrustfully
and resumed
ing into the shop,listened a little,
at the end of my
journey yet, Uncle Joseph
She

"

my way
Room
"

lies hid.

to
on

the door lead

:

"I

am

here

am

not
on

my
way to the Myrtle
step,to the placewhere the letter

Porthgenna Tower

"

on

my way, step by
I dare not destroyit ; I dare

not

remove

it ; but

run

Myrtle Room."
his head despoil
d-

risk I may, I must

take it out of the
Uncle Joseph said nothing,but he shook

what

ingly.
Mrs. Frankland
"I must," she repeated;"before
gets to
Porthgenna,I must take that letter out of the Myrtle Room.
I may hide it again
There are placesin the old house where
think of
places that she
places that she would never
notice.
would
never
Only let me get it out of the one room
"

"

is

that

she

from

her and

sure

from

to

search
every

one

in. and

I know

forever."

where

to

hide

it

158
"

You

"

If it

"

my
that the

the last

was

say Yes

would

!"

promise me, also,that

You

the letter out

of the

nothingbut

want

you

Myrtle Room,

put it away

and

some

but that."

Nothing

it is yours to take and yours to

better rightto touch it than you ?"

"And
has

to take

else ?"

where
"

that the hidingof this Secret

child,
findingof it will do harm?"
word I had to speak in this world,I

promiseme,

good, and

does

SECKET.

DEAD

THE

"

Now

"

Good.

No

put?

is dead,no person."
my master
You have given me
my resolution.

person

that

I have

done.

but say noth

there,Sarah ; and wonder, if you like,
ing." With these words, Uncle Joseph steppedlightlyto the
Sit you

shop,opened it,and

called

Samuel,

he
friend,"

my

"

said.

the

man

I go a little
is this lady here.

To-morrow

who
into the country with my niece,
keep shop and take orders,and be just as

ways
You

to

the counter.

behind
"

the

leadinginto

door

careful

as

you

and asks for

always are, tillI get back. If any body comes
into the coun
Mr. Buschmann, say he has gone a little ways
try, and will be back in a few days. That is all. Shut up

the

shop,Samuel, my
I wish

supper.

you

for the night; and go to your

friend,
nice victuals,
and sound
good appetite,

sleep."
Samuel

Before

again.

could
Sarah

Before

his master, the door was

shut
say a word, Uncle Joseph'shand

thank

could

Joseph'shandkerchief was wiping

fast from her eyes.
the tears that were
now
falling
away
I will have no more
crying,"said
talking,and no more
I am
I glory in the obstinacy
the old man.
a German, and
of six Englishmen, all rolled into one.
To-night you sleep
all
this.
You
of
want
talk again
to
me
we
here,to-morrow
I
will help you with my
help you with a word of advice.
till I
is better than advice,and I say no
which
more
self,
on

was

her

Uncle

and
lips,

"

"

from

fetch my pipedown
I smoke
think.
me
row.

And

music

box

song
ways

and

you, you
in your

go

the wall
think
up

there,and

to-night
"

"

I talk and

do

to

make

to-mor

take Uncle Max's

bed ; you
singthe cradle
you let Mozart

to

hand, and
to sleep. Yes, yes,

before you go
in Mozart
comfort

ask him

better

my
comfort

child,there is al
than

in

crying.

THE

DEAD

159

SECRET.

about ? Is it so
cry about,or to thank
that I will not let my sister's child go alone
great a wonder
in the dark?
I said Sarah's sorrow
to make
was
a venture
What

is there

Sarah's

and

sorrow,

my

to

joy

joy ;

my

now, if there is no
I also say: Sa
done

and

if it must
indeed be
of escape
way
is Uncle Joseph's risk
rah's risk to-morrow
"

"

child

Good-night,
my

good-night."

"

CHAPTER

morning wrought

next

Uncle

which

of the

contrived

had

HOUSE.

change

no

arrived

had

Joseph

and

amazement

avowal

II.

THE

OUTSIDE

THE

to-morrow, too!

in the resolution

overnight. Out

at

of the

produced in his mind by his niece's

objectthat had brought her to Cornwall,he
confusion

extract

to

clear and

one

definite conclusion

"

bent on placingherself in a situation

obstinately
if not of absolute peril. Once
of uncertainty,
persuaded of
this,his kindly instincts all sprang into action,his natural
that she

was

firmness

determination
followed

not
matter

as

let Sarah

to

of

her

proceed on

his

and
itself,

side of self-sacrifice asserted

the

on

journey alone,

course.

Strong in the self-denyinggenerosityof his purpose

though strong in nothing else when he and his niece met in
of the
Sarah spoke self-reproachfully
the morning, and when
sacrifice that he was
making, of the serious hazards to which
he was
exposing himself for her sake,he refused to listen to
he had refused the previousnight.
her just as obstinately
as
"

"

There

was

need, he said, to speak another

no

subject. If she
Porthgenna,she
both
she

ears

could

cheerful

passedthe
"I

was

fightwith

intention

If she had
say so.
talk any more, for he

only to
to

every

the

her

abandoned

thing in
possiblyaddress

to

self in these
dismissed

had

of breath

waste

mere

had

shape of

the
to

tried

to

of

on

that

going

not, it
was

wras

deaf

remonstrance

to

in

that

Having expressedhim

him.

uncompromisingterms,
and
subject,

word

Uncle

turn

Joseph abruptly

the conversation

to

every-day topicby askinghis niece how she had

night.
"I can't
anxious
she answered.
too
to sleep,"
All
peoplecan.
my fears and misgivingsas some

160

Thinkingabout

the

Myrtle

"About

Room

?" asked Uncle

what

about

letter that is hidden?

and

waking

night long they keep me

day."
"

SECRET.

DEAD

THE

the house

if it

thinking as

was

"

Joseph. About the

of Porthgenna? about

?"

how

get into the Myrtle Room," she

to

said.

plan and ponder,and settle beforehand

I seem
confused and helpless
to be.
what I shall do, the more
for
excuse
All last night,uncle,I was
tryingto think of some
and yet, if I
gettinginside the doors of Porthgenna Tower
was
standing on the house-stepat this moment, I should not
"

The

more

to

try

"

know

what

to

the

say when

I first came

and

servant

face

to

persuadethem to let us in ? How am

Can't you tell
if we
do get in ?
I to slipout of sight,
even
will try.
sure
?
me
you
you will try,Uncle Joseph I am
for the rest.
Only help me so far,and I think I can answer
in my
If they keep the keys where they used to keep them
ten minutes,
time,ten minutes to myself is all I should want
only ten short minutes,to make the end of my life easier to
old
the beginning has been ; to help me
than
to grow
me
if it is God's will that I should
live
quietlyand resignedly,
out my
Oh, how happy people must be who have all
years.
and have
are
the courage they want
quick and clever,
; who
How

face.

are

to

we

"

"

"

them

their wits about

You

said last night that you

you
for the best
what
advise me

did

"

will make

You

me

so

much

think

would

I am, uncle ;
to
about
how

than

readier

are

your

easier if you

thoughts end in?

will only tell me

that."
look of the
assumed
a
Joseph nodded
assentingly,
and slowly laid his forefinger
along the
profoundestgravity,

Uncle

side of his
"

not

nose.

did I

What
to take

my
three

promise you

pipe,and

last

ask him

night?"

he said.

to make

me

"

Was

it

Good,

think ?

pipes,and think three thoughts. My first

thought is Wait ! My second thought is again Wait ! My
Wait ! You say you will be
third thought is yet once
more
easy, Sarah,if I tell you the end of all my thoughts. Good,

I smoke

"

"

"

I have

told you.

There

is the end

are

you

"

easy

"

it is all

right."
repeated Sarah,with
suggested any thing rather

"Wait?"
which

look

than

of bewilderment
mind

at

ease.

"I

THE

uncle,I
afraid,

am

Wait
"

we

till when

Wait
are

how

we

arrive

"

You

"

Locked

The

Wait

sure

better than

in

till

! I

body

I did.

there

tell you
tell you

must

I must

"

But

more

that

up."

?"

room

that

locked

up in
the door

"

that

opens
the door of the

key

Uncle

tell any

to

ever

key

that opens

is another
a

for what

?"

now

left.
difficulty

up
than

Worse

key

house, to be

least I understand

at

"

I intended

room.

the

at

understand

the letter is locked

"

Wait

quiteunderstand.

got outside the door; then is time enough to think

said Uncle Joseph,with an air of con
to get in,"
are

is stillanother
than

don't

161

SECRET.

?"

till we

viction.
"Yes

DEAD

besides

that,a

something

room

if I

even

"

is

get it
"

all I want.

not

littlekey"

inside the

'

She

the

There

stopped,with

confused,startled look.
"A
"

little key that you

the
I threw it down

I made

when

my

have

asked

lost?"

Uncle

Joseph.
in the villageon the morning
Porthgenna. Oh, if I had only
only crossed my mind that I

well

escape from
! If it had

kept it about me
might w^ant it again!"

Tell me, Sa
Well, well ; there is no help for that now.
rah,what the something is which the letter is hidden in."
"

"I
"

afraid of the very walls hearingme."

! Come
! whisper it to me."
nonsense

am

What

She looked

all round

her

and then whispered

distrustfully,
into the old man's
He listened eagerly,and laughed
ear.
she was
when
If that is
silent again.
Bah !" he cried.
all,make yourselfhappy. As you wicked English people
burst
can
say, it is as easy as lying. Why, my child,
you
him open for yourself."
"Burst
it open? How?"
Uncle Joseph went
which was
made
to the window-seat,
the old-fashioned plan,to serve
on
the purpose of a chest as
well as a seat.
He opened the lid,searched among
some
tools which
lay in the receptaclebeneath,and took out a
chisel.
the top of the win
on
See,"he said,demonstrating
"

"

"

dow-seat

push

him

the
in

use
so

"

It is the business
the lock is done

to

which

crick !
of
for.

one

the tool
Then

you

was

the chisel
H

be

"

"

put.

pullhim

little moment

Take

to

You

crack !
up so
crick ! crack ! and

yourself,
wrap

"

"

him

up

162

THE

in

bit of that stout

What

again,or
not

there,and put him in your pocket.

paper

should

now
"

SECRET.

Do you
you waitingfor ?
do you think you can
do it

are

"I

DEAD

like you to show

have got
not till we

"

about

I may

Then

Good.

First

coach.

the

me

to

want

for

now

to

me

of

you

yourself?"

again,Uncle
the end

show

our

Joseph,but
journey."

finish my

go

and

put

packing up, and

foremost,Mozart must

ask
on

his great coat, and travel with us."

He took up the musical
in a leather case, which he slung
box, and placed it carefully
"
by a strap over one shoulder.
Next, there is my pipe,the
tobacco to feed him with,and the matches
to set him
alight.
is my
old
See ! here is

German

Last, here

night.
sock.
chief,

that ?

than

the

Say

knapsack,which I pack last

shirt,
comb, pocket-handker
night-cap,

am

an

Good.

I have

I have

knapsack.

emperor,

and

what

I have

Mozart,

do
the

I want

more

pipe,I have

stop ! stop J there is the old leather

"

forgotten. Look ! here he is. Listen !

Ting, ting,ting! He jingles
; he has in his inside money.
Aha, my friend,
my good Leather, you shall be lighterand
leaner before you
home
it is all com
come
again. So,so
plete; we are ready for the march now, from our tops to our
toes.
Good-by, Sarah,my child,for a little half-hour ; you
purse ; he must

be

not

"

shall wait

and

here

I go

ask for the

back, he brought
pass through Truro

his niece in

yourselfwhile

amuse

coach."
Uncle

When
formation

or

genna.

coach

would

night-coachwhich
to change horses
at

in

an

hour's

bed-time

recommended

set

down

them

carried the
at

Truro

at

at

and
letter-bags,
the very

which

inconvenient

stopped
hour

of

opinionthat to travel
Uncle Joseph
to make
a toil of a
was
pleasure,
takingplacesin the day-coach,and hiringany

o'clock in the

two

would

than
stage not more
six miles distant from the regularpost-town of PorthThe only direct conveyance
to the post-town was
a

time, which
five

that

Joseph came

morning. Being

of

to carry his
obtained
that could
be afterward
conveyance
niece and himself on to the post-town. By this arrangement
their own
comfort,but gain the
they would not only secure

advantage of losingas little time as possibleat

before proceedingon their journey to Porthgenna.
the
plan thus proposed was the plan followed. When
stopped to change horses,Uncle Joseph and his niece

additional
Truro

The
coach

THE

waiting to

were

inside
erward
which
the

seats
at

but

DEAD

take their
one

placesby
disengaged,were

the stage that

post-town between

Dismissing their

one

it.

and

They
down

set

nearest

was

bound, hired

they were

163

SECRET.

to

the

found

all the

hours

aft

destination

for

two

pony-chaisethere,and

reached

o'clock in the afternoon.

two

inn,from motives of
caution which
were
urged by Sarah,they set forth to walk
On their way
the moor
of the
to Porthgenna.
out
across
town
they met the postman returningfrom his morning's
deliveryof letters in the surroundingdistrict. His bag had
heavier and his walk much
been much
longer that morning
letters that had taken him out
than usual. Among the extra
addressed
to the housekeeper
of his ordinarycourse
was
one
he had
delivered early in the
at Porthgenna Tower, which
morning,when he first started on his rounds.
Throughout the whole journey,Uncle Joseph had not made
a singlereference to the
objectfor which it had been under
taken.
of nature, he was
also
Possessinga child's simplicity
endowed
with a child's elasticity
The doubts
of disposition.
and forebodingswhich
troubled
his niece's spirit,
and kept
her silent and thoughtfuland sad,cast no darkening shadow
over

the natural

conveyance

sunshine

at

the

of his mind.

If he had

reallybeen

travelingfor pleasurealone,he could not have enjoyed more

thoroughly than he did the different sightsand events of the
journey. All the happinesswhich the passingminute had to
if there was
as
no
give him he took as readilyand gratefully
or danger lying
uncertaintyin the future,no doubt, difficulty,
in wait for him
Before he had been
at the journey'send.
half an hour in the coach he had begun to tell the third in
stared at him in speech
side passenger
a rigidold lady,who
less amazement
the whole
historyof the musical box, end
ing the narrative by settingit playing,in defiance of all the
When
noise that the rollingwheels could make.
they left
the coach, he was
just as sociable afterward with the driver
of the chaise,
of German
beer over
vaunting the superiority
and making his remarks
Cornish cider,
upon the objectswhich
and
they passed on the road with the pleasantest
familiarity,
the heartiest enjoyment of his own
till
not
jokes. It was
he and Sarah
well out of the little town, and away
were
by
themselves
the great moor
that
which stretched beyond it,
on
his manner
altered,arid his talk ceased altogether. After
"

"

164

DEAD

THE

SECRET.

littletime,with his niece's arm

walking on in silence for some
in his,he suddenly stopped,looked her earnestlyand kindly
and laid his hand
hers.
in the face,
on
I want
to ask you, my
There is yet one
thing more
child,"
The journey has put it out of my head,but it has
he said.
When
leave this placeof
been in my heart all the time.
we
Porthgenna,and get back to my house,you will not go away?
you will not leave Uncle Joseph again? Are you in service
"

"

Sarah
still,
"

"

you not
in service a few

was

free

am

Are

Aha

I would

"Because

Because

blamed.
She

have

You

hear

not

innocent

an

person

"

but I

unjustly

"
"

herself.

checked

yet ?"

master

own

days since,"she answered

lost my place."
lost your place; and why ?"

I have

now.

your

the few words

But

she had

said

were

spoken with such a suddenly heightenedcolor,and with such

an
extraordinaryemphasis and resolution of tone, that the
and looked at
old man
opened his eyes as widely as possible,
astonishment.
undisguised

his niece in
"

So !

so

Sarah
quarrel,
"

Hush

ask

pleaded earnestly."I
Uncle

answer.

passed

Oh

! let

over,

us

What

You

have

had

!"
Don't

"

!" he exclaimed.

so

me
am

! this is

sixteen

get on, pray

Porthgenna

years
let

!" she
questionsnow
and too frightenedto

any more
too anxious

us

ago,

get

Moor

when
on

"

this is the road

ran

away
I can't think

to

you.

of any

so
are
are
we
thing now
near, and the risk we
going to run."
in silence. Half an hour's rapid
on
They went
quickly,
walking brought them to the highestelevation on the moor,
and gave the wrhole western
prospect grandly to their view.
There,below them, was the dark, lonesome,spaciousstruct
of Porthgenna Tower, with the sunlightalreadystealing
ure

but

round

toward

the house

the windows

of the

west

front !

There

was

the brown
over
path winding away to it gracefully
moor,
the sol
of dazzlingwhite ! There, lower down, was
in curves
itaryold church,with the peacefulburial-groundnestlingby
the little scattered roofs of
its side ! There,lower still,
were
the
the fishermen's
was
there, beyond all,
cottages ! And
changelessglory of the sea, with its old seethinglines of
white foam,with the old winding margin of its yellowshores !
the

166

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

you mind waitingfor me here a littlewhile,uncle?

trouble
I can't pass the church path " (shepaused,in some
how to express herself) " without wishing(asI don't know
"

Would

"

"

what

may

ing

to

and

turned

which

see

had

after

happen
to

"

look
face

her

the

to

something
wistfullytoward
at

wetted

never

get

we

"

her

The

the church.
the first view

at

eyes

house),without wish
She stopped again,
tears,

of Porth-

rise in them

now.
beginning to
him that it would
Uncle Joseph'snatural delicacywarned
be best to abstain from asking her for any explanations.
he said,
"Go
you where
you like,to see what you like,"
I shall stop here to make
pattingher on the shoulder.
my
of his
out
self happy with my
pipe; and Mozart shall come
cage, and sing a little in this fine fresh air." He unslung the
leather
from his shoulder while he spoke,took out the
case
of
musical box, and set it ringingits tinypeal to the second
the two
constructed to play the minuet in
airs which it was
Sarah left him looking about
Don Giovanni.
not
carefully,
bit of rock to place
but for a smooth
for a seat for himself,
he lit his pipe,and
When
he had found this,
the box upon.
and his smoking, like an epicureto a
to his music
sat down
Aha !" he exclaimed
to himself,lookinground
good dinner.
as
composedly at the wild prospect on all sides of him as if
littleparlorat Truro
he was
stillin his own
Aha ! Here is
friend Mozart, for you to sing in !
a fine big music-room, my
Ouf ! there is wind enough in this placeto blow your pretty
of it
dance-tune
out to sea, and give the sailor-people
a taste
as
they roll about in their ships."
were

genna,

"

"

"

"

"

Meanwhile

Sarah

that

part of it

same

rapidlytoward

on

the

church,

the inclosure of the littleburial-ground.Toward

entered

and

walked

to

which

she

had

directed

her

steps

on

turned
her face
morning of her mistress's death, she now
again,after a lapseof sixteen years. Here,at least,the march
of time had left its palpabletrack
its foot-prints
whose marks
How
when
were
a littlespot of ground, empty
graves.
many
she last saw
and its head-stone now
! The
it,had its mound

the

"

one

grave

stood
the
it

that

she

had

come

apart in the by -gone

righthand
out

told of

but
storm

and

for the
and

on

the

weather
rain

over

to

see

the

"

which

grave

days,had companion
left.

She

stains

it,that

could

on

had

the

not

graves

have

had
on

singled

which
head-stone,
not
passed over the

THE

mound

The

rest.

167

SECRET.

DEAD

still kept in

was

shape;

but

the grass
the wind

long,and waved a dreary welcome to her as

swept through it. She knelt down by the stone, and
had
read the inscription.The black paintwhich
to
all flayedoff from
made
the carved words distinct was
grew

any other eyes but hers the very

She
have been hard to trace.
would

To

now.
man

by

one, with her

once

them

of the dead

name

sighedheavilyas
one
inscription
mechanically,

the letters of the

she followed

tried

finger:
MEMORY

THE

TO

SACKED

OF

26

AGED
MET

HE

HIS

WITH
THE

THROUGH

YEARS.
DEATH

OF

FALL

ROCK

IN

PORTHGENNA

MINE,

Her

hand

them

forward

she bent

and

Better

!" she said to

so

and

looked

ter

it should

down

the

at

fade out

so

as
herself,

she

for
inscription
! Fewer

from her

rose

feet will follow where mine

strangers'
lie all the quieterin the placeof his rest

She

brushed

the

for

from
she

see

been

"

it ;

he

I"

from

"

and

drew

moment,
of Wesley'sHymns
the desk

stopped

of her dress the lit

which

had

in her bedroom

Porthgenna. The
had pluckedfrom the

the inclosure she

the bosom

from

tle book

from

have

Bet

her eyes, and gathered a few

the grave
then left the church-yard.

tears

of grass from
Outside the hedge that surrounded

blades

will

strangers'
eyes

knees,
"

the last time.

fewer
will

pressedher

the stone.

lipson
"

followed

the letters after it had

lingeredover
last line,
and

to the

1823.

17TH,

DECEMBER

on

withered

she

the

taken

morning of

with
her

her

flight

of the grass that

sixteen years ago laybetween
remains

grave
the pages still. She added to them the fresh fragmentsthat
she had justgathered,
replacedthe book in the bosom of her

dress,and hastened
old

man

She

was

found

back

the

over

waitingfor her.
him packing up
H2

moor

to the

the musical

spot where

box

again in

the
its

168

THE

leather

"

"

"

but

self
"

blows

off the tune

Ah,

more.

see

"

will like
tion yet.
go on ?"
"

Yes, yes

met

-just

"

ask

here much

when

come

pipe

my
road

once

again,

eyes

So!

cry?

you

justnow,

done.

No

right,Uncle

the better you

I have a last ques

standing here

we

are

make

to

He

You

along the

for?

Joseph ;

I shall lose all the

once.

head.

my

travel

with

questionsI
I have

are

; you

ready

you

Good.
What

on

got the crying look in your

the fewrer

me.

the hat

to

with Mozart.

take him

the nick of time

is

you
have

What

Sarah?
! I

if it was

as

Mozart
have

if you

wind

child,
just at

is done, and

so

bitter bad

back, my

SECRET.

good wind," he said,holding up the palm

the
that was
to the fresh breeze
sweeping over
very good wind, indeed,if you take him by him

case.

of his hand
moor

DEAD

let

I have

little courage
longerlookingat the house."

do

why
us

if

not

we

at

on

go

stay

we

They proceeded down the path without another moment

of delay. When
they had reached the end of it,they stood
opposite the eastern
boundary wall of Porthgenna Tower.
The
had
been very
to the house, which
principalentrance
rarelyused of late years, was in the west front,and was ap
The
the sea.
road that overlooked
proached by a terrace
smaller entrance, which was
generallyused,was situated on
and led through the servants'
the south side of the building,
offices to the great hall and
experienceof Porthgenna

the

staircase.

west

guided

Sarah's

old

her

She led her

this part of the house.
gained the southern angle of the east

to\vard
instinctively
companion on until they
then stoppedand
wall
passed the postman and
not
set eyes on
a living
"

they had
had entered on
the moor, they had
under
the very
creature
nowr
still,
though they were
; and
child
not
walls of Porthgenna, neither man,
nor
woman,
animal
even
a domestic
appeared in view.
It is very lonelyhere,"said Sarah, lookinground her dis
much
lonelier than it used to be."
trustfully
;
for myselfthat you
Is it only to tell me
what I can
see
are
stopping now ?" asked Uncle Joseph,wrhose inveterate
cheerfulness would
have been proof againstthe solitude of
looked

about

her.

Since

"

"

"

"

"

itself.

Sahara

"No,
"

But

no!"

the bell

answered, in a
must
ringat is so

she
we

quick,anxious whisper.
close
only round there
"

"

DEAD

THE

I should

lace with

to

You

that when

at the door

all but

are

say when
told me
it was

are

we

the servant.

think about

to

what

like to know

What

now.

thing to do," said

shoulders, is surelyto ring."
"

first

The

to

shall

Uncle

we

face

come

time

door.

at the

were

we

1G9

8ECEET.

enough

Uncle

we

do ?"

we

Joseph,shrugging his

"

"

Yes

"

but when

the servant

what

comes,

are

we

to say ?"

his eyebrows quite

Uncle Joseph,knitting
Say ?" repeated
and rapping his forehead
with the effort of thinking,
fiercely
with his forefinger
Say ? Stop,stop,
just under his hat
yourself
stop, stop ! Ah, I have got it ! I know ! Make
door
is opened, all the
the
quite easy, Sarah. The moment
shall be done by me."
speakingto the servant
shall you say ?"
Oh, how you relieve me ! What
have come
to see
How
do you do ? We
Say ? This
"

"

"

"

"

'

"

"

the house.'

expedientfor ef
into Porthgenna Tower, he spread out
fectingan entrance
both his hands
drew
back several paces from
interrogatively,
When

his

he

had

niece,and

air of

disclosed

looked
who

that remarkable

her

at

with

the

has

leaped,at one
doubt to a discovery. Sarah gazed at
The
expressionof absolute conviction
her.

The

man

poorest of all the poor

sion into the

house

which

she

had

excuses

serenelyself-satisfied
mental bound, from a
in astonishment.

him
on

his face
for

herself had

staggered
gainingadmis

thought of,and

rejected,
during the previousnight,seemed like the very
perfectionof artifice by comparison with such a childlishly
simple expedientas that suggested by Uncle Joseph. And
yet there he stood,apparentlyquite convinced that he had
hit on the means
of smoothing away
all obstacles at once.
Not knowing what
in the
to say, not
sufficiently
believing
doubts to venture
on
validityof her own
openly expressing
an
opinioneither one way or the other,she took the last refuge
that was
left open to her
she endeavored
to gain time.
now
"It is very, very good of you, uncle,to take all the diffi
she
cultyof speakingto the servant
on
shoulders,"
your own
said ; the hidden
despondency at her heart expressingitself,
in spiteof her,in the faintness of her voice and the forlorn
of her eyes.
But would
perplexity
you mind waiting a lit
tle before we
ringat the door,and walking up and down for
minutes by the side of this wall,where nobody is likely
a few
"

"

170
to

THE

see

I want

us

to

SECRET.

DEAD

get

self for the trial that I have

little more

time

to

prepare

my

and in case
through ; and
the servant
makes
in
I mean
us
any difficultiesabout letting
difficultiesthat we
not justnow
can
anticipate would it not
be as well to think of something else to say at the door?
Perhaps,if you were to consider again"
There is not the least need,"interposedUncle
Joseph.
I have only to speak to the servant, and
crick ! crack !
to go

"

"

"

"

"

"

will

you

down
have

that

see

long

as

done

as

shall get in. But

please. There is

we

you

"

I will walk
no

up

and

because

reason,

all my
all your

thinkingin one moment, that you should

have done
too.
thinkingin one moment
No, no, no
with a patronizing
at all." Saying those words
no
reason
air and a self-satisfiedsmile,
which would have been irresist
the old
ibly comical under any less critical circumstances,
man
again offered his arm to his niece,and led her back over
the broken ground that lay under the eastern
wall of Porth"

genna

Tower.

While

Sarah

happened, by
vested

with the

in doubt

waiting in

was

doubt

outside

the

curious

that another
coincidence,
person,
domestic
also
was
highest
authority,
waiting

inside the

walls.

This

person

was

no

! the housekeeperof Porthgenna Tower; and the

i

walls,it

other
cause

than
of her

perplexitywas nothing less than the letter which had been

delivered by the postman that very morning.
It was
Mrs. Frankland,which had been writ
a letter from
ten after she had held a long conversation
with her husband
and Mr. Orridge,on receivingthe last fragments of informa

tion which

the doctor

was

able to communicate

in reference

Mrs.

Jazeph.
housekeeperhad read the letter through over and over
again,and was more
puzzled and astonished by it at every
fresh reading. She was
of the
now
waiting for the return
steward,Mr. Munder, from his occupationsout of doors,with
the intention of taking his opinionon the singularcommuni
to

The

cation which
While
outside
er's room.

ing men,

she had

Sarah
the

He

was
a

from

her mistress.

stillwalking up and down

entered the housekeep
wall, Mr. Munder

and her uncle

eastern

with

received

one

conical

were

of those

head, a

tall,
grave, benevolent-look
deep voice,a slow step, and

172

DEAD

THE

to me
certainlyseems
rather poor language
"

idea

of what

SECRET.

be written

(betweenourselves)to
like

much

too

in

talkingto come
compositionought

common

to
lady'sstyleof
of opinion. I can't say, and I should
but that is a matter
be the last person to wish to say, that the beginning of Mrs.
letter is not, upon
clear. It
Frankland's
the whole, perfectly
is the middle
and the end that I wish to consult you about,

up
be

to

my

"

Mr.

Munder."

"

so," said Mr. Munder.

Just

in them

meaning
nary

man

than

The

My

hundred

two

two

and

words, but

in the mouth

housekeeper cleared

traordinaryloudness
"

Only

her

throat

elaboration,and read

objectin writingthese
principal

Mr. Frankland's

of

on

more

ordi

an

with
thus

ex
:

lines is to request,
Mr. Munder
will en

that you and

desire,
deavor
whether
to ascertain,
a per
as
privatelyas possible,
in whom
we
son
now
travelingin Cornwall
happen to be
much
interested
has been yet seen
in the neighborhood of
Porthgenna. The person in questionis known to us by the
of Mrs. Jazeph. She is an elderly
of quiet,
name
lady
woman,
like manners,
She
and in delicate health.
looking nervous
dresses,according to our
experience of her, with extreme
proprietyand neatness, and in dark colors. Her eyes have
her voice is particularly
a
singularexpressionof timidity,
is frequentlymarked
soft and low, and her manner
by ex
thus particular
in describingher, in
I am
hesitation.
treme
she should not be travelingunder the name
case
by which

by

"

"

her.

know

we
"

For

reasons

husband

and

which

myself

it is not
think

it

necessary

certain
indisputably

terior of

state,both

probable that,at

Mrs. Jazeph may have

periodof her life,
the Porthgenna neighborhood. Whether
no, it is

to

been

some

connected

my
former
with

this be the fact

that she is familiar with

the

or

in

Porthgenna Tower, and that she has an interest of

to us, in the house.
some
kind, quiteincomprehensible
Coup
ling these facts with the knowledge we have of her being
in Cornwall,we
think it just within the range
of possi
now
other person in our
bilitythat you or Mr. Munder, or some
with her ; and we
are
employment, may meet
particularly
anxious,if she should by any chance ask to see the house,
not
only that you should show her over it with perfectread-

DEAD

THE

173

SECRET.

but also that you should take privateand

civility,
from the time when
she en
notice of her conduct
particular
she leaves it. Do not let
the buildingto the time when
ters
her out of your sightfor a moment
; and, if possible,
pray
her
follow
to
unperceived,and
trustworthyperson
get some
ascertain where she goes to after she has quittedthe house.
vital importance that these instructions
It is of the most
be implicitly
to you) should
seem
(strangeas they may
obeyed to the very letter.
know
and time to add that we
I have only room
nothing
that
and
de
we
to the discredit of this person,
particularly
with sufficient discretion (in
matters
sire you will manage
with her)to prevent her from having any sus
case
you meet
have any
or that you
picionthat you are actingunder orders,
You
will be
especialinterest in watching her movements.
this letter to the steward,and
good enough to communicate
to repeat the instructions in it to any other
you are at liberty
trustworthyperson, if necessary.
Yours truly,

iness and

"

"

"

"P.S.

I have

"

left my

room,

ROSAMOND

and

the

FRANKLAND.

baby

is

gettingon

charmingly."
"

or

!" said the

There

housekeeper.

tail of that, I should

like to know

your
Here

Mr. Munder,
experience,

have

considered

meet

"

Who
!

with

is to

make

head

you ever, in all

such a letter before ?

Did

laid on
our
shoulders,
heavy responsibility
have
I
been
word of explanation.
without one
puzzlingmy
brains about what their interest in this mysterious woman
I think,the less
be the whole
can
morning ; and the more
is your opinion,
We
Mr. Munder?
of it. What
comes
ought
in
there
Is
to do something immediately.
par
any course
ticular which you feel disposedto pointout ?"
Mr. Munder
coughed dubiously,crossed his rightleg over
his left,
on
one
side,coughed for the
put his head critically
second time, and looked at the housekeeper. If it had be
would
in the world, Mrs. Pentreath
longed to any other man
is

very

that the face which

looked

confronted

hers

ex

bewilder
profound and vacant
But it was
Mr. Munder's
face,and it was only to be
of respectful
at with sentiments
expectation.

pressednothing but
ment.

now

the

most

174

THE

"

I rather

said

Before

another

entered

the

SECRET.

"

think

"Yes?"

DEAD

began Mr. Munder.

housekeeper, eagerly.
could
be
word
spoken,
to
lay the cloth for Mrs.

"

the

room

the

maid-servant

Pentreath's

din

ner.

mind

never
"There, there!
keeper, impatiently.

Mr.

Munder

She

can't

we

had

was

unusual

very

few

left
"

the

on

Who

in

the

of the

The

to

lower

first

Good

letter,which

ing
woman

knock

and

house

Mrs.

side

out

was

dressed

lady

Pena

looked

she

on

gate, which

commanded

left

"

it.

on

this very

very

are

Mrs.
is

stranger
! or, at

in

dark

colors

with

hur

Frankland's

lady

moment

housekeeper,

up

There

neatly, dressed
down, Mr. Munder,
you

the

snatching

wait

least,a
!

feather

door,"

said

You

Stop,

!"

only going, ma'am,

was

the

side

!" cried

Munder

dressed
me

The

small

when

the

Tower.

to

"

talk

This

!" exclaimed

step

you.

to

rang.

come

which

eye

for

colors.

table,

stop where

"

her
lowest

the

Mr.

at

and

"

might
Betsey
"

door

the

at

be

window,

met

had

she

the

steps.

the

to

that

can

that

Heavens,

back

rying

by a
day-time.

door

object
a
lady standing on
neatly in quiet, dark
"

in the

world

to

entered

always

latch

door-bell

Porthgenna

occasion

any

house

interruption of

an

The
at

occurrence

treath, hastening
view

word, before

happened.

had

who
persons
domestic
business
was

be

kind

unexpected

most

lay the cloth till I ring

something very important
interrupted just yet."

said the

hardly

the

Don't

I have

and

and

about,

"

said

Betsey,"

now,

to

answer

the

Bet

sey, in amazement.
"

ing

Stop

own

Iway,
ring

you

are," reiterated

Mrs.

Pentreath, compos

happen to have certain rea

of my
this particular occasion, for descending out
on
of the
Stand
out
place and putting myself into yours.
that
staring fool ! I am
going up stairs to answer
you

herself

sons,

where

at

the

by

door

great effort.

myself."

"

DEAD

THE

CHAPTER
INSIDE

MRS.

PENTREATH'S

window,
when

man

opened

she

handle, after

he

the

step, Uncle

out

of the range

HI.
HOUSE.

THE

surpriseat seeinga lady through the

at seeinga gentle
by her amazement

doubled

was

175

SECRET.

door.

the

rung, instead
Joseph stood near
had

of view

from

Waiting close to the bellof rejoininghis niece on

enough to the house to be

Mrs. Pentreath's

window.

To

housekeeper'sexcited imagination,he appeared on the

of an apparition the appari
threshold with the suddenness
tion of a little rosy-facedold gentleman, smiling,bowing,
and taking off his hat with a superb flourish of politeness,
which
had something quitesuperhuman in the sweep and the
dexterityof it.
the

"

"

How

Uncle

do

you

do ?

Joseph,trying his

mission

miliar

old

and

infallible

his intimate

much, from
How

with

did

what

was

you

peated Uncle

he

house," said

expedientfor gaining ad

open.

Mrs. Frankland's

friend ?

do ?

We

have

Joseph, giving his

tion the benefit of

the

see

this fa
was
speechless.Who
the foreignaccent
and the fantas
mean
by talkingto her as if she

beginning to end, as

do

to

come

struck

was

gentleman

tic bow?

"

have

the instant the door

Mrs. Pentreath

was

We

second

one

word

letter said not

about

so

him.

the

house,"re

irresistible form

of saluta

come

to

see

trial.

Mrs. Pentreath,re
just now, Sir,"remarked
coveringself-possession
enough to use her tongue in her own
defense.
Does the lady,"she continued,
lookingdown over
"So

said

you
"

the

old

man's

standing

"

shoulder
does the

at

which
the step on
his niece
wish to see the house too ?"

was

lady
short as it
gently spoken reply in the affirmative,
the housekeeper that the woman
described
was, convinced
in Mrs. Frankland's
letter reallyand trulystood before her.
the softlytoned
Besides the neat, quietdress,there was
now
the
voice,and,when she looked up for a moment, there were
timid eyes also to identify
her by ! In relation to this one
"

Sarah's

176

THE

of the two

SECRET.

DEAD

strangers, Mrs. Pentreath,however

agitatedand

surprisedshe might be, could no longer feel any uncertainty

she ought to adopt. But in relation to the
about the course
she was
other visitor,
old foreigner,
be
the incomprehensible
it be safest to
Would
set by the most
bewilderingdoubts.
and
ask
hold to the letter of Mrs. Frankland's
instructions,
him to wait outside while the lady was
over
being shown
it be best to act on her own
the house ? or would
responsi
well as his com
and to risk giving him admission
as
bility,
panion? This was a difficult pointto decide,and therefore
submit
to
which
it was
to the superiorsa
one
necessary
gacity of Mr. Munder.
"

Will

and
wait here while I
you step in for a moment,
the steward ?" said Mrs. Pentreath,pointedly neg

speak to
lectingto notice the familiar
herself straightthrough him

old
to

and
foreigner,
addressing
the lady on
the steps be

low.
"Thank

you

very

much,"

said Uncle

Joseph,smilingand

"

What
bowing, imperviousto rebuke.
whispered triumphantly to his niece,as
her way

did I tell you ?" he

she passed him
on

into the house.

Mrs. Pentreath's

first

impulse

once, and speak to Mr. Munder.

that part of Mrs. Frankland's

to

was

But

go

down

stairs

at

timely recollection of
letter which
enjoinedher not
to lose sight of the lady in the quietdress,brought her to a
She was
the more
stand-still the next
moment.
easilyre
called to a remembrance
of this particular
injunctionby a
of
the
curious
conduct
the
in
alteration
who
lady herself,
and to become
seemed
to lose all her diffidence,
surprisingly
impatientto lead the way into the interior of the house,the
she had stepped across
the threshold.
moment
Betsey !" cried Mrs. Pentreath,cautiouslycallingto the
after she had only retired a few paces from the visit
servant
to be so kind as to step this
ors
Betsey ! ask Mr. Munder
way."
and
Mr. Munder
presentedhimself with great deliberation,
with a certain lowering dignityin his face. He had been
accustomed
to be treated with
not
deference,and he was
pleased with the housekeeper for unceremoniouslyleaving
she heard the ring at the bell,
him the moment
without giv
an
opinion on Mrs. Frankland's
ing him time to pronounce
"

"

"

THE

letter.

DEAD

Mrs.

Pentreath,in a high state

him aside out of hearing,and confided
of excitement,drew
to him, in a whisper, the astounding intelligence
that the
Mr. and Mrs. Franklarid were
so
lady in whom
mysteriously
interested was, at that moment,
actuallystanding before
him

Accordingly,when

177

SECRET.

in the

house, he received her communication

with

an

air

of the most

stillwhen
provoking indifference. It was worse
her difficulties warily keeping her
she proceeded to state
Appeal as respect
strangers all the while.
eye on the two
fullyas she might to Mr. Munder's superiorwisdom for guid
in listening
with a disparagingfrown,and /
ance, he persisted
ended
to
contradictingher when she ventured
by irritably
that her own
ideas inclined her to assume
add, in conclusion,
and to beg the foreigngentleman to wait
no
responsibility,
outside while the lady,in conformitywith Mrs. Frankland's
was
instructions,
being shown over the house.
Such may
be your opinion,
ma'am," said Mr. Munder, se
verely. It is not mine."
The housekeeper looked aghast. "Perhaps," she suggest
ed,deferentially,
you think that the foreignold gentleman
would
be likelyto insist on going over
the house with the
lady ?"
"Of course
I think so,"said Mr. Munder.
(He had thought
nothing of the sort; his only idea justthen being the idea of
by settinghimself steadilyin
assertinghis own
supremacy
oppositionto any preconceivedarrangements of Mrs. Pen
treath.)
of showing them
"Then
you would take the responsibility
the house,seeingthat they have both come
both over
to the
door together?" asked the housekeeper.
the
I would," answered
Of course
steward, with the
all superior
promptitude of resolution which distinguishes
"

"

"

"

"

men.

Well, Mr. Munder, I am always glad to be guided by your

and I will be guided by it now," said Mrs. Pentreath.
opinion,
But, as there will be two people to look after for I would
of sight on
the foreignerout
not
trust
any consideration
I must
whatever
reallybeg you to share the trouble of
I am
so
ex
showing them over the house along with me.
"

"

"

"

cited and
about

me

nervous
"

never

that I don't feel

was

placed in

as

such

if I had
a

all my

positionas

wits

this be-

178

THE

fore

"

in the midst

am

and, in short,if I

"

of

can't

be

at

on

I don't understand
I won't
assistance,

your

make

not

mistake.

some

I should

mistake, not

ac
only on my own
housekeeper stopped,and looked

Here

"

hard

make

to

very sorry
"
count, but

mysteriesthat
count

for it that I shall

answer

SECRET.

DEAD

the

Mr. Munder.

ma'am," said Mr. Munder, with cruel composure.

Mrs. Pentreath,
Not only on my own
account," resumed
letter cer
demurely, but on yours ; for Mrs. Frankland's
of conductingthis delicate bus
tainlycasts the responsibility
"

Go

on,

"

"

iness

shoulders

on

your
Mr. Munder

well

as

recoiled

on

mine."

steps,turned

few

as

red,opened his
again. lie was

hesitated,and closed them

lipsindignantly,
setting. He could not re
fairlycaught in a trap of his own
treat
from the responsibility
of directingthe housekeeper's
it ;
after he had voluntarilyassumed
conduct, the moment
and he could not deny that Mrs. Frankland's
letter positively
There
and repeatedlyreferred to him by name.
was
only
of gettingout of the difficulty
and Mr.
with dignity,
one
way
he had re
Munder
unblushinglytook that way the moment
covered self-possession
enough to collect himself for the effort.
"I am
perfectlyamazed, Mrs. Pentreath,"he began, with
the gravest dignity.
Yes, I repeat,I am perfectlyamazed
that you should think me
capableof leavingyou to go over
"

house

the

alone, under

such

remarkable

circumstances

as

placed in. No, ma'am ! whatever my oth

faults may
er
be,shrinkingfrom my share of responsibility
is not one
'I don't requireto be reminded
of them.
of Mrs.
letter ; and
Frankland's
! I don't requireany apologies.
no
I am
quiteready,ma'am
quite ready to show the way up

those

are

we

now

"

"

"

stairs whenever
"

The

old

if he had

are."

better,Mr. Munder

the

sooner

dacious

The

you

"

for there is that

foreigneractuallychatteringto Betsey

known

now,

au
as

her all his life!"

assertion

Uncle

Joseph was exercis

maid-servant
(who had lin
ing his giftof
gered to stare at the strangers,instead of going back to the
justas he had already exercised it on the old lady
kitchen),
and on the driver of the ponypassenger in the stage-coach,
chaise which

Porthgenna.

quitetrue.
the
on
familiarity
was

took

his niece and

While

the

himself

to the

housekeeper and

post-town of

the steward

were

180

DEAD

THE

SECRET.

English peopleindulge when they go out to take a little ex

ercise on Sunday. The housekeeper,
adaptingher pace with
the na
feminine pliancyto the pace of the steward, walked
tional Sabbatarian
Polonaise by his side,as if she was
out
him

with
"

for

the services.

of fresh air between

mouthful

livingsinner,this going over the house is like

going to a funeral !" whispered Uncle Joseph to his niece.
her arm
He drew
into his,and felt,
he did so, that she was
as
trembling.
What
is the matter
?" he asked,under his breath.
Uncle ! there is something unnatural
about the readiness
the house," was
the faintly
of these people to show
over
us
What
were
whispered answer.
they talking about just
hearing? Why did that woman
keep her
now, out of our
eyes fixed so constantlyon me ?"
could answer, the housekeeperlooked
Before the old man
round, and begged, with the severest
emphasis,that they
be good enough to follow.
min
In less than another
would
all standing at the foot of the west
staircase.
ute
they were
Aha
!" cried Uncle Joseph,as easy and talkative as ever,
of Mr. Munder
in the presence
himself.
A fine big
even
house, and a very good staircase."
As

am

"

"

"

"

"

"

We

accustomed

not

are

hear

to

either the house

or

the

spoken of in these terms, Sir,"said Mr. Munder, re

in the bud.
The
familiarity
solvingto nip the foreigner's
staircase

"

Guide

West

to

Cornwall, which

you

would

have

done

well

yourselfacquaintedwith before you came

here,de
the word
scribes Porthgenna Tower
as
a Mansion, and
uses
Spaciousin speaking of the west staircase. I regret to find,
to West
Sir,that you have not consulted the Guide-book
to

make

Cornwall."
"And
do

I want

Ah, dear

with

Sir,but

book, when
are

you

German.

unabashed

rejoinedthe

why?"

I have
not

got you

"What

for my

just to yourself!

guide ?
Is not

talks and walks about, better for

you, who
leaves of printand paper? Ah, no, no ! I shall

livingguide like
me

not

than
hear

dead

another

word

"

I shall not

do any
you
Joseph made another

to yourself."Here Uncle
injustice
tastic bow, looked up smiling into

shook

his head

Mr. Munder

several

times with

felt paralyzed. He

hear

an

the

steward's

air of

more

fan

face,and

friendly
reproach.

could not

have

been treat-

THE

181

SECRET.

DEAD

if this obscure
familiarity
He had often
foreign stranger had been an English duke.
of audacity; and here it was
heard
of the climax
visiblyem
did not rise quite
who
in one
bodied
small,elderlyindividual,
five feet from the ground he stood on !
of injurytoo
the steward
While
was
swellingwith a sense
large for utterance, the housekeeper,followed by Sarah,was
slowly ascending the stairs. Uncle Joseph,seeing them go
to join his niece,and Mr. Munder, after waiting
up, hastened
followed the au
the mat
to recover
a littlewhile
on
himself,
dacious foreigner
with the intention of watching his conduct
his insolence at the first opportunity
narrowly,and chastising
with stingingwords of rebuke.
The procession
was
not, however,
up the stairs thus formed
adorned
and
the
it
further
steward ;
closed by
was
completed
who
stole out of the kitchen to
by Betsey,the servant-maid,
follow the strange visitors over
the house,as closelyas she
could without
Bet
attractingthe notice of Mrs.Pentreath.

with

ed

had

sey

her

share

No

such

change.
her

of natural
event

of the

In the

time

mean

had

second

flight.

You

to Mrs.
"

"Yes,

of

company

up

had

chance

glimpse

of

stairs.

led the way as far

which the principal

situated.

Sharpened by fear
immediatelydetected the repairs

were

workmen

banisters

and

in the house ?" she

stairs of the

said

quickly

Pentreath.
mean
we

"And

have

But

had

are

stairs ?"

workmen

returned

the

housekeeper.

there."

else?"

they are

here, on

stairs

the

on

nowhere

No.

Even

catchinga

eyes
effected in the

been

have

You

"

the

front

west

which

up

the

Sarah's
suspicion,

"

love

resolved not to stay alone

chance of hearing a stray

was

was

conversation,or

in the

rooms

and

she

housekeeperhad
first-floorlanding,on either side of

the

as

there

proceedingsamong

the

and
curiosity

as

experience;and

in the kitchen" while

word

human

the arrival of strangers had ever

the dreary monotony
of Porthgenna Tower

before enlivened
within

indifferent

and

ease

more

the

wanted

in other

best side of the

hardly fitto sleepin.

comfortable,as

I have

ton's time ; and

since she died

heard, even
"
"

placesbadly enough.
house,half the bedrooms
They were
any thing but
in the

late

Mrs. Trever-

182

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

The

housekeeperstopped with a frown

prise. The lady in the quietdress,instead
reputationfor good

in Mrs. Frankland's

her

which

manners

and
of

conferred

the

guiltyof

was
letter,

sur

sustainingthe

been

had

look of

on

unpardona

discourtesyof turning away from Mrs. Pentreath before

she had done speaking. Determined
not
to allow herself to
be impertinentlysilenced in that way, she coldly and dis
tinctlyrepeatedher last words
ble

"

"

since Mrs. Treverton

And

died

"
"

for the second time. The strange lady,

interrupted
turningquicklyround again,confronted her with a very pale
face and a very eager look,and asked,in the most
abrupt
an
utterlyirrelevant question:
manner,
she said.
Do they say
Tell me
about that ghost story,"
of a woman
it is the ghost of a man
?"
or
"I
was
speaking of the late Mrs. Treverton," said the
housekeeper,in her severest tones of reproof, and not of
You
would
have
the ghost story about the north
rooms.
She

was

"

"

"

had

that,if you

known

done

me

the favor

listen to what

to

I said."
"

beg your pardon ; I beg your pardon a thousand times

seeming inattentive ' It struck me justthen
or, at least,
I

for

"

I wanted
"If

know

to

to

care

you

':
"

know

Mrs.

Pentreath,mollified by

ogy

that

had

been

any thing so absurd,"said

of the apol
the evident sincerity

about

offered

to

her, " the ghost,according to

story, is the ghost of a woman."

whiter
The strange lady'sface grew

the

turned

more
away once
"How
hot it is !" she

to

the open

than

window

said,putting her

; and

ever
on

head

she

the

landing.

out

into the

air.
"

in

Hot, with

northeast

wind

!" exclaimed

Mrs.

Pentreath,

amazement.

Here

Uncle

forward
with a politerequest to
Joseph came
For
know
when
going to look over the rooms.
they were
the last few minutes
he had been askingall sorts of questions
of Mr. Munder; and, having received
which
answers
no
not of the shortest and most
were
ungraciouskind,had given
in despair.
up talkingto the steward
Mrs. Pentreath preparedto lead the way into the breakfastand drawing-room. All three communicated
library,
room,

with

had

room

the entrance

long passage,

on

each

other,and

each

183

SECRET.

DEAD

THE

second

which

to

was

hand

side of the first-floorlanding. Before

into

these

shoulder

rooms,

the

to intimate

touched

housekeeper

that it

time

door

opening
right-

the

on

leadingthe
Sarah

on

way
the

be

moving on.
Mrs. Pentreath,while
As for the ghost story,"resumed
she opened the breakfast-room
door, you must apply to the
in
it,if you want to hear it all
ignorantpeople who believe
the ghost is an
old ghost or a new
told. Whether
ghost,
and why she is supposed to walk, is more
than I can
tell
you." In spiteof the housekeeper'saffectation of indiffer
the popular superstition,
toward
she had heard enough
ence
of the ghost-story
to frighten
her,though she would not con
outside the house, nobody
fess it. Inside the house, or
into the north
much
less willing to venture
alone
rooms
was

to

"

"

could

in real truth have

been found

than Mrs. Pentreath

her

self.

housekeeper was drawing up the blinds in the

and while Mr. Munder
was
opening the door
breakfast-parlor,
Uncle
that led out of it into the library,
Joseph stole to his
niece's side,and spoke a few words of encouragement
to her
in his quaint,kindly way.
Courage !" he whispered. Keep your wits about you,
Sarah,and catch your little opportunitywhenever you can."
"My thoughts ! My thoughts!" she answered in the same
them
all againstme.
This house rouses
low key.
Oh, why
into it again !"
venture
did I ever
While

the

"

"

"

"

You

said Mrs.

had

better

look at the view

Pentreath,after

she had

from

drawn

the window
up the blind.

admired."
is very much
in this stage of progress
affairs were
While
floor of the house, Betsey,who had been hitherto
time

party.

from

the

on

"

It

the first

stealingup

with all her

hall,and listening
in the intervals of the ascent, findingthat no
sound
of
ears
reached her,bethought herself of returningto the
voices now
kitchen again,and of lookingafter the housekeeper's
dinner,
the
which was
fire. She descended
to
being kept warm
by
the lower regions,
wondering what part of the house the
strangers would want to see next, and puzzlingher brains to
find out some
for attachingherself to the exploring
excuse

by

stair at

now,"

184

THE

After

the view

from

DEAD

SECKET.

the breakfast-room

window

had

been

In this
entered.
next
duly contemplated,the librarywas
leisure to look about her,
room, Mrs. Pentreath,having some
of the
and employing that leisure in observing the conduct
steward,arrived at the unpleasantconviction that Mr. Munto be depended on
to assist her in the
der was
by no means
important business of watching the proceedingsof the two
dignityby
strangers. Doubly stimulated to assert his own

disrespectfully
easy

the

in which

manner

he had

been

treated

ambition
objectof Mr. Munder's
of
seemed
to be to divest himself as completely as possible
of guide, which
the character
the unscrupulous foreigner
sought to confer on him. Pie sauntered heavily about the
staringout of window,
rooms, with the air of a casual visitor,
peepinginto books on tables,frowning at himself in the chim
ney-glasses looking,in short,any where but where he ought
The housekeeper,exasperatedby this affectation
to look.
of indifference,
to keep his eye on
whispered to him irritably
it was
the foreigner,
as
quiteas much as she could do to look
after the lady in the quietdress.
Very good ; very good," said Mr. Munder, with sulky
"And
where
carelessness.
are
you going to next, ma'am,
into the drawing-room? Back
have been
after we
again,
the
i
nto
the
breakfast-room
?
out
at once
or
library,
through
into the passage ? Be good enough to settle which, as you
of settling
to be in the way
seem
every thing."
Into the passage, to be sure,"answered
Mrs. Pentreath,
the next three rooms
to show
beyond these."
sauntered out of the library,
Mr. Munder
through the door
the
way of communication, into the drawing-room,unlocked
door leadinginto the passage
then,to the great disgustof
the housekeeper,
and looked at him
strolled to the fire-place,
self in the glassover
he had looked
as
it,just as attentively
before.
at himself in the librarymirror hardly a minute
This is the west
drawing-room,"said Mrs. Pentreath,
The carving of the stone chimneycallingto the visitors.
piece,"she added, with the mischievous intention of bringing
into the closest proximityto the steward, is consid
them
in the whole apartment."
ered the finest thing
Driven from the looking-glass
by this manoauvre, Mr. Mun
Uncle

by

Joseph, the

sole

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

der

provokinglysauntered

to

the window

and

looked

out.

THE

DEAD

185

SECKET.

Sarah, still pale and silent but with a certain unwonted

resolution just gathering,as it were, in the lines about her
lips stopped thoughtfullyby the chimney-piecewhen the
housekeeper pointedit out to her. Uncle Joseph,looking
in his discursive manner,
all round
the room
spied,in the
"

"

farthest
a

of it from

corner

maple-wood

beautiful

the door

table

of a very peculiar
cabinet,
enthusiasm
was
instantly
aroused,

pattern. His workmanlike

and

he darted

the

across

that led into the passage,

and

examine

to

room

the

make

of the

closely. The table beneath projecteda little way (

in front of it,
and, of all the objectsin the world,what should \
he see
reposingon the flat space of the projectionbut a
magnificentmusical box at least three times the size of his ;
cabinet

own
"

Aie ! A'ie ! ! Aie ! ! !" cried Uncle

scale of admiration,which

ended

Open him ! set him

lie stopped for want

of words

drummed

hands

"

with

both

going !
on

at

let

me

Joseph,in
the very
hear

ascending

top of his voice.

he plays!"
what

express his
the lid of the

to

an

and
impatience,
musical

box

in
(

burst of uncontrollable
"

Mr.

the

across

look ?
musical
"

Munder

!"

room

don't

why
box.

Set him

Be

enthusiasm.

exclaimed

the

housekeeper,hurrying
in great indignation. "Why
don't you
you stop him ? He's breaking open the

quiet,Sir

going !

set

him

dare you touch

going !" reiterated Uncle
!

How

?"

me

Joseph,

dropping Mrs. Pentreath's arm, which he had seized in his

agitation. Look here ! this by my side is a music box too !
Set him going ! Does he play Mozart ?
He is three times
this
bigger than ever I saw ! See ! see! this box of mine
it
tiny bit of box that looks nothing by the side of yours
brother by the king of all music-com
was
given to my own
lived,by the divine Mozart himself. Set
posers that ever
shall hear the little baby-box
the big box going,and you
pipe after ! Ah, dear and good madam, if you love me
"Sir ! ! !" exclaimed
the housekeeper,
reddeningwith virtu
ous
indignationto the very roots of her hair.
What
do you mean,
Sir,by addressingsuch outrageous
female ?" inquiredMr. Mun
language as that to a respectable
want
"Do
der, approaching to the rescue.
you think we
your foreign noises,and your foreignmorals,and your for
who
eign profanityhere?
Yes, Sir! profanity.Any man
"

"

"

"

"

186

human

calls any
*

DEAD

THE

is
divine,'

SECRET.

musical

individual,whether
Who

profaneman.

dacious

person ?
Before Uncle

Are

you

an

otherwise,
extremely au
or

are

you, you
infidel ?"

Joseph could say a word in vindication of

his principles,
before Mr. Munder
could relieve himself of
both startled into moment
indignation,
they were
any more
the house
exclamation
of alarm
from
ary silence by an
keeper.
is she?"
"Where
cried Mrs. Pentreath,standing in the
middle
of the drawing-room, and looking with bewildered
eyes all around her.
The lady in the quietdress had
She

vanished.

in the

in the breakfast-room,
not
not
library,
in the passage outside.
After searchingin those three places,
the housekeeper came
back to Mr. Munder
with a look of
downright terror in her face,and stood staringat him for a
moment
as
perfectlyhelplessand perfectlysilent. As soon
herself she turned fiercely
Uncle Joseph.
she recovered
on
I insist on knowing what has become
is she?
Where
of
You
her!
cunning,wicked, impudent old man! where is
she ?" cried Mrs. Pentreath,with no color in her cheeks
and
not

was

"

no

in her eyes.

mercy

she is looking about

the house by herself,"
suppose
said Uncle
shall find her surelyas we
take
Joseph. "We
"I

Simple as he was, the

through the other rooms."
acuteness
had, nevertheless,
enough to perceivethat
rendered the very service to his niece of
accidentally

walks

'our

old

man

he had

mankind, he
Mrs.

If he had

she stood in need.

which

Pentreath's

devised

have

could

attention

from

no

been

the

better

means

Sarah

to

most

of

himself

artful of

diverting
than

the

which he had just used in perfectinnocence,

at
very means
farthest away
the very moment
his thoughts were
when
from the real objectwith which he and his niece had entered
the
"

these

while

ing,Sarah

has

! I have

Good
the

"

house.

two

angry

So !
two

!"

so

angry

thought Uncle Joseph to himself,

scoldingme for noth
people were

the letter is.

where
slippedaway to the room
back, and to let
only to wait till she comes
people go on scoldingme as long as they

please."
"

we

What
to

are

we

do ?" asked

to

do ?

the

Mr.

Munder

housekeeper.

! what
"

We

on

earth

can't waste

are

the

188

THE

As

she

turned

DEAD

the

over

SECRET.

bunch

find the

to

first

key

that

what her hurry had hitherto

required,she discovered
labels which
prevented her from noticing the numbered
the builder had methodicallyattached to all the keys when
he had been sent to Porthgennaby Mr. Frankland
to survey
At
the first sightof them, her searchinghand"
the house.
and she shivered all
paused in their work instantaneously,
was

"

"

chill had

over, as if a sudden
If she had been

the

instantlygave
her

her.

less

the discovery
of
violentlyagitated,
and the suspicious
the sightof them
to which
rise would, in all probability,
have
checked

labels

new

struck

But the confusion

of her mind
was
progress.
the veri
great to allow her to piecetogethereven

further
too

now

ter
fragments of thoughts. Vaguely conscious of a new
and
trebled
the
ror, of a sharpened distrust that doubled
headlong impatiencewhich had driven her on thus far,she
desperatelyresumed her search through the bunch of keys.
had no label ; it was
One of them
it
largerthan the rest
the key that fitted the door of communication
before
was

est

"

which

She

stood.

she

it in the

turned

rusty lock

with

strengthwhich, at any other time, she would have been ut

terlyincapableof exerting; she opened the door with a blow
of her

hand, which

it away

burst

at

from

stroke

one

the

Panting for breath,she flew across

the forsaken north hall,without
stoppingfor one second to
push the door to behind her. The creeping creatures, the
noisome
house
reptilesthat possessed the place,crawled
the Avails.
either side of her toward
on
away, shadow-like,
jambs

it stuck.

which

to

She

never

the

hall,and

noticed
up

turned

them, never
stairs

the

at

the

end

and
at the top
open "landing
herself in front of the first door.

gained the
checked

The
the

landing;

self away

the door

to

come

from

it.

range
that fronted

"

open

; and

Scrawled

the

"

at

opened on
topmost of the flight
it

"

it

yet she could

on

the
she
was

any

ran, till she

she suddenly

that

rooms

the

looked

figure I." And when

bunch
of keys in her hands,there
label,
answering to it.
to follow out
She tried to think,
was

of

long

stopped; she

She

she had

of the

it,she
there

"

first door

of stairs.
door

of

Across

for them.

away

panel in
looked
the

one

was

not

not

tear

white
down
"

figure

of all the

the
her
chalk
the

at

I."

on

throng-

DEAD

THE

that
ing suspicions

might point. The

her bodily senses
seemed

guide her.

to

little so, and

to

conclusion

useless ; her
of seeing and hearing

was

gone

which

senses

it
;

had

incomprehensiblysharpened"
that
intelligence

put her hand

went

which

at

mind

"

She
then

the

was

sole relics of

be the

to

effort

her

painfullyand

become

now

beset

189

SECRET.

she had

left

her eyes, and waited a

slowlyalong the landing,looking

on

over

at the doors.

No.

"II.,"No. "III.,"No. "IV.," traced on the panelsin

the same
white chalk,and answering to the numbered
labels
the keys,the figureson
which were
written in ink.
No.
on
of the first floor range of eight. She
"IV." the middle room
stopped there again,trembling from head to foot. It was
the door of the Myrtle Room.
Did

the

down

the

chalked

landing.

regularlynumbered
She

came

sought
itated

"

numbers

out

and

No.

on

to

stop there?
The

"

four

She

doors

looked

on

remaining were

VIII."

back

again to the door of the Myrtle Room,

the key labeled with the figure "IV."
hes
looked
back
the deserted
over
distrustfully
"

hall.
The

canvases

of the

old

which
familypictures,

she

had

bulging out of their frames in the past time when she

hid the letter,
had, for the most part,rotted away from them
the floor of
on
now, and lay in great black ragged strips
of damp spread like the
the hall. Islands and continents
the loftyvaulted ceiling.
of some
strange region over
map
in festoons from
Cobwebs, heavy with dust, hung down
Dirt stains lay on the stone pavement, like
broken cornices.
the ceiling.The
gross reflections of the damp stains on
broad flightof stairs leadingup to the open landing before
of the first floor had sunk down
the rooms
bodily toward
side. The banisters which
one
protectedthe outer edge of
into ragged gaps.
the landingwere
broken away
The light
the air of heaven
of day was
the sounds
was
stilled,
stained,
seen

of earth

were

Silenced ?

silenced in the north

Were

all sounds

hall.

silenced ?

thing stirringthat just touched the sense

and no
just deepened the dismal stillness,
Sarah listened,
keepingher face stillset
and heard a faint sound behind
listened,

Or

there

was

of
more

hearing,that
?

toward
her.

some

the hall
Was

"

it out-

190

THE

side the door

side

which

on

was

turned

Or

it in

was

the first conviction

With

Inside.

SECRET.

her back

Myrtle Room

in the

"

DEAD

of

that,all thought,all

forgotthe suspiciousnumbering of
insensible to the lapseof time,uncon
the doors; she became
scious of the risk of discovery. All exercise of her other fac
ulties was
now
merged in the exercise of the one facultyof
listening.
It was
a still,
stealthily
rustlingsound ; and it moved
faint,
at one
now
to and fro softly,
to and fro at intervals,
end,now
moments
There
of the Myrtle Room.
were
at the other
when
it
when
it grew
suddenly distinct other moments
it
in gradations
died away
too
lightto follow. Sometimes
She

left her.

sensation

"

seemed

to

floor at

the

over

sweep

bound

sometimes

"

it

rustlingsthat just wavered

slow, continuous

crept with

on

the verge of absolute silence.

Her feet stillrooted to the spot on which she stood,Sarah
the door of the
turned her head slowly,inch by inch,toward

Myrtle

Room.
of the

before,while she

moment

was

yet

as

un

moving to and fro within it,

she had been drawing her breath heavilyand quickly. She
her breath
might have been dead now, her bosom was so still,
over
ing so noiseless. The same
mysterious change came
the
had altered it when
her face which
darkness
began to
The same
fearful look
gather in the little parlor at Truro.
of
of inquirywhich she had then fixed on the vacant
corner
in her eyes now, as they slowly turned on the
the room
was
conscious

faint sound

door.
"Mistress!"

whispered.

"Am

I too

late?

Are

you

beforeme?"

there
The

died

"

she

stealthily
rustlingsound inside paused renewed
end
at the lower
again faintly
; away
away

itself

"

of the

room.

Her

eyes

stillremained

and

opened wider
through the very
ing for the opaque
behind

was
"

Over

black

door
wood

wider

"

itself
"

the

Myrtle Room, strained,

opened as if they would look
watch
opened as if they were

to turn

on

transparent, and show

what

it.

the

lightit moves

and

fixed

the lonesome
over
floor,
whisperedagain. "Mistress

lonesome
!" she

dress I made

for you

rustle

no

louder

than

floor

"

! does
that ?"

how
the

THE

stoppedagain

sound

The

"

suddenly advanced

then

at one

close to the inside of the door.

stealthysweep

If she could have

looked down

191

SECKET.

DEAD

moved

at

that

have

the bottom

space between

the line of open

to

; if she could

moment

of

flooringbelow, when the faintlyrustling;

the insignin'to her,she might have
seen
nearest
sound came
under the '
that produced it lying self-betrayed
cant
cause
in the shape of a fragment
door,partlyoutside,partlyinside,
Time
of faded red paper from the wall of the Myrtle Koom.
and damp had loosened the paper all round the apartment.
off by the builder
three yards of it had been torn
Two
or
while he was
examining the walls sometimes in largepieces,
in small pieces,
sometimes
just as it happened to come
away
the

and

door

the

"

had

and

"

been

thrown

down

by

him

on

the

bare,boarded

it happened
the sport of the wind,whenever
to blow
through the broken panes of glassin the window.
for
! If she had only looked down
If she had only moved

to become
floor,

littlesecond

one

She

was

of time !

past moving and past looking: the paroxysm

horror
superstitious
limb

and

cry, when
signwhich

that

of

held her stillin every

started,she uttered no

possessedher

She never
every feature.
noise came
nearest.
the rustling

The

one

outward

approach shook her

to the very soul expresseditself only in the changed action
of her righthand, in which she stillheld the keys. At the
instant when the wind wafted the fragment of paper closest
and
of contraction,
lost their power
to the door, her fingers
The
if she had fainted.
became
nerveless and helpless
as
as
heavy bunch of keys slippedfrom her suddenly loosened
grasp, dropped at her side on the outer edge of the landing,
and fell on '
rolled off through a gap in the broken banister,
the \
the stone
pavement below, with a crash which made
sentient beings j
echoes shriek again,as if they were
sleeping
writhingunder the torture of sound !
The
crash of the falling
keys,ringing and ringingagain
woke
her,as it were, to instant con
through the stillness,
and present perils.She started,
sciousness of present events
staggeredbackward, and raised both her hands wildlyto her
for the top
then made
head
paused so for a few seconds
of the stairs with the purpose of descendinginto the hall to
showed

how

the

terror

of its

"

"

recover

the keys.
12

192

THE

Before
woman's

the

DEAD

she had

advanced

scream

came

oppositeend

SECEET.

three paces the shrill sound

from the door of communication

of the hall.

The

scream

twice

was

the

a
staggereddesperately

first of the

There
her

few paces farther,

and
of doors that opened on
the

row

sank

nature

exhausted:

her

knees

gave

reached

landing.
under

way

her

breath,her sight,her hearing all seemed to

instant
and she dropped down
togetherat the same
"

fail her
sense

"

less

the floor at the head

on

of the stairs.

CHAPTER
ME.

THE

OX

MUNDEE

murmuring

IV.

THE

voices

OF

SEAT

and

the

JUDGMENT.

came
hurryingfootsteps

and

nearer
nearer, then stopped altogether. After
voice called out loudly," Sarah
val of silence,
one

where
alone

you ?" and

are

in the

the

door-way

eagerlyall round

next

instant Uncle

that led into the

the

first the prostrate figureon

But
the stairs escaped his view.
the

over

edge

the

and

inter

! Sarah

Josephappeared

north

hall,looking

dark

landing at

the second

dress,and

the

the head

time

he looked

that

arm

of

lay just

caught his eye. With a loud

top stair,
he flew across
the hall and as
recognition,

of the

cry of terror and

cended the stairs.
and

an

him.

At

in that direction

at

confused

She

repeated

followed by a
greater distance off,and was
noise of rapidlyadvancing voices and footsteps.

at

of

Just

raisingher head on
the maid, all three

as

he

his arm,
crowded

kneelingby Sarah's side,

the steward,the housekeeper,
together after him into the

was

.door- way.
"

Water

!" shouted

wildly with
fallen down

his
"

the

old

disengagedhand.

she is in

faint !

gesticulatingat

man,
"

Water

She

is here

! water

"

them

she

has

!"

Pentreath,Mrs. Pentreath looked

All three stood
at the ground.
at Betsey,Betsey looked
all three seemed
stock-still;
equally incapable of walking
Mr. Munder

the hall.

across

tire

looked at Mrs.

the
delusion,

If the science of
cause

of

physiognomy be not an en
this amazing unanimitywas
legibly

in their faces ; in other

equallyafraid of the ghost.

written

words, they

all three looked

DEAD

THE

193

SECRET.

!" reiterated Uncle Joseph,shaking

say ! Water
Are you three at the
is in a faint!
"She
his fist at them.
heart of mercy among
!
door there, and not one
you ? Water
"

Water, I

make
"

Must

! water

water

you hear ?"

I'll get the water,
will

Munder

myself into

scream

fitsbefore

ma'am," said Betsey,"

take

pleaseto

it from

here

if you

the

to

can

Mr.

or

top of the

stairs."
back with a glassof water,
kitchen,and came
with a respectful
she offered,
which
courtesy,first to the
housekeeper,and then to the steward.
dare
ask us
to carry things for you?" said
"How
you
Mrs. Pentreath, backing out of the door-way.
Yes ! how dare you ask us ?" added Mr. Munder, backing
She

to the

ran

"

after Mrs. Pentreath.

"

!" shouted

Water

his niece

drew

old

the

backward

so
little,

ported againstthe wall behind

down

of

this

for the

man

He

could

sup

that she
"

her.

third time.

Water

or

!" he

placeabout

be

trample
shouted,

a
dungeon
your ears
stamping with impatienceand rage.
"If you please,
Sir,are you sure it's reallythe lady who is
up there ?" asked Betsey,advancing a few paces tremulously
with the glassof water.

"Am
stairs to
should

exclaimed

I sure?"
meet

her.

"

What

Uncle
fool's

Joseph,descendingthe
question is

this ?

Who

it be ?"

and more
ghost,Sir,"said Betsey,advancing more
slowly. The ghost of the north rooms."
her a few yards in advance
Uncle Joseph met
of the foot
of the stairs,
took the glassof water
from her with a gesture
back
As Betsey
of contempt, and hastened
to his niece.
of keys lying on the
turned to effect her retreat,the bunch
pavement below the landing caught her eye. After a little
hesitation she mustered
enough to pick them up,
courage
"

The

"

and

then

ran

with

them

out

of the hall

as

fast

as

her feet

could

carry her.
Meanwhile
Uncle

Joseph

was

moisteninghis

niece's

lips

it over
After a
with the water, and sprinkling
her forehead.
and go slowly,in faint sighs,
while her breath began to come
and she feeblyopened
the muscles of her face moved
a little,
her

eyes.

They

fixed

on
affrightedly

the

old man,

without

194

DEAD

THE

SECKET.

made

expressionof recognition.He
water, and spoke to her gently,and
any

Her

last

to

herself.

Her

first action,
when

first words
she

"Don't

were,
to

crouching closer to him.

No fear,
child,"he said,soothingly;
my

of

"

frightenedyou so?"
Oh, don't ask me
"

"

For

made

God's

! I shall say

There, there

ful of water

has

Sarah, what

Tell me,

you.

I will

action

keep by

What

sake, don't ask

at

me."

the

faint ?

you

has

!"

me

Another

nothing,then.

littlemouthful

"

back

leave

was

move,

little

brought her

so

able

was

drink

her

mouth

?"

more

uncle; help me to try if I can stand."

for a little longer."
"Not
yet not quiteyet; patience
Oh, help me ! help me ! I wrant to get away from the
sightof those doors. If I can only go as far as the bottom
"Help

me

up,

"

"

of the stairs I shall be better."

"

and

now,

hard, lean
I

solid

am

"

her to rise.
Wait
Joseph,assisting
feel your feet on the ground. Lean
on
me, lean
heavy. Though I am only a lightand a littleman,

So,so,"said

as

Uncle

rock.

Have

you

into the

been

added, in a whisper. "Have

you got the
She sighedbitterly,
and laid her head on
a weary
despair.
Why, Sarah ! Sarah !" he exclaimed.

room?"

letter?"

"

his shoulder

with

"

been

Have

you
all this time away, and not got into the room
?"
yet
She raised her head as suddenly as she had laid it

shuddered,
"

I shall

er

tried

see

the

!" she said.

more

now.

never

and

Uncle

feebly
Myrtle Room
to

"

Let

Joseph,if you

us

draw

him

toward

again

walk

can

love me, take

house ; away
any where, so long as
the daylightagain; any where, so

Porthgenna Tower."
Elevatinghis eyebrows
from asking any
refraining

in

sisted his niece to descend

the

we

are

long as

down,
stairs.

the
never,

never,

"

go ; I

he

; I

nev

strong

am

from

this
away
in the free air and

me

we

are

out

of

sight

of

that

she

but considerately
astonishment,
Uncle Joseph as
more
questions,

stairs.

She

was

stillso

weak

obligedto pause on gaining the bottom of them

her strength. Seeing this,and feeling,
to recover
he led
as
the hall,
and more
her afterward
that she leaned more
across
fresh step, the old man, on
at every
ar
heavilyon his arm
of
distance
within
Mr.
Munder
Mrs.
and
speaking
riving
was

196

before her.

To

vanced,with

ation and

care

portentous
in the

; drew

countenance

matter
to

Mr. Munder

room

himself down

immediatelybecame,

in

of

it,with

slowly ad
an

settlinghis

deliber

coat-tails ; and

all outward

Pentreath,conscious from

arm-chair

extreme

the

appearance,
Chief Justice in plainclothes.

Lord

SECKET.

this part of the

up to the table ; sat

of

DEAD

THE

model

these

that some
preparations
about to happen,seated herself a little
was
thingextraordinary
behind the steward.
Betsey restored the keys to their place
about to retire modestly to her
the nail in the wall,and was
on
she was
stoppedby Mr. Munder.
proper kitchen sphere,when
I shall have oc
said the steward ;
Wait, if you please,"
make
to
casion to call on
a
young
woman,
you presently,
plainstatement."
Obedient Betsey waited near
the door,terrified by the idea
and that the stew
have done something wrong,
that she must
armed
with inscrutable legalpower
to try,sentence,
ard was
Mrs.

"

"

punishher

and

for the oifense

on

the

spot.

Sir,"said Mr.

Munder, addressingUncle Joseph as

if you have
if he was
the Speaker of the House of Commons,
and if the person by your side has
done with that sal volatile,
her senses
recovered
I should wish to
to listen,
sufficiently
say a word or two to both of you."
"Now,

"

At

this

to rise from her

exordium, Sarah tried affrightedly

chair ; but her uncle

back in it.
"

caught her by

the

hand, and pressedher

"

he whispered.
I shall take all the scold
rest,"
and do all the talkingwith my own
shoulder,
ing on my own
as
tongue. As soon
you are fit to walk again,I promise you
this : whether
the big man
has said his word
or
two, or has
not

Wait

and

said

it,we

will

quietlyget

up

and

go

our

ways

out

of

the house."
"

Up

to

refrained

the present moment," said Mr. Munder, " I have

from
expressingan opinion. The time has now

when, holding a positionof trust as I do in this estab

and indeed responsible,
as
lishment,and being accountable,
come

I am,

for what

things can

not

as
place in it,and feeling,
allowed
or
even
permittedto

takes
be

I must, that
rest

duty to say that I think your conduct

extraordinary." Directing this forcible conclusion
leaned back
sentence
straightat Sarah,Mr. Munder
are

"

it is my

as

they

is very
to his
in his

THE

DEAD

197

SECRET.

chair,quite full of words, and quite empty of meaning, to

effort.
collect himself comfortably for his next
"My only desire,"he resumed, with a plaintiveimpartial
ity,"is to act fairlyby all parties. I don't wish to frighten
to terrify
any body.
any body, or to startle any body, or even
I wish to unravel, or, if you please,to make
out, what I may
with

term,

perfectpropriety
"

I have

when

put it to you, ma'am, and to you,

wish to put it to you both,
I say, I should

that,I should wish

done

And

events.

to

Sir,whether
and politely,
and smooth
and plainly,
calmly,and impartially,
quietly whether
ly and when I say smoothly, I mean
you
to explainyourselves."
not both of you bound
are
Mr. Munder
paused,to let that last irresistible appealwork
"

"

"

its way

to

of the persons whom

he addressed.
advantage of the silence to cough, as

the consciences

housekeeper took
apparently on
congregationscough just before the sermon,
the principleof getting rid of bodily infirmities beforehand,
intellect
free play for undisturbed
in order to give the mind
ual enjoyment. Betsey, followingMrs. Pentreath's
lead,in
of the faint,distrust
account
dulged in a cough on her own
ful sort.
Uncle Joseph sat perfectlyeasy and undismayed,
in his,and giving it a little
still holding his niece's hand

The

"

time

from

squeeze,

moved,

looked

never

had

restraint which

impressive. Sarah never

of terrified
lost the expression
never
of her face from the first
possession

"

Now

and

the

housekeeper'sroom.

and circumstances,and events

facts,
Munder, leaningback in his chair,in calm

what

the

are

proceeded Mr.
joyment of the
you, Sir,ring at
looked

taken

she entered

when

moment

up,

oratory be

the steward's

time, when

involved
particularly

came

he

to

hard

sound

of his

voice.

own

at

Uncle

Joseph, as

much

en

"You, ma'am, and

"

of this Mansion

the bell of the door

?"

as

to

"

say,

(here

I don't

being a Mansion, you see,

the judgment-seat") you are let in,or, rather, ad
on
even
mitted.
You, Sir,assert that you wish to inspectthe Man
are
sion (you say
the house,'but, being a foreigner,
we
see
not surprisedat your
making a little mistake of that sort);
give up

that

point about

house

the

"

"

you, ma'am, coincide,and

You
shown
follows?
are
to

show

strangers

over

even
over

it,but

in that request. What

It is not usual
the Mansion.

agree,

we

happen

to

have

certain

198

DEAD

THE

Sarah

"

started.

What

SECRET.

asked, lookingup

?" she

reasons

quickly.
Uncle
"

Joseph felt her

Hush

! hush

At

the

tremble

in his.

said, leave the talkingto me."

Mrs. Pentreath

moment

the

cold, and

turn

"

!" he

same

warilyby

hand

pulled Mr.

and
coat-tail,

him

whispered to
"Mrs.
Frankland's
she said in his
letter,"
not
to let it be suspectedthat we
ticularly

Munder
careful.

be

to

ear, "tells
are

par
under
acting
us

orders."
"Don't

fancy,Mrs. Pentreath,that I forget what I

had forgot
who
ought to remember," rejoinedMr. Munder
And
don't you imagine that I was
ten, nevertheless.
going
to commit
myself" (the very thing which he had just been
the point of doing).
this business in my
Leave
on
hands,
if you will be so good. What
did
reasons
you say, ma'am?"
he added
Never
aloud,addressinghimself to Sarah.
you
you

"

"

"

"

"

mind

have

we

about

got to do with them

and circumstances, and
do with facts,

reasons

to

got

have

wre

not

now

events.

observing,or remarking,that

was

shown

were

indeed

you, Sir,and you, ma'am,

You
were
conducted, and

this Mansion.

over

Spaciouswest staircase,
and even
Sir!
You
with court
shown
with politeness,
were
and the draw
the library,
esy, through the breakfast-room,
ing-room. In that drawing-room,you, Sir,indulge in outra
geous, and, I will add, in violent language. In that drawingof
out
room, you, ma'am, disappear,
or, rather,go altogether
so entire
sight. Such conduct as this,so highlyunparalleled,
Mrs. Pentreath
ly unprecedented,and so very unusual,causes
Here Mr. Munder
and myselfto feel
stopped,at a loss for
led,up the

staircase

west

the

"

"

"

for the firsttime.

word
"

Astonished," suggested Mrs. Pentreath

after

long

in

terval of silence.
"

No, ma'am
We

sort.

And

were

hear, Sir,on

were

ond

not

followed

what

seph).

!" retorted

And

"

and

all

astonished;we

did

what

the

you

"

"

that ?

What

and

Jo

hear, Mrs. Pentreath, w7hile you

missing and

personallyappealed to,

briefly

Nothing of the
were
surprised.

absent

party

on

the

sec

What?"

floor?

"

did you
(lookingsternlyat Uncle

succeeded

the first floor?"

searchingfor

Thus

at

Mr. Munder.

scream."

the

housekeeperanswered

"No!
hand

"

the table.

on

Young
Betsey)

woman
"

have

we

Munder, fretfully
tapping his

screech, Mrs. Pentreath

"

screech.

meaning,purport, and upshotof that screech?

turned
!" (here Mr. Munder
suddenly on

is the

what

And

said Mr.

no!"

no!

199

SECRET.

DEAD

THE

now

traced

these

extraordinary facts

and

Have
the goodness to step for
you.
how
ward, and tell us, in the presence of these two parties,
what Mrs. Pentreath calls a scream,
to utter, or give,
you came
A
will do, my
but what I call a screech.
plain statement
circumstances

as

far

as

good girl quite a plain

"

young

woman,

Speak

me

Covered

word

one

statement,

more

"

if you

speak up.

please. And,
You

understand

up !"

with

confusion

by

the

publicand

solemn

nature

appeal,Betsey,on startingwith her statement, uncon

sciouslyfollowed the oratorical example of no less a person
Mr. Munder
than
himself;that is to say, she spoke on the
of drowning the smallest possibleinfusion of ideas
principle
from
Extricated
in the largestpossible
dilution of words.
the mesh
of verbal entanglement in which
she contrived to
be not unfairly
involve it,her statement
representedas
may
of the followingfacts:
simply consisting
First,Betsey had to relate that she happened to be just
taking the lid off a saucepan, on the kitchen fire,when she
heard,in the neighborhood of the housekeeper's
room, a sound
termed
of hurried footsteps(vernacularly
by the witness a
scurryingof somebody's feet "). Secondly,Betsey,on leav
ing the kitchen to ascertain what the sound meant, heard the
rapidlyalong the passage which led to
footstepsretreating
fol
the north side of the house, and, stimulated by curiosity,
lowed the sound of them for a certain distance.
Thirdly,at
in the passage, Betsey stopped short,despairing
a sharp turn
of overtakingthe person whose
footstepsshe heard, and feel
of dread (termedby the witness, creeping
ing also a sense
of the flesh")
in broad
at the idea of venturing alone, even
daylight,into the ghostly quarter of the house.
Fourthly,
the
in
while stillhesitating
the
at
turn
passage, Betsey heard
the lock of a door go," and, stimulated
afresh by curiosity,
then stopped again,debating
advanced
a few
steps farther
it
within herself the difficult and dreadful question,
whether
of ghosts,when
is the usual custom
passingfrom one placeto
another,to unlock any closed door which may happen to be
of this

"

"

"

"

200

DEAD

THE

in their way, or to save

after long
it. Fifthly,
forward

trouble

by simply passingthrough

and
deliberation,

north

the

toward

SECRET.

hall

false

many
backward

and

starts

toward

"

the

custom
Betsey decided that it was the immemorial
of all ghosts to pass through doors, and not unlock them.
on
Betsey went
Sixthly,fortified by this conviction,
boldly
she
heard
loud
the
close to
a
door,when
suddenly
report,as
termed
of some
by the wit
heavy body falling(graphically
ness
a
banging scrash "). Seventhly,the noise frightened
Betsey out of her wits,brought her heart up into her mouth,
her breath.
and took away
on
recov
Eighthly,and lastly,
(orscreech),
Betsey did,with
eringbreath enough to scream
(or screech),
running back toward
might and main, scream
the kitchen as fast as her legswould
carry her, with all her
hair
standing up on end," and all her flesh in a crawl

kitchen

"

"

"

"

the

from
"

Just
to

came

her hair

of her head

crown
so
a

just so

close

as

"

the soles of her feet.

to

!" said Mr.

if the

end

standingon

Munder, when the

sightof a young woman
all her flesh in

and

"

statement

with

all

were

an

crawl

"

Ju^t
experienceof female humanity
stand back, my
You
so !
good girl you may stand
may
back.
is nothing to smile
There
at, Sir,"he continued,
Uncle Joseph,who had been excessively
sternlyaddressing^
of deliveringher
amused
evidence.
by Betsey's manner
"You
would
be doing better to carry, or rather transport,

ordinaryresult

of his

"

"

"

back to what
your mind
What
woman's
screech.
the

spot, and

Sir?
the

"

We

we

saw

did

to the

ran

you,

we

and
all

place.

succeeded

do, Sir ?

And

what

We
did

the

young

rushed

to

all see,

we

ma'am, lyinghorizontally
prostrate,on

top of the landingof the first of the flightof the north

stairs ; and

hanging up yonder,ab
keys,now
purloined,
and, as it were, snatched from their
and lying horizontally
prostrate likewise
room,

we

stracted

and

placein

this

on

followed

saw

those

the floor of the hall.

"

There

are

the

facts,the circumstan

rather placed,
before you.
What
or
ces, and the events, laid,
have you got to say to them ?
I call upon you both solemn
! In my own
in the name
ly,and, I will add,seriously
name,
of Mrs. Pentreath,
in the name
of our
employers,in the name
of

decency,in

the

name

of wonder

"

what

do you

mean

by

it?"
With

that

Mr.
conclusion,

Munder

struck

his fist

on

the

DEAD

THE

table,and waited, with

glareof

201

SECRET.

merciless

for
expectation,
or
a de
explanation,
of the room
might be

shape of an answer, an
at the bottom
culprits

any thing in the

fense which the

offer.

disposedto

thing,"whisperedSarah to the old man.

Any thingto keep him quiet;any thing to make him let us
I have suffered,
these people will drive me
go ! After what
"

him

Tell

any

"

!"

mad

Never
norant

she

very quick at inventingan excuse,

besides of what had reallyhappened
alone in the north

and
to

perfectly
ig

his niece while

hall,Uncle

Joseph,with the best

himself equal to the emergency,
to prove
will in the world
in decidingwhat he should say or
felt considerable difficulty
do.
Determined,however, at all hazards,to spare Sarah any
and to. remove
useless suffering,
her from the house as speed
he rose
to take the responsibility
of speaking
ilyas possible,
on
at Mr.
himself,looking hard, before he opened his lips,
Munder, who immediately leaned forward on the table with
his hand to his ear.
Uncle Joseph acknowledged this polite
of his fantastic bows; and then re
act of attention with one
plied to the whole of the steward's long harangue in these
was

six unanswerable
"

I wish

"

How

Munder,
"How

words

you good-day,Sir !"

dare you wish me
any thingof the sort !" cried Mr.
jumping out of his chair in violent indignation.

dare

questionin

you

trifle with

that

way

serious

Wish

subjectand a
good-day, indeed

me

serious
Do

going to let you out of this house without

hearing some
explanationof the abstractingand purloining
and snatchingof the keys of the north rooms?"

you

suppose

"Ah

am

! it is that

stimulated

we

What

see

and

two

the dear

the other

sides.

Good

and

half

and

This

people;

two

are

the

it,dear

there is

the house.

to

niece

was

Now

house.'

side

terror

am

by

excuse
"

See,now

good Sir,that
c

"

north

said Uncle

an

of his niece.

first let in ?

were

know?"

to

plunge headlong into

to

ing agitationand
plain.

want

you

We

have

side to the
is

! I shall
we

ex

said when
to

house,and

see
a

the
west

sides ; and I and my

and we
divide ourselves in two, to
the half that goes west, with you
!

That

come

Joseph,

the increas

two

good lady behind there. My niece here is

and drops the
that goes north,all by herself,

202

DEAD

THE

falls into

SECKET.

because in that old part of the

faint,
and there is smells of
house it is what you call musty-fusty,
tombs
and spiders,
and quite
and that is all the explanation,
I wish you good-day,Sir."
enough, too.

keys,and

"

Damme

! if

and
spectability,
u

moment.

I met

ever

the

with

like

of

you

before !"

Munder, entirelyforgettinghis dignity,his

Mr.

roared

You

his
are

in the

words

long
going

it all your own

will walk out of this
to

re

exasperationof the

have

are

way,

Foreigner? You
placewhen
will you, Mr. Foreigner? We
will see what the
you please,
justiceof the peace for this district has to say to that," cried
and
Mr. Munder, recovering his solemn
his lofty
manner
phraseology. Property in this house is confided to my
care
satisfactory
explanationof the
; and unless I hear some
purloiningof those keys hanging up there,Sir,on that wall,
Sir,before your eyes, Sir I shall consider it my duty to de
tain you, and the person with you, until I can
get legalad
vice,and lawful advice,and magisterialadvice. Do you
you, Mr.

"

"

hear

that,Sir?"

Uncle
and

Joseph'sruddy

his face

assumed

an

keeper rather
effect

on

cheeks

suddenly deepened in color,

expressionwhich made the house
which had an irresistibly
cooling

uneasy, and
the heat of Mr. Munder's

anger.
said the old man, speak
keep us
and looking very steadilyat the steward.
ing very quietly,
"
I take this lady (courage,
Now, see.
child,courage !
my
"

You

will

there is

nothing to

I throw

that

here?

You?"

tremble

for)
"

I take

! I stand

door

this

lady with

me

wait

and

before it ; and
open, so
I say to you, * Shut that door againstus, if you dare.' "
At this defiance,Mr. Munder
advanced
few steps, and
a

stopped. If Uncle John's steady look at him had wav

he would
ered for an instant,
have closed the door.
I say again,"repeated the old man,
shut it againstus,
The
if you dare.
of your
laws and customs
country, Sir,
have made
me
an
Englishman. If you can talk into one ear
I can
of a magistrate,
talk into the other.
If he must
listen
then

"

"

listen to
you, a citizen of this country, he must
citizen of this country also.
Say the word, if you

to

Do

you
door?"
Before

accuse

or

Mr. Munder

do

you

could

threaten

reply to

any

or

do

one

you

me,

please.

shut

of these

the

three

204

DEAD

THE

SECRET.

"

"

Betzee,my dear,"repeated Uncle Joseph, has all this

talkingbeen too much for your ears ? has it made you deaf?"
Wait !" cried Mr. Munder, impatiently."I insist on your
"

Sir !"
waiting,
"

is

You

no

wait
that

insist ?

Well, well,because
I should

why

reason

be

you
uncivil

an

are

concession

claims

the

to

gently backward

walked
passage
ed the

and

tremble

much

We

will

say." Making
Uncle
politeness,
Joseph

forward

to

with

his niece in the

Sarah,my child,I have frighten

big words," he whispered. Try not to
"

of the
so

man

"

outside the door.

man

of

too.

man

Sir,if you have any thingmore

little,

uncivil

an

we

shall

soon

be

out

in the

fresh

air

again."
continued
his whispered
time, Mr. Munder
conversation with the housekeeper,
making a desperateeffort,
in the midst of his perplexities,
his customary air
to maintain
of patronage and his customary assumption of superiority.
There is a great deal of truth,ma'am," he softly
a
began
in what you say.
But you are
great deal of truth,certainly,
while I am
Do
talkingof the woman,
talkingof the man.
In the

mean

"

"

"

you

to tell

mean

happened, without
and

name
"

Do

you

that

me

at

least

to let him

am

on
insisting

go, after what

his giving me

has
his

address ?"

put

enough in
his right name

trust

the

foreignerto

believe that

and address if you asked

give you
"With
submission
to your
him?"
inquiredMrs. Pentreath.
confess that I don't. But supposing
better judgment, I must
to detain him and charge him before the magistrate
you were
house
and how you are to do that,the magistrate's
being,
I suppose, about a couple of hours' walk from here,is more
tell you must
than I can
surelyrisk offendingMrs. Frankand charging the woman
land by detainingthe woman
as
the
I
Mr. Munder, though believe
well ; for after all,
foreigner
the woman
that took the
to be capable of any thing,it was
keys,was it not ?"
Quite so ! quiteso !" said Mr. Munder, whose sleepyeyes
view of
were
now
opened to this plainand straightforward
I was, oddly enough, putting
for the first time.
the case
that point to myself,Mrs. Pentreath, just before you hap
pened to speakof it. Just so ! just so !"
in a
I can't help thinking,"
continued
the housekeeper,
he would

"

"

"

"

"

DEAD

THE

205

SECRET.

mysteriouswhisper,"that the best plan,and the plan most

is to let them both go, as
with our instructions,
in accordance
ourselves by any more
if we
to demean
did not care
quarrel
and

ing or arguingwith them,

to have

them

followed

to

the

The

gardener'sboy,Jacob,is weed
ing the broad walk in the west garden this afternoon. These
people have not seen him about the premises,and need not
see
him, if they are let out again by the south door. Jacob
is a sharp lad,as you know; and, if he was
properlyinstruct
ed,I reallydon't see
Mrs. Pentreath,"inter
It is a most
singularcircumstance,
assurance
posed Mr. Munder, with the gravityof consummate
;
placethey stop

next

at.

"

"

"

"

but

when

Jacob
and

I first sat

occurred

the heat

unaccountable

to

of

down
What

me.

argument,

to

this
with

idea

table,that
the

I got led away

effort of
from

about

speaking,

it in the most

"

manner

"

stock of

patienceand politeness
was
again.
gettingexhausted, put his head into the room
I shall have one
last word
to address
to
you, Sir,in a
could speak.
moment," said Mr. Munder, before the old man
"Don't
and your bullying
you suppose that your blustering
has had any effect on me.
It may do with foreigners,
Sir ; but
it won't do with Englishmen, I can
tell you."
Uncle Joseph shrugged his shoulders,
smiled,and rejoined
his niece in the passage outside. While
the housekeeperand
had been conferringtogether,Sarah had been
the steward
tryinghard to persuade her uncle to profit
by her knowledge
of the passages that led to the south door,and to slipaway
refused to be guided
unperceived. But the old man
steadily
I will not go out of a placeguiltily,"
he said,
by her advice.
I have done no harm.
when
Nothing shall persuade me to
I am
of
not a man
put myself,or to put you, in the wrong.
wits ; but let my conscience
much
guide me, and so long I
shall go right. They let us in here,Sarah,of their own
ac
cord ; and they shall let us out of their own
accord also."
"Mr. Munder!
Mr. Munder
!" whispered the housekeeper,
to stop a fresh explosionof the steward's indigna
interfering
tion,which threatened to break out at the contempt implied
by the shrugging of Uncle Joseph'sshoulders, while you
are
speaking to that audacious man, shall I slipinto the gar
den and give Jacob his instructions?"
Here

Uncle

Joseph,whose

"

"

"

"

206

DEAD

THE

Mr. Munder

before

paused
dignified
way out

more

SECRET.

"

in which

of the dilemma

suggested by the
way
entirelyto discern any thing of the sort

himself

the

than

dignationat
words

two
"

heroic

one
"

gulp
"

to

he had

see

placed

housekeeper

failed

"

his in

swallowed

"

in
repliedemphatically

and

Go, ma'am."

does that

What

tried hard

answering

? what

mean

has

she gone

for?"

that way

whisper,as the
uncle,in a quick,suspicious
housekeeperbrushed hastilyby them on her way to the west
garden.
it was
fol
time to answer
the question,
Before there was
lowed by another,put by Mr. Munder.
"Now, Sir!" said the steward, standing in the door-way,
his coat-tails and his head
under
with his hands
very high in
the air.
Now, Sir,and now, ma'am, for my last words. Am
I to have
a proper
explanationof the abstractingand pur
loiningof those keys,or am I not ?"
Sir,you are to have the explanation,"
replied
Certainly,
the same
It is,if you please,
Uncle Joseph.
explanation
of
I
littlewhile
the
that
honor
had
givingto you a
ago. Do
have
we
you wish to hear it again? It is all the explanation
said Sarah

to

her

"

"

"

got about
"

Oh

us."

! it

"

said Mr. Munder.

is,is it?"

say to both of you is

he added, in his most

to

! Directly!"
directly

the house

leave

"

all I have

Then

coarselyoifensive tones, takingrefuge

from
of
the dim consciousness
in the insolence of authority,
which would force itself on
the absurdityof his own
position,
him even
while he spoke.
Yes, Sir !" he continued,grow
with which Uncle
and more
at the composure
ing more
angry
Yes, Sir ! you may bow and scrape,
Joseph listened to him
else. I won't put
and jabber your broken English somewhere
I have reflected with myself,and reasoned
up with you here.
with myself,and asked myself calmly as Englishmen always
do
if it is any use
making you of importance,and I have
"

"

"

"

"

to

come

Don't

conclusion,and

with
go away
bullyings have had any
you

that

conclusion

notion
effect

that
on
"

the house
"

And

"

no,

it isn't !

blusteringsand
(Show them
out,

your

me.

Betsey!) I consider you beneath

notice. Language fails,
Sir,to express

is

aye, and
my

below!

contempt.

my
Leave
"

!"

I,Sir,"returned

the

objectof

all this

witheringderi-

DEAD

THE

207

SECRET.

"

sion,with the most exasperatingpoliteness,I shall say, for

have said
having your contempt, what I could by no means
for having your respect,which is,
brieflythank you. I,the
small foreigner,
take the contempt of you, the bigEnglishman,
"

the greatest

as

complimentthat

be

can

paid from

of

man

of mine."
With
composition to a man
that,Uncle
Joseph made a last fantastic bow, took his niece's arm, and
followed Betseyalong the passages that led to the south door,
at his leisure.
to compose
a fit retort
leavingMr. Munder
your

Ten

minutes

later the

her room, and found

ward in a high state
"

Pray
both

are

housekeeperreturned

the steward

breathless

walking backward

and

to

for

of irritation.

"
They
your mind easy, Mr. Munder," she said.
clear of the house
and Jacob has got them
at last,

make

well in view

on

the

the moor."

path over

CHAPTER

V.

PLAYS

MOZART

FAREWELL.

Betsey,the servant-maid,
Uncle Joseph spoke not another word,
with great cordiality,
after his partingreply to Mr. Munder, until he and his niece
alone again under the east wall of Porthgenna Tower.
were
There he paused,looked up at the house,then at his compan
ion,then back at the house once more, and at last opened his
lipsto speak.
"I am
"I am
sorry from my
sorry, my child,"he said
This has been what you call in England a bad job."
heart.
Thinking that he referred to the scene which had justpassed
in the housekeeper's
room, Sarah asked his pardon for having
of bringinghim into angry collision
been the innocent means
EXCEPTING

that he took leave of

"

with
"

such
No

a
no

person as Mr. Munder.

! no !" he cried. " I was

of the

big body

is

to

not

put him

and

the

be denied ; but
and his big words

not

big words.

thinkingof

He

that is all

over

made

me

and

gone

the

man

it

angry,

now.

away from me, as I kick this stone,

here,from the pathway into the road. It is not of your Munthat I now
or
speak
ders,or your housekeepers,
your Betzees,
"

it is of

something that

because
also,

I make

is

of your

nearer

to

you

interest my
K

own

and

nearer

to

interest too.

me

208

DEAD

THE

shall tell you

SECRET.

it is while

what

face,Sarah,that you

are

walk

we

restless and

on

for I

"

in fear

in your

see

long

so

as

we

! I
dungeon-house.
There is the path. Let us go back
ain
ready for the march.
by it,and pick up our littlebaggages at the inn where we left
them, on the other side of this windy wilderness of a place."
Yes, yes, uncle ! Let us lose no time ; let us walk fast.
much
Don't be afraid of tiringme ; I am
stronger now."
path by which they had ap
They turned into the same
By the time
proached Porthgenna Tower in the afternoon.
than
the first hundred
they had walked over a little more
yards of their journey,Jacob, the gardener'sboy, stole out

stop in the neighborhood

Come

of this

"

behind

from

inclosure

in his hand.

his hoe

with

house

ruinous

the

at

the

The

sun

side of the

north

had

just set,but

lightstill over the wide, open surface of the

and his niece get
moor
; and Jacob paused to let the old man
the building before he followed
from
them.
farther away
instructions had directed him justto keep
The housekeeper's
them
in sight,
and no more;
and, if he happened to observe
that they stopped and turned round to look behind them, he
to stop, too, and
was
pretend to be digging with his hoe,as
the moorland.
if he was
at work
Stimulated
on
by the
promise of a sixpence,if he was careful to do exactly as he
had been told,Jacob
kept his instructions in his memory,
and kept his eye on the two strangers,and promised as fairly
in prospect for him as a boy could.
the reward
to earn
there

"

And

fine

was

now,

IJncle

for,"resumed

path.

"

ney, and

child,I

my

shall tell you

Joseph,as

what

they proceeded

that

have come
we
sorry
and had our
little risk,
our

am

run

gained nothing.
I was
gettingyou

The

word

you

it is I

am

sorry
along the

upon this jour

little scolding,
and

out

said in my

ear,

Sarah,when

of the faint

(and you should have come

out of it sooner, if the muddle-headed
people of the dungeonhouse had been quickerwith the water) the word you said
in my
not much, but it was
ear
was
enough to tell me that
have taken this journey in vain.
I may
hold my tongue,
we
out

"

I may
make
blindfolded
into my
your

with

eyes

heart

journey,is

best

my

"

was

the

face at

mystery

but it is not
most
one

set

on

thing

it,I may
that

lets

be
no

the less true

doing,when
also that you

content

to

walk

peep of daylight
that the one
thing
we

have

started
not

on

done.

this
I

THE

DEAD

209

SECRET.

that,if I know nothing else ; and I say again,it is a

there is no disguise
bad job
yes, yes, upon my life and faith,
in your plainest
to put upon it; it is,
English,a very bad job.^
the expressionof his sympathy in these
As he concluded
the watchful terror,that
quaintterms, the dread and distrust,
know

"

back

all their

them

to

beauty.

for me,
with
away

be

"Don't

in
eyes, disappeared
which
seemed
to give
tenderness,

sorrowful

of
expression

an

softness of Sarah's

natural

the

marred

uncle," she said,stopping,and

sorry

her hand
some
gently brushing
specks of dust
I have suffered so much
that lay on the collar of his coat.
and suffered so long,that the heaviest disappointments
pass
lightlyover me now."
"

Joseph. " You

you say it !" cried Uncle
give me shocks I can't bear when you talk to me in this way.
shall have no more
You
disappointments no, you shall not !
I won't

"

hear

"

I say
I, Joseph Buschmann, the Obstinate,the Pig-headed,
it!"
"The

when

not

far off

uncle,is
endure

Let

now.

little longer: I have

for

hope

I shall have

day

life ever

lifeI have

used to

my
become

learned

little longer,and

be

and to
patient,
failing,
fearingand failing
to

"

since I

by

disappointments,

more

wait

me

nothing. Fearing and

that has been

no

was

this time.

young
If you

woman
are

"

the

surprised,

I know

be,at my not possessingmyself of the

you must
in my hand,
I had the keys of the Myrtle Room
when
letter,

as

and

when

no

stop me, remember

the

history
that as an
explanation. Fearing and
I could
failing if I told you all the truth,

was

one

to

near

take

and
life,
failing,
fearingand
of my

tell no

than

more

"

Let

that.

us

walk

on, uncle."

in her voice and manner

while she spoke
resignation
of despair. It gave her an unnatural selfthe resignation
was
which altered her,in the eyes of Uncle Joseph,al
possession,
most
past recognition.He looked at her in undisguisedalarm.
No !" he said, we
will not walk on ; we
will walk back
will make
another plan ; we
to the dungeon-house; we
will
The

"

try
I

"

to

care

care

and

get
for

for
the

at this devil's

imp

of

letter in

some

other

way.

I ! I
Betzees
no
Munders, no housekeepers,
nothing but the gettingyou the one thingyou want,
takingyou home again as easy in your mind as I am

myself.

no

Come

"

! let

us

go back."

210

DEAD

THE

"

It is too

"How

late to go back."
late?
Ah, dismal,dingy,dungeon-house of the

too

I hate

devil,how

!" cried Uncle

you
the prospect, and

over

SECKET.

shaking both

Joseph,looking back
his fists at

Porthgenna

Tower.
"

"

because
late,uncle,"she repeated. Too late,
because if I could bring it
the opportunityis lost; too late,
back, I dare not go near the Myrtle Room
again. My last
and that
of the letter
hope was to change the hiding-place
I have only one
last hope I have given up.
objectin life left
now
help me in it ; but I can not tell you how
; you
may
with me
at once
unless you come
unless you say nothing
on
about going back to Porthgenna Tower."
more
Uncle
Joseph began to expostulate. His niece stopped
of a sentence, by touching him
him in the middle
the
on
shoulder and pointingto a particular
spot on the darkening
below them.
slopeof the moor
Look !" she said, there is somebody on the path behind
Is it a boy or a man
?"
us.
Uncle Joseph looked through the fadinglight,
and saw
a
It seemed
little distance.
like the figureof a
figureat some
boy, and he was apparentlyengaged in digging on the moor.
Let us turn
round, and go on at once," pleaded Sarah,
It is too

"

"

"

"

"

before the old

want

could

man

say to you,

to

"I

can't say what I

safe under shelter at

her.

answer

uncle,until

we

are

the inn."

they reached the highestground on

the moor.
There they stopped,and looked back again. The
rest of their way
lay down hill;and the spot on which they
stood was
the last pointfrom which a view could be obtained
of Porthgenna Tower.
have lost sightof the boy," said Uncle Joseph,look
We
ing over the ground below them.
and sharpereyes bore witness to the truth
Sarah's younger
of her uncle's words
the view over
the moor
was
lonely
They

went

until

on

"

"

now,

in every

ing on

again,she moved

looked
black

far
as
direction,

the tower

at

in the dim

herself.

"

Never,

of the

wall.

never,

she

little away

with
light,

it like

ing behind

as

ancient
the dark

could
from

see.

the

Before
old man,

go

and

house, risingheavy and

background stretch
Never
again !" she whispered to
never
again !" Her eyes wandered
"

sea

212

THE

best

wait

parlor to

alone,Sarah

drew

whispered these
"

Uncle

"So!

been

how

The

close

in his

Tower

And

so!

chair

have

Porthgenna

from

SECKET.

for supper.

words

we

DEAD

ear

the

to

do you

old man's

they were
side,and

"

followed

to this

moment

every

step of the way

place."
know

that?"

inquiredUncle

Joseph.
Somebody may be listeningat the door,some
You noticed that
body may be creepingunder the window.
?
boy who was digging on the moor
do you try
Bah ! Why, Sarah ! do you frightenyourself,
about
to frighten
me
a boy ?"
Oh, not so loud ! not so loud ! They have laid a trap for
first entered the doors
Uncle ! I suspectedit when
we
us.
of it now.
What
did all
of Porthgenna Tower; I am
sure
the housekeeper and
between
that
the
whisperingmean
"Hush

"

"

"

"

steward

when

first got into the hall?

we

I watched

their

they were
talkingabout us.
They were
half surprised
not
enough at seeingus, not half surprised
Don't laugh at me,
enough at hearing what we wanted.
The
uncle ! There is real danger : it is no fancy of mine.
have
closer
the keys of the north rooms
keys come
got
faces,and I know

"

"

labels

new

Think

on

of that !

and

the

them;
Think

the

doors

have

all been

numbered.

of the

whispering when we came

in,
whisperingafterward,in the housekeeper'sroom,

when

You
noticed the sudden
you got up to go away.
change in that man's behavior after the housekeeperspoke
to him

have noticed it? They let us

you must
they let us out too easily. No, no ! I am

in

easily,
and
not
deluding
for lettingus into
motive
secret
some
myself. There was
the house,and some
motive for lettingus out again.
secret
That boy on the moor
betraysit,if nothing else does. I saw
him followingus all the way
here, as plainlyas I see you.
I am
As surelyas
not frightenedwithout
reason, this time.
two
we
are
togetherin this room, there is a trap laid for us
by the people at Porthgenna Tower !"
A trap ? What
trap ? And how ? and why ? and where
fore ?" inquiredUncle
Joseph,expressingbewilderment
by
waving both his hands rapidlyto and fro close before his
"

too

"

eyes.
"

They

want

to

make

me

speak,they want

to

follow

me,

THE

to find out

they want

"

ought
them

they want

to ask me

cut

have

They

ques

! you

I said

re

Mrs.

to

rather than

my tongue out
done dreadful

mischief

dreadful

"

Uncle

of those crazed words

have

to

of it

certain

am

I told you

spoken

have

I go,

where

answered, tremblingviolently.

what

Frankland

213

SECEET.

"

tions,"she
member

DEAD

mischief

already. I

have

"

made

myself suspected! I shall be questioned,if Mrs. Frankland

shall be
out
finds me
again. She will try to find me out
we
must
we
inquiredafter here
destroyall trace of where we
make
must
that the people at this inn
we
sure
go to next
no
can
we
answer
questions oh,Uncle Joseph! whatever
"

"

"

"

do, let us make sure of that !"

"
Good," said the old man, nodding his head

fectlyself-satisfiedair.
make

it to

me

send

for the

to

riage,if
"

No,

"

And

Be

sure.

landlord,and I

for Truro.'

quite easy,

When

please,
Sir,to

you

the coach

"

you
shall

take

are
'

say,
back

us

my

with

child,and
to

gone
Get

us

bed, I
a

per
leave
shall

little

again to-morrow

car

to

"

must
not hire
no, no ! we
I say, yes, yes, yes ! We

carriagehere."
will hire a carriagehere,

make
with the landlord.
List
sure
will,firstof all,
after us people with
I shall say to him, If there come
en.
looks in their eyes and uncomfortable
questions
inquisitive
hold
in their mouths
if you please,
Sir,
your tongue.' Then
I shall wink
so, to the side of
my eye, I shall lay my finger,
much
little laugh that means
and,
my nose, I shall give one

because

"

"

! I have

crick ! crack
end

an
"

made

! and

there is

of it !"

We

not

must

trust

must

any body. When

and
leave it on foot,

Look

! here

trust

of the landlord

sure

wall,w^ith
find out

is

roads

map
and

beforehand

of

must
we
landlord,uncle
leave this place to-morrow,
wre
take care
no
livingsoul follows
Cornwall
West
hanging up on

the

"

cross-roads
what

all marked

direction

ought
strengthI want
we

it.

on

We

to walk

not
we
us.

the

may
in. A

have
night'srest will give me all the
; and we
no
luggage that we can not carry. You have nothing but
your knapsack,and I have nothing but the little carpet-bag
walk six,seven, even
We
ten miles,with
can
you lent me.
Come
here and look at the map
restingby the way.
pray,
"

look at the map !"

Protestingagainst the abandonment

pray

come

and

of his

own

project,

214

THE

which

DEAD

SECKET.

sincerelybelieved,to be perfectly
in which
adapted to meet the emergency
placed,
they were
A lit
Uncle Joseph joinedhis niece in examining'the map.
tle beyond the post-town, a cross-road was
marked, running
northward
the highway that led to
at right angles with
Truro, and conducting to another road,which looked large
of
and which led through a town
enough to be a coach-road,
sufficient importance to have its name
printedin capitallet
Sarah proposed that they should
On discoveringthis,
ters.
the map
follow the cross-road (which did not appear
to
on
be more
than five or six miles long) on foot,abstainingfrom
until they had arrived at the town
taking any conveyance
in capitalletters.
marked
By pursuing this course, they
would
destroy all trace of their progress after leaving the
followed on foot from
unless,indeed,they were
post-town
In the
this place,
as
they had been followed over the moor.
Sarah had
of any fresh difficulty
of that sort occurring,
event
better remedy to propose than lingeringon the road till
no
after nightfall,
and leaving it to the darkness
to baffle the
vigilanceof any person who might be watching in the dis
where
tance
to see
they went.
TThcle Joseph shrugged his shoulders resignedly
his
when
niece gave her reasons
for wishing to continue the journey on
foot.
There is much
tramping through dust,and much look
ing behind us, and much spying and peeping and suspecting
and roundabout
It is by no
he said.
walking in all this,"
means
as
so
making sure of the landlord,and
easy, my child,
at our
the cushions of the stage-coach.But if
ease
on
sitting
What
Sarah ;
you will have it so, so shall it be.
you please,
what
that I
you please that is all the opinion of my own
allow myself to have tillwe
back again at Truro,and are
are
rested for good and all at the end of our journey."
he

declared,and

"

"

"

"

"At
end

the end

of your

journey,uncle

I dare

not

say at the

of mine."

Those

few words

changed the old man's face in an instant.

His eyes fixed reproachfully
his niece,his ruddy cheeks lost
on
his restless hands dropped suddenly to his sides.
their color,
in a low,quiettone, which seemed
Sarah !" he said,
to have
relation to the voice in which
he spoke on ordinary oc
no
casions
Sarah ! have you the heart to leave me
again?"
"

"

"

"

Have

I the

courage

to

stay in Cornwall

That

is the

THE

DEAD

215

SECEET.

If I had only my own

ask me, uncle.
heart to
consult,oh ! how gladlyI should live under your roof live

questionto

"

let me, to my dying day ! But my lot

for such rest and such happinessas that. The fear

under

it,if you

is not

cast

would

beingquestionedby Mrs. Frankland drives me

from Cornwall,away from you.
away from Porthgenna,away
Even
my dread of the letter being found is hardly so great
as
now
my dread of being traced and questioned. I have
said what I ought not to have said already. If I find myself
in Mrs. Frankland's
presence again,there is nothing that she
Oh, my God ! to think of that
might not draw out of me.
kind
who
hearted, lovely young
bringshappiness
woman,
of

that I have

she goes, bringingterror

pityingeyes look at me; terror

her wherever

with
when

her

voice

speaks to

mine

Uncle

; terror

me

when

will crowd

the very children

about

her

Terror
kind

her

hand

touches

Porthgenna,

to

comes
"

me

when

tender

her

Mrs. Frankland

! when

to

every
the

in

creature

villagewill be drawn toward

lightof her
her goodness,as if it was
the sunshine of Heaven
and I I,of all livingbeings must
shun her as if she
itself;
! The
into Cornwall
a pestilence
was
day when she comes
is the day when I must
two
we
go out of it the day when
must
by
say farewell. Don't,don't add to my wretchedness
asking me if I have the heart to leave you ! For my dead
mother's sake,Uncle Joseph,believe that I am
be
grateful,

that

poor
beauty and

"

"

"

lieve that it is not

leave
her

will that takes me

my own
again." She sank down on a sofa

you

head,with

spokeno
The
down

by

gathered thick

her side.

it as

He

and
pillow,

as

will say no more.

left all alone ?
am

took

in Uncle

Joseph'seyes

of her

one

he sat

as

hands, and pattedand

"

I will
soothinga littlechild.
I can, Sarah,"he whispered,faintly,and I
You will write to me
sometimes,when I
You will give a littletime to Uncle Joseph,

though

bear it as well

he

were

"

for the poor dead mother's sake ?"

She turned toward him suddenly,
and
round

her,laid

near

the

more.

tears

stroked

wearilyon
long,deep sigh,

one

when

away

his neck with

threw

both her

arms

passionateenergy that was strangely

at variance with her naturally
character.
quietself-repressed
I will write often,
dear ; I will write always,"she whispered,
a

"

with

her

head

on

"

his bosom.
K2

If I

am

ever

in any

trouble

216

THE

shall know

danger,you

or

if the freedom

claspedher
man,

DEAD

of her

it." She
words

own

and

and,turningaway

arms,

hid her face in her hands.

that governedher whole

how

SECRET.

"

Uncle

Joseph

rose

all expressed how

the

and walked gentlyback

sofa,
at his niece,
lookinganxiously

and forward in the room,

but not speakingto her. After
ward

while the servant

It was a welcome

prepare the table for supper.

tion,for it obligedSarah to make
to

the meal

After
self-possession.

separatedat once for

change another word

the
on

sadly,

"

littleaction.

one

from

tyranny of the restraint

The

life was

! in that
eloquently

as
stopped confusedly,
actions terrifiedher,un
abruptlyfrom the old

was

an

effort

to

came

in

interrup
her

recover

over, the uncle and niece

night,without venturingto ex
the subjectof their approaching

separation.
theymet the next morning,the old man had not re
covered his spirits.
Although he tried to speakas cheerfully
subdued and quiet
as
usual,there was
somethingstrangely
Sarah's heart smote
about him in voice,
look,and manner.
how sadlyhe was
her as she saw
altered by the prospect of
their parting.She said a few words of consolation and hope;
in his quaintforeign
his hand negatively,
but he only waved
When

and

manner,

hastened

out

of the

to find the landlord

room

and ask for the bill.

of the peopleat the
surprise
Uncle
inn,they set forth to continue their journeyon foot,
Joseph carryinghis knapsackon his back,and his niece's
in his hand.
When
carpet-bag
they arrived at the turning
that led into the cross-road,
they both stopped and looked
This time they saw
There
back.
nothingto alarm them.
was
no
livingcreature visible on the broad highway over
which they had been walkingfor the last quarter of an hour
after leavingthe inn.
said Uncle Joseph,
The way is clear,"
as they turned into
Whatever
the cross-road.
might have happenedyesterday,
now."
there is nobody following
us
But I dis
Nobody that we can see,"answered Sarah.
trust the very stones by the road-side. Let us look back often,
Soon

after

to
breakfast,

the

"

"

"

"

uncle,before
think of
those

we

allow ourselves to feel

I dread

the

the more
snare
it,
Tower."
peopleat Porthgenna

secure.

The

more

that is laid for

us

by

THE

"

You

its, Sarah.

say

217

DEAD

SECRET.

Why

should

they lay

snare

for

?"

me
"

they have

Because

"

in my

You will
company.
parted; and that is another

you

we

are

Joseph,why we should bear the misfortune of

separationas patientlyas we can."
Are you going far,very far away, Sarah,when
you leave
Uncle

reason,
our

when

them

be safer from

seen

me?"
"

I dare

feel that I am
my journey till I can
Don't look at me
of London.
sadso

not

stop on
lost in the great world
I shall

ly !

write.
"

but

whom

to

friends

I have
can

an

My

is

If

the house.

they should

coming

answer

you
deal with

closed

uncle's

her

when

she

them

; be

careful how

questions!"
nothing,my

shall you do then ?"

Sarah's
At that question,

tenfold

happened yesterdayin
to Truro, oh, be careful,
j

child.

hand,

tell

me

"

for I

of your
finds the letter,
what

which

while

arm

But

that there

tell me, if Mrs. Frankland

"

languidly on

what

all the little chances

know
back

"

trace

you

it

great

increased

hear)of

to

sure

their

you answer
"I will
to

is

danger

uncle ! be careful how

want

can

this interest will be

(asshe

hears

forgetto

never

is,it is,indeed ! I
what
I have seen
at Porthgenna, that Mrs. Frankout ; and I am
interest already in findingme
cer

know, from
tain that

I shall

friends like you, but stillfriends

feel safe from discoverynowhere

not

"

go.

in London.

land has

promise ;

forgetmy

never

had

they

are

been

walked

resting
together,

"

it

Even
if Mrs. Frankland
suddenly.
gets into
the Myrtle Room," she said,
stoppingand lookingaffrightedly
about her while she replied, she may not find the letter. It
is folded up so small ; it is hidden in such an unlikely
place."
on

"

if she does find it?"

"But
"If

she

does,there

being miles
As

and

miles

will be

more

than

reason

away."

she gave

that answer, she raised both

pressed them firmlyover it. A

heart,and

for my

ever

her hands

to her

slightdistortion

her features ; her eyes closed ; her face

She
then turned paler again than ever.

passedrapidlyacross
flushed
drew

out

all

over

"

and passedit several times

pocket-handkerchief,
had gatheredthickly.
face,on which the perspiration
her

over

her

The

old man,

who

had

looked

behind

him

when

his niece

218

THE

DEAD

SECliET.

some
stopped,under the impressionthat she had just seen
body followingthem, observed this latter action,and asked
She
if she felt too hot.
shook her head, and took his arm
with some
again to go on, breathing,as he fancied,
difficulty.
He proposed that they should sit down
by the road-side and
rest a little; but she only answered, Not
yet." So they
for another half-hour;then turned to look behind
went
on
them
again,and, still seeing nobody, sat down for a little
whjle to rest on a bank by the way-side.
convenient
After stopping twice more
at
resting-places,
reached
the
end
of
On
the
cross-road.
the
they
highway to
which it led them they were
overtaken
by a man
drivingan
empty cart, who offered to give them a lift as far as the next
town.
They acceptedthe proposalgratefully
; and,arriving
"

at the

town, after
of the

door

the

place that they

drive

of half

principalinn.
were

too

hour, were

an

Finding

late for the

on

down

at

inquiryat

this

set

coach, they took

pri

which
brought them to Truro late in the
conveyance,
afternoon.
from the
Throughout the whole of the journey,

vate

time

when

they left the post-town of Porthgenna to the time

when
by Sarah's desire,at the coach-office in
they stopped,
Truro,they had seen nothingto excite the smallest suspicion
that their movements
None
of the
were
being observed.
whom
or
peoplewhom
they saw in the inhabited places,
they
than the most cas
passed on the road,appeared to take more
ual notice of them.
It

five o'clock when

was

to ask about

conveyances
informed
that

they entered
running in the

the

office at Truro

direction of Exeter.

coach would
hour's
start in an
a
They were
time,and that another coach would pass through Truro at
eighto'clock the next morning.
You will not go to-night
?" pleadedUncle Joseph.
You
will wait,my child,
tillto-morrow
and rest with me
?"
"

"

"I had
was
left,"
"

"

But

better go, uncle,while I have

the sad answer.
you

so

so
pale,so tired,

littleresolution

weak."

be stronger than I am
Don't set my
now.
heart againstme ! It is hard enough to go without that."
own
Uncle Joseph sighed,and said no more.
He led the way
across

I shall

are

some

never

the road

cheerful

man

and

in the

down

shop

the
was

by-streetto his house.

polishinga piece of wood

The
be-

220

DEAD

THE

The

stop had
to

come

succeeded

notes

air grew

"the

set,and

end,began again.

an

bars,the

been

not

SECRET.

less and

the

But

and

more

less

it had

after the first few

now,

another

one

melody, after

slowly

more

recognizable dropped at last to

three notes, following each other at long intervals
then
chain that governed the action of
ceased altogether. The
the machinery had all run
out; Mozart's farewell song was
silenced on a sudden,like a voice that had broken down.
The
old man
started,looked earnestlyat his niece,and
"

"

the leather

threw

case

it.

sight of

the box

over
"

The

as

if he desired to shut

music

stopped so,"he whispered

to himself,in his own
language, when little Joseph died !
in English,almost before Sarah
Don't go !" he added quickly,
had time to feel surprisedat the singularchange that had
"Don't
taken place in his voice and manner.
go! Think
and stop with me."
better of it,
I have no choice,uncle,but to leave you
indeed,indeed
the

out

"

"

"

I have

not

You

don't think

?
ungrateful

me

Comfort

me

at the last moment

that !"
me
by telling
and kissed her on
He pressed her hand
in silence,
cheeks.
My heart is very heavy for you, Sarah,"he
"

"

fear has

The

that you are

"I have no

come

to

that

me

it is

for your

not

going away from Uncle Joseph now

choice,"she sadlyrepeated "no
"

own

both
said.

good

!"
choice but to

leave
"

you."
It is time,then,to get

doubt

and

fear that had

when

the music

when

he had

he had

kept

came

to

the

partingover."

cloud

of

altered his

face,from the moment

its untimely end, seemed
to darken,

said those words.

so

The

at
carefully

his

He

took

up the basket

feet,and led the way

which
out

in

silence.
time ; the driver was
mounting to his
seat when
they got to the coach-office. " God preserve you,
soon, safe and well. Take
my child,and send you back to me
littlethingsin it for
the basket on your lap; there are some

They

were

barelyin

journey." His voice faltered at the last word, and

felt his lipspressedon her hand.
The next instant the
door was
closed,and she saw him dimly through her tears
wait
the idlers on the pavement, who were
standing among
ing to see the coach drive off.
she was
out of the town
a littleway
By the time they were
your
Sarah

THE

able
a

of

pot

the

her

dry

to

in

stock

French
"

in

all

its

to

be

banished

to

her
While

closing

the

"

The

on

to

music

the

of
the

his

in

lonely

table

himself

stopped

had

in

so

mind,

own

when

to

His

Sarah's

parting
it

!
man

just

was

wandered
cup,

again

was

offered

was

empty

Joseph

drew

hard

eyes

language
little

how

old

the

and

the

world

the

parlor.

and
his

her

of

the

Joseph's

which

home
in

with

again,

Oh,

left

cheese,

Uncle

sorrow

moment.

she
was

basket

the

sheltering

friend

from

money,

it, in

the

felt

contained

work-box

of

on

of

that

inlaid

packet

cover

It

foreign-looking

of

written

not

basket.

the

small

paper

until

one

door

piece

had

thought

tea-tray

whispered

She

from

that

the

closed

the

spoon,

angry

bitterness

by

into

"

be

veil.

look

little

Don't

her

down

shop,

and

Sarah

hand.

horn

the

roll,

words

the

and

jam

and

eyes

221

SECRET.

DEAD

"

died

!"

to

and

he

DEAD

THE

SECKET.

BOOK

V.

CHAPTER
AND

FRIEND

OLD

AN

I.
A

SCHEME.

NEW

she had seen

that the boy whom
declaring,
positively,
had followed her uncle and herself to
digging on the moor
the post-town of Porthgenna, Sarah had asserted the literal

IN

Jacob

truth.

littlewhile
lihood

tracked

had

to

the

then

and

to claim

his

any like
evening,and

was

continuing their journey that

returned to Porthgenna Tower
to make

of their

had

waited

inn,had

door,to ascertain if there

the

about

them

his report,

promisedreward.

night,the housekeeperand the steward devoted

themselves
to the jointproductionof a letter to Mrs. Frankland,informingher of all that had taken place,from the time
The

same

when

the

visitors first made

when

the

gardener'sboy had
The compositionwas

the inn.
out

with

plentifully
garnishedthrough
and was, by a
rhetoric,
inordinately
long as a narrative,and

of Mr. Munder's

the flowers

necessary

consequence,
hopelesslyconfused as
It is unnecessary
and absurdities,
was
est interest.

she

Her

of facts.

statement

with all its faults

say that the letter,
read by Mrs. Franklanct with the deep

to

husband

communicated

their appearance, to the time

followed them to the door of

and Mr.

Orridge,to

its contents, were

she was
herself.

as

much

both

of whom

amazed

and

Although the discovery

perplexedby it as
had led them
to con
of Mrs. Jazeph'sdeparturefor Cornwall
that she might appear
sider it within the range of possibility
at Porthgenna, and although the housekeeperhad been writ
under the influence of that idea,neither
ten to by Rosamond
her husband
she nor
were
quiteprepared for such a speedy
of their suspicionsas they had now
confirmation
received.
Their

astonishment,however,

eral purport of the

astonishment
when
it which

referred

was
letter,
they came

to

IJncle

on

first

the
ascertaining

gen

nothing compared with their

to those particular
passages in
Joseph. The fresh element of
as

DEAD

THE

223

SECRET.

impartedto the thickening

mystery of Mrs. Jacomplication
of the foreign
zeph and the Myrtle Room, by the entrance
stranger

the

on

and

scene,

by

his intimate

connection

with

extraordinaryproceedingsthat had taken place in the

read again and
baffled them all. The letter was
house, fairly
dissected paragraph by paragraph; was
again; was critically
carefullyannotated by the doctor,for the purpose of extri
of un
cating all the facts that it contained from the mass
had artfully
and length
meaning words in which Mr.Munder
pronounced, after all the
ilyinvolved them; and was finally
to be the
pains that had been taken to render it intelligible,
the

mysteriousand bewilderingdocument that mortal pen

had ever
produced.
after the letter had been
The
first practical
suggestion,
from Rosamond.
She pro
emanated
laid aside in despair,
posed that her husband and herself (thebaby included,as a
most

course)should

of

matter

questionthe
Jazeph and
and

to

with
tle

examine
view

Room,

to

at

foreignstranger who
the premises on the
discoveringa clew to

while

events

were

for

once

minutelyabout

servants

the

start

Porthgenna, to

of Mrs.
proceedings
had accompanied her,

the

north
the

side of the

of
locality

still fresh in the

house,

the

Myr
of

memories

excellent in
plan thus advocated, however
was
opposed by Mr. Orridge on medical grounds. Mrs.
itself,
Frankland
had caught cold by exposingherself too carelessly
first leavingher room, and the doctor refused
to the air,
on
to grant her permissionto travel for at least a week
to come,
if not for a longerperiod.
The
from Mr. Frankland.
He declared
next
proposalcame
i
chance
of
that
it to be perfectlyclear to his mind
the only
rested entirely
penetratingthe mystery of the Myrtle Room
the discoveryof some
of communicating with Mrs.
means
on
Jazeph. He suggested that they should not trouble them
The

witnesses.

selves to

think

of any thing unconnected

with the accom
plishmentof this purpose ; and he proposed that the servant
in attendance

then

had been

sary
north

at

West

Winston

"

who

man

in his

and
activity,
should

him

on

employment for many years, and whose zeal,

could be thoroughly depended on
intelligence

be sent

"

to

and
inquiries,

Porthgenna forthwith,to
to

examine

side of the house.

the

start

the

neces-

premises carefullyon

the

224

THE

This

advice

SECRET.

immediatelyacted

was

tice the servant

DEAD

At

on.

an

hour's

no

started for

Cornwall,thoroughly instructed
he was
to what
as
in
to do, and well suppliedwith money,
he found it necessary to employ
case
persons in making
many
the proposed inquiries.In due course
of time he sent a re
It proved to be of a
port of his proceedingsto his master.
most
discouragingnature.
All trace of Mrs. Jazeph and her companion had been lost
had
at the post-town of Porthgenna. Investigations
been
in every
made
but no
had
reliable information
direction,
been obtained.
People in totallydiiferent parts of the coun
try declared readilyenough that they had seen two persons
answering to the descriptionof the lady in the dark dress
and the old foreigner;but when
called upon to
they wrere
"

direction in which

the

state

the two

strangers

travel

were

received turned out to be of the most

ing,the answers
puz
had
kind.
No
and
been
pains
zling
spared,no
contradictory
expenditureof money had been grudged ; but,so
necessary
far,no results of the slightestvalue had been obtained.
Whether
the lady and the foreignerhad gone
east, west,

south, was

north, or

than

more

the present stage of the

self to say.

Mr. Frankland's

proceedings,could

report of the examination

The

could

be discovered.

twenty-two

"

six

the

on

the

eight on
story.

He

on

had

first

had

the

all the doors

examined
to

come

the

importance
that there

deserted
the

that,on

floor,and eight above

not

side of the house

the uninhabited

openinginto
ground-floor

had

bottom, and

rooms

servant

him

on

was

rooms

of any
ascertained

Here, again,nothing
satisfactory.

were

take it

of the north

more

The

servant, at

garden,
second

from top
carefully

conclusion

that

to

of them

none

aiforded

by the lady'sown
actions led to nothing. She had, if the testimonyof the serv
the floor of the
ant
could be trusted,dropped the keys on
hall. She was
found, as the housekeeperand the steward as
at the top of the land
serted,lying,in a faintingcondition,
ing of the first flightof stairs. The door oppositeto her,in
of having been recently
showed
traces
more
no
this position,

had

been

opened.

opened than

any
Whether

rooms.
cess

was

one

The

evidence

of the other doors of the other

the

of the

room

eighton

to

which

she wished

the first floor,

or

twenty-one
to

gain ac

whether

she

DEAD

THE

fainted

had

her way

on

that

events

higherrange of eightrooms
impossibleto determine.

had

could

that

only conclusions

The

to the

up

it was
floor,

the second

on

225

SECRET.

be

drawn
fairly

place in the house

taken

from
in

two

were

the
num

First,it might be taken for granted that the lady had

ber.

disturbed

been

before

had

she

been

able to

use

the

keys

to

gain admission to the Myrtle Room.

Secondly,it might be
found
the
on
assumed, from the positionin which she was
and from the evidence relating
to the dropping of the
stairs,
the ground-floor,
not
but
was
on
keys,that the MyrtleRoom
of the sixteen

one

was

situated

rooms

on

the firstand

Beyond this the writer of the report

further to mention,except that he had ventured
waitingat Porthgenna,in the event of his master
stories.

further instructions
What

next

That

was

the servant's

successful result of his

at Porthgenna.
inquiries

answered

be

land

had

on

having any

nothing to

of the

announcement

How

it

first
un
was

Mrs. Frankeasy to discover.

had nothing to
suggest, Mr. Frankland

not

was

suggest, the doctor

decide

the
necessarily

questionsuggestedby
to

to

nothing

to communicate.

to be done

was

had

second

very

had

nothing to suggest. The more

three hunted through their minds

in

for a
dustriouslythey all
new
idea,the less chance there seemed to be of their succeed
At last,
Rosamond
proposed,in despair,
ing in findingone.
fourth person who
that they should seek the advice of some
could be depended on; and asked her husband's
permission
write

to

vicar

confidential

of

statement

Long Beckley.

Doctor

of their difficulties to the

Chennery

was

their oldest

adviser ; he had known

them both as children ; he
of their families ; he felt
well acquaintedwith the history
was
interest in their fortunes; and he possessedthat
a fatherly

friend and

clear-headed
qualityof plain,

invaluable
marked

him

well

as

as

out

most

Mr. Frankland
Rosamond

wrote

as

the very

the

band
were

course

and
now

would

who

to help them.
willing,
readilyagreed to his

wife's

be most

which

likely,

suggestion;and

Doctor

Chennery,informing
happened since Mrs. Jazeph's
asking him for his opinionon

immediatelyto

of every
thing that had
first introduction
to her, and
him

man

common-sense

proceedingwhich it would be best for her hus

herself to adopt in the difficulty
in which
they
of
was
received,
placed. By return
post an answer
of

226

DEAP

THE

SECRET.

which

Rosamond's
reliance on her old friend.
amply justified
Doctor
Chennery not only sympathized heartilywith the
which Mrs. Jazeph's language and conduct
eager cariosity
had excited in the mind of his correspondent,
but he had also
of
the position
for ascertaining
to propose
a plan of his own
the Myrtle Room.
The vicar prefacedhis suggestionby expressinga strong
opinionagainstinstituting
any further search after Mrs. Jarelated
as
zeph. Judging by the circumstances,
they were
of
be the merest
that it would
waste
to him, he considered
time to attempt to find her out.
Accordingly he passed
himself to
from that part of the subjectat once, and devoted
the consideration of the more
importantquestion How Mr.
and Mrs. Frankland
to proceed in the endeavor
to dis
were
"

for themselves

the mystery of the Myrtle Room?

this point Doctor
Chennery entertained a conviction

cover

On

Rosamond
beforehand
of the strongest kind,and he warned
that she must
surprisedwhen he
expect to be very much
of it. Taking it for granted that she
to the statement
came
and

her husband

was,

unless

than

with

Porthgenna

opinionthat there
afford them
son

was

hope
assisted by

they were

themselves

terior of

could

no

not

to
some

find out
one

where
better

the

room

acquainted

old local arrangements of the in

Tower, the vicar declared it to be his
the

only one individual livingwho could

the information
they wanted, and that this per
other than Rosamond's
rela
own
cross-grained
was

Treverton.
tive,Andrew
This startling
opinionDoctor Chennery supportedby two
In the first place,
Andrew
the only surviving
reasons.
was
of the elder generationwho had lived at Porthgenna
member
in the by-gone days when
Tower
all traditions connected
with

the north

inhabitants

rooms

were

of the house.

still fresh in the memories

The

of the

people who lived in it now

were
strangers,who had been placed in their situations by
Mr.Frankland's
father;and the servants employed in former
dead or dispersed. The one
days by Captain Treverton were
available person, therefore,whose
recollections were
likely
indis
to be of any service to Mr. and Mrs. Frankland, was
of Porthgenna Tower.
putablythe brother of the old owner
if Andrew
In the second place,there was
the chance, even
Treverton's
not
to be trusted,that he might
was
memory

228

communications

THE

with

DEAD

Andrew

SECKET.

Treverton,or

if

they had dis

for obtainingthe in
of their own
covered any new
method
formation of which they stood in need, Doctor Chennery was
perfectlyready to set aside his own
opinionsand to defer to
theirs.
A

letter con
very brief consideration of the vicar's friendly
and her husband
vinced Rosamond
that they had no choice
The
gratefullyto accept the oifer which it contained.
chances
of the proposed
were
certainlyagainstthe success
than the chances
unfavorable
application
they more
; but were
of any unaided
at Porthagainstthe success
investigations
There
Chenwas, at least,a faint hope of Doctor
genna ?
nery'srequest for information producing some
results;but
there seemed
no
hope at all of penetratinga mystery con
nected with one
room
only,by dint of wandering,in perfect
ignoranceof what to search for,through two ranges of rooms
of sixteen.
which reached the number
Influenced by these
Rosamond
back to the vicar to thank
wrote
considerations,
him for his kindness,and to beg that he would
communicate
with Andrew
Treverton,as he had proposed,without a mo
ment's delay.
Doctor Chennery immediatelyoccupiedhimself in the com
positionof the importantletter,
taking care to make the ap
on
purely antiquariangrounds,and accountingfor
plication
the subjectof the interior of Porthhis assumed
on
curiosity
Tower
by referringto his former knowledge of the
genna
Treverton
family,and to his natural interest in the old house
and fortunes had been so closelycon
with which their name
After appealing
nected.
to Andrew's
earlyrecollections for
that he wanted, he ventured
the information
a
step farther,
and alluded to the libraryof old books,mentioning his own
them
idea that there might be found among
some
plan or ver
of the house, which might prove to be of the
bal description
of Mr. Treverton's
in the event
not
greatest service,
memory
in connection with the names
having preservedall particulars
In conclusion,
and positions
of the north rooms.
he took the
of the
libertyof mentioning that the loan of any document
kind to which he had alluded,or the permissionto have ex
be thankfullyacknowledged as a
from it,would
tracts made
that,in
great favor conferred ; and he added, in a postscript,
Mr. Treverton
all trouble,
order to save
would
a
messenger

but

DEAD

THE

229

SECJIET.

he might be
call for any answer
after the deliveryof the letter.

disposedto give the day

Having completed the ap

these terms, the vicar inclosed it under cover

of business in London, with directions that it was

in
plication

to

his

to

man

be delivered
to call

was

and that the messenger

know
if there was
any

by a trustworthyperson,
again the next morning to

answer.

Three

days

after this letter had been

time

its des

dispatchedto

tidingsof any sort had been re

ceived from Doctor
at last obtained
Chennery Rosamond
her medical attendant's
permissionto travel. Taking leave
of Mr. Orridge,with many
promises to let him know what
they made toward discoveringthe Myrtle Room,
progress
Mr. and Mrs. Frankland
turned their backs on West Winston,
and for the third time started on the journey to Porthgenna
tination

"

at

which

no

"

Tower.

CHAPTER
THE

IT

BEGINNING

baking-day

was

II.

in the

OF

THE

END.

establishment

of Mr. Andrew

intrusted with Doctor Chenthe messenger

nery'sletter found his way to the garden door of the cottage
he had rung three times,he heard a
at Bayswater. After

Treverton

when

gruffvoice,on the other side of

let the bell alone,and askingwho

the

wall,roaringat him

he was,

and what

to

the devil

he wanted.

"A

letter for Mr.

ly backing away
"

Chuck

swered

it

over

Treverton,"said

from
the

the door

wall,then,and

gruffvoice.
The messenger
obeyed
modest,elderlyman; and
not

The

Shrowl

man

hand, looked

!"

an

waistcoat

both

injunctions.He

at

gruff voice
picked up
"

"

the address

in
curiosity

on

or, to

was

put it in plainer

the
it

letter,
weighed it in
with an expressionof

his bull-terrier eyes, put it in his

to the kitchen en
pocket,and walked around lazily

contemptuous
trance

you

meek,
when
Nature
mixed
up the ingre
the capabilityof resentinginjuries
disposition,

them.
among
with the
man

terms, the
his

be off with

nervous

the

dients of his
was

the messenger,
while he spoke.

of the cottage.

230

DEAD

THE

SECRET.

apartment which would probablyhave been called

the pantry, if the house had belonged to civilized tenants, a
Iii the

had

hand-mill

been

set

when

the moment

and, at

up ;

engaged in
independence of all the millers in England by
in turning the
He paused irritably
corn.
grindinghis own
his servant
handle of the mill when
appeared at the door.
made

this room,

his way
assertinghis

to

do

you

"What

Mr. Treverton

Shrowl

here

come

flour's ready,I'llcall for you.

oftener than we
can
help ! I

for?" he
Don't

was

asked.

"When

the

let's look at each

other

set eyes

never

in the

on

you,

of

whole

Shrowl,
creation,

myself whether,
range
this morn
there is any animal as ugly as man
? I saw
a cat
ing on the garden wall, and there wasn't a singlepoint in
The cat's eyes
which you would bear comparison with him.
The cat's nose
clear
was
were
straight
yours are muddy.
I ask

but

"

yours

"

dirty.

are

like

ure

fitted him

Don't

let
Go

us

face of

crea

by keepingin

company
last,
worst, infirmest freak of Nat

you

!"

go away
listened to this
Shrowl
"

it had

his waistcoat

letter from
make

ing to

of his

conscious
smallest

reply.

any

own

He

this

by

his

over

thing Mr.

any

as

an

end, he took

to an

come

pocket,without

was,

power

importance to

with

complimentary address

pect of surlyserenity. When

the

the whole

uglieston

yours

"

hangs about you

speciesto which

"

revolt each other

away,

clean

were

yours
the
Shrowl,
again,

I tell you
(andI) belong is the

longer.

any

cat's coat

sack.

you
tion.

The

cat's whiskers

The

is crooked.

condescend

time,too thoroughly
to

master

Treverton

attach

the

might

say

to him.

you've done your talking,suppose you take a look

a deal
on
at that,"said Shrowl,droppingthe letter carelessly
It isn't often that peopletrouble
table by his master's side.
"

Now

"

themselves

niece has took

your
the

papers

Open
ing.
at

to send^letters to you"

the

the

see

if it's

an

The

mill,while

you

heir expects a
half a guinea,and

and

go
mug

his

out

and
you

mamma

get

know,

want

let
a

me

It

?
a

invitation

to
would be sure
company
'em jolly. Just
the table to make

the

I wonder

fancy to write to you

day that she'd got

other

and
letter,

is it ?

whether

son

to

put in

was

the

and

heir.

christen

your smilingface
take a grind at

silver mug.
and
his nurse

expects all your

The

son

expects
fortune.

What

pleasureto
It's shockingto see
a

have
"

"

where

only knew

If I

hand

lay my

to

gag, I'd cram

"How
Treverton.
a

on

cried Mr.
it into your infernal mouth!"
You
niece?
about my
dare you talk to me
What
I hate her for her mother's sake.
know
on
by harping perpetually

in

out

by

of the vicar's

success

read

lie

darker
grew
When
the end.

leave
; and

you

it

farthingof
of the

!"

sea

it open
promisedfavorablyfor the

means

no

you
mean

strong terms, Mr. Trev

and
Chennery'sletter,

tore

application.

letter with

the

which
to

it forever

Doctor

up

which

humor

take every
at the bottom

his dissatisfaction in these

snatched

erton

it to

it to you, I would

boat,and bury

Venting
in

leave

than

leave

even

wretch!

do you
Sooner than

fortune?

my

child,I'd
play-actress's

it to the
sooner

happy

creeturs

"

to ?

gone

the three innocent

make

like that,over
the
you pullingwry faces,
all your
natural affection
! lord ! where
can

Lord

letter.

231

SECKET.

DEAD

THE

ominous

an

darker

and
he

as

to

came

scowl

his

on

face,

and nearer
he got nearer
the signaturehis humor
"

changed, and he laughed sardonically. Faithfullyyours,

Yes ! faithful
Robert
Chennery,"he repeatedto himself.
And
what if I don't,par
ly mine, if I humor
your whim.
and looked at the letter again,the scowl
He paused,
?"
son
"

on
re-appearing

his face

as

he did

"

so.

There's

lie of

some

he mut
lurkingabout under these lines of fair writing,"
of his congregation:the
not
one
tered suspiciously."Jam
W^hat docs
of imposing on me.
law gives him no privilege
he mean
by making the attempt ?" He stoppedagain,re
looked up suddenly at Shrowl,and said to
flected a little,
him,

kind

lit the

"

Have

"

answered
No, I hav'n't,"

you

Mr. Treverton

oven

examined

fire yet ?"

Shrowl.
the letter for the third time

"

hes

slowlytore it in half,and tossed the two pieces

over
contemptuouslyto his servant.
And, if you want pa
Light the fire at once," he said.
Stop !" he added, after Shrowl had
per, there it is for you.
here to-mor
If any body comes
pickedup the torn letter.
row
morning to ask for an answer, tell them I gave you the
letter to lightthe fire with, and say that's the answer."

itated

"

then

"

"

"

With

those

words

Mr. Treverton

returned

to

the

mill,and

232

DEAD

TUB

began
tion

to

grindat

his

on

it

haggard

SECRET.

again,with

grin of

malicious

satisfac

face.
into the

kitchen,closed the door, and,

placingthe torn piecesof the letter togetheron the dresser,
with the coolest deliberation,
to the business
appliedhimself,
he had
When
of reading it.
slowly and carefully
gone
at
through it,from the address at the beginning to the name
for a little while at his rag
the end,he scratched reflectively
ged beard,then folded the letter up carefullyand put it in
his pocket.
I'll have another look at it later in the day," he thought
old newspaper
to light
to himself,tearing off a pieceof an
It strikes me, just at present, that there
the fire with.
this letter than burning
be better things done with
may
Shrowl

withdrew

"

"

it."

Resolutelyabstainingfrom taking the letter out of his

pocket again until all the duties of the household for that
day had been duly performed,Shrowl lit the fire,occupied
the morning in making and baking the bread, and patiently
afterward
at digging in the kitchen
took his turn
garden.
It

was

four o'clock in the afternoon

libertyto think of
tiringinto solitude
the letter

once

his

before

and
privateaffairs,

with

the

he felt himself at
to

venture

on

re

objectof secretlylooking over

more.

perusalof Doctor Chennery's unlucky applica

tion to Mr. Treverton
helped to confirm Shrowl in his resolu
tion not to destroy the letter. With
great pains and perse
incidental scratchingat his beard,he con
verance, and much
of three distinct pointsin it,
himself master
trived to make
stood out, in his estimation,
which
as
possessingprominent
and serious importance.
he contrived to establish clearlyin
The
first point which
that the person who
of Robhis mind
was
signed the name
desirous of examining a plan,or printed
ert Chennery was
A

second

account, of the

north

side

of the interior of

certain

old

The
second
Cornwall,called Porthgenna Tower.
that Robert
Chen
pointappeared to resolve itself into this,
such plan or printedaccount
might be
nery believed some
the collection of books belonging to Mr. Trev
found among
The third pointwas
that this same
Robert Chennery
erton.
receive the loan of the plan or printedaccount
would
as
one
house

in

DEAD

THE

of the greatest favors that could

itatingon the latter fact,with
the

of
contemplation

his

233

SECRET.

be conferred

on

him.

Med

exclusivelyfixed on
Shrowl
arrived at the
interests,

own

an

eye

might be well worth his while, in a pe

cuniarypoint of view,to try if he could not privately
place
himself in a position
to obligeRobert
search
Chennery by
his
master's
books.
in
It might be worth
secret among
ing
a
five-poundnote to me, if I managed it well,"thought
Shrowl, puttingthe letter back in his pocket again,and as
at the
cending the stairs thoughtfullyto the lumber-rooms
conclusion

that

it

"

top of the house.

These

rooms

nished,and
books

and

had

with the

over

the

entirelyunfur

were
rare

collection of

libraryat Porthgenna

with

dust,and scattered in all directions

the floor,
lay hundreds and hundreds of
of their packing-cases
coals are cast out
as

positionsover
out

cast

number,

adorned

once

Covered

volumes,

in

littered all

were

which

Tower.

two

were

of their sacks into

Ancient

books, which

students

priceless,
lay in chaotic equalityof
chief
whose
neglect side by side with modern
publications
merit was
the beauty of the binding by which they were
in
would

have

closed.
now

treasured

cellar.
as

this wilderness

Into

of scattered

volumes

Shrowl

wandered, fortified by the supreme

norance,

to search

direct him

other

lightto
guidingwords

for
resolutely
than

one

of ig
self-possession
book, with no
particular

the faint

glimmer of the two

Having got them firmly

Porthgenna Tower.
fixed in his mind, his next
search until he
to
object was
found them printedon the first page of any one
of the hun
dreds of volumes
that lay around
him.
This was, for the
time being,emphatically
and
his business in life,
there he
now
stood, in the largestof the two attics,
doggedly pre
do
it.
to
pared
lie cleared away
space enough wTith his feet to enable him
and then began to look
to sit down
comfortablyon the floor,
all the books that lay within arm's-length
of him.
Odd
over
volumes

of

"

rare

editions of the

odd
classics,

volumes

of the

odd volumes
of playsby the Elizabethan
English historians,
books of travel,books of sermons,
books of jests,
dramatists,
books of natural history,
books of sport,turned up in quaint
and rapid succession ; but no book
containingon the titlethe search"Porthgenna Tower'' rewarded
page the words

234

ing industryof
sat

DEAD

THE

himself
Before

for the first ten

Shrowl

down

the

on

removing

SECRET.

floor.

another

to

after he had

minutes

and contending with

position,

lumber,he paused and con

literary
there might not be
sidered a little with himself,whether
easier and more
some
orderlymethod than any he had yet
of
devised of working his way
through the scattered mass

fresh accumulation

volumes

yet remained

which

his reflections

of

that

was

to be

it would

examined.

be less

The

result of

confusingto

him

if

indif
through the books in all parts of the room
regulatinghis selection of them solelyby their va
ferently,
rious sizes;disposingof all the largestto begin with; then,
after stowing them
together,proceeding to the next
away
and so going on
until he came
down
at last to the
largest,
he cleared away
another
mor
pocket volumes.
Accordingly,
the wall,and then, trampling over
sel of vacant
space near
the books
clods of earth
as
so
coollyas if they were
many
a ploughed field,
on
picked out the largestof all the volumes
that lay on the floor.
It was
atlas ; Shrowl
turned over
the maps, reflected,
an
shook his head,and removed
the volume
to the vacant
space
lie searched

which
The

he had

cleared close to the wall.

col
a
largestbook was
magnificentlybound
lection of engraved portraitsof distinguishedcharacters.
characters
with a grunt of
Shrowl
saluted the distinguished
and carried them
Gothic disapprobation,
off to keep the atlas
againstthe wall.
company
It pro
several others.
The third largestbook lay under
jected a little at one end, and it was bound in scarlet mo
in a quietercolor,
it
In another position,
bound
or
rocco.
would
probably have escaped notice. Shrowl drew it out
with some
difficulty,
opened it with a portentous frown of
distrust,looked at the title-pageand suddenly slapped his
There were
the very
thigh with a great oath of exultation.
in search,staring
him in the face,
words of which he was
two
it were, with all the emphasis of the largestcapital
letters.
as
next

"

lie took
ter was

turned
he

sees

is to

step toward

"

back.

have

to make

sure

that his

mas

in the hous"e ; then checked

himself and
What
do I care,"thought Shrowl," whether

moving

not

me

the door

or

not?

his

own

If it
way,

comes

to

I know

tustle betwixt
who's

master

us

and

which
who's

236

THE

mark

to

the

DEAD

place,Shrowl

SECRET.

impatientlyturned

to

the end

of

the

book,to see what he could find there. The last leaf con
tained a plan of the stables ; the leaf before that presenteda
plan of the north garden ; and on the next leaf,turningback
the very
ward, was
thing described in Robert Chennery's
letter
of the north side
a plan of the interior arrangement
"

of the house
Shrowl's

first

impulse

on

making

this

discoverywas
he could
hiding-place

to the safest
carry the book away
for it,preparatory to secretlyofferingit for sale when

called the next morning for an

messenger
A little reflection,
ter.
however, convinced

ceedingof this sort bore

the

act

person

of
with

he

him

that

him

into trouble

desired to deal asked

find
the

the let
a

dangerouslyclose resemblance

thieving,and might get

whom

to

answer

to

pro
to

if the

him

any prelim
his right to the volume
which he

inary questionstouching
wanted
to dispose of. The
to make

the best copy

fic with" that,as a document

only

alternative

he could

that

remained

Plan,and to traf
which the most
scrupulousper
in the world need not hesitate to purchase.
son
to undergo the trouble
consideration,
Resolving,after some
of making the copy rather than run the risk of purloining
the
book, Shrowl descended to the kitchen,took from one of the
of the dresser an old stump of a pen, a bottle of ink,
drawers
and a crumpled half-sheet of dirtyletter-paper,
and returned
of
to the garret to copy the Plan as he best might. It was
the simplest
kind,and it occupiedbut a small portionof the
involved and
to his eyes a hopelessly
page ; yet it presented

was

intricate appearance
ond time.

wThen

he

now

of the

examined

it for the

sec

representedby rows of small squares, with

of doors,
"namcs
neatlyprintedinside them ; and the positions
indicated by parallel
lines of
and passages
wrere
staircases,
After much
various lengthsand breadths.
frown
cogitation,
ing,and pullingat his beard,it occurred to Shrowl that the
easiest method
of copying the Plan would be to cover
it with
the letter-paperwhich,though hardly half the size of the
largeenough to spread over the engraving on it
page, was
and then to trace the lines which he saw
through the paper
he could with his pen and ink.
He puffed
as
as
carefully
and snorted and grumbled, and got red in the face over
his
The

rooms

were

"

"

THE

task

; but

in the

itable

manner

his

shape

of

it at

and

last

smears

obstacle

copying

be

to

were

names

the

of the

names

long.

very

ficultyin writing
into the

certain

As

them

in

One

name

and

it was,

Shrowl,
of the

he

more.

in the

printed

were

who

diffi

was

one

of

of the
pen, none
the greatest dif

found

small
sufficiently
in

draw

to

thing

which

rooms,

draw

cred
sufficiently

consisted

overcome

Fortunately for
squares.
in the use
clumsiest
of mankind

the

in

"

the

inside

bating

"

stopped to let the ink dry

freely,before he attempted to do any

next

culty

of blots

237

SECRET.

; then

breath

The

accomplished

he

backs

DEAD

characters

to

fit

particular that of the Myr

of letters,
in the
tle Room
word
presented combinations
tried his patience and
his fingers sorely
"Myrtle," which
he attempted to reproduce them.
when
Indeed, the result,
he had done
his best,was
in this case, when
so
even
illegible,
the word
to his eyes, that he wrote
over
again in larger char
it by a wavering
and connected
acters
at the top of the page,
which
line with
the square
represented the Myrtle Room.
accident
other instances,
The
same
happened to him in two
squares.

"

"

and

remedied

was

in the
he

however,

names,

finallycompleted
the

title, Plan

the

whole,

been
a

succeeded
business

the

of the

"

same

North

way.

With

better; and,
of

rest

when

of the
he

had

transcriptionby writing

Side," his

presented, on
copy
than
might have

respectableappearance
himself of its
satisfying
comparison of it with the original,he
more

anticipated. After

careful

the

along with
pocket with

Doctor
a

Chennery's letter,and

hoarse

gasp

of relief and

by
accuracy
folded
it up
deposited it in his

grim

smile

of satis

faction.

morning the garden door of the cottage presented

itself to the public eye in the totallynew
aspect of standing
hospitably ajar; and one of the bare posts had the advantage
leaned
of being embellished
by the figure of Shrowl, who
againstit easily,with his legs crossed,his hands in his pock
of
ets, and his pipe in his mouth, looking out for the return
delivered
Doctor
had
who
the messenger
Chennery's letter
the day before.
The

next

238

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

CHAPTER

III.

APPROACHIXG

had

Frankland

London

to

stopped,on

the

from

TRAVELING

On

station.

Winston

continue

THE

PRECIPICE.

Porthgenna,Mr.
ninth of May, at

the eleventh

and

Mrs.
West

the

of June

they left it again

Cornwall.
On the thirteenth,
the road,they arrived toward

their

journey to
after restingtwo nightsupon
the evening at Porthgenna Tower.
to

There

had

been

lulled toward

storm

the

and

rain all the

afternoon, and

the

morning;
hour

it had

when

they
the wind
reached the
dropped, a
fog
showrers fell drearily
hid the sea from view, and sudden
from
idler
the sodden land. Not even
time to time over
a solitary
from the villagewas
hanging about the west terrace as the
carriagecontainingMr. and Mrs. Frankland, the baby, and
at

thick white

had

house

up to the house.
with the door open to receive the trav
No one
was
wraiting
elers;for all hope of their arrivingon that day had been
the two

given

drove

servants

up, and

the

ceaseless

thundering of the surf,as

beach beneath,drowned
the

the

roll
surged in on the
of the carriagewheels over
the terrace road.
The driver was
obligedto leave his seat and ring at the bell for admittance.
A minute
or more
elapsedbefore the door was opened. With
the rain falling
sullen and steady on the roof of the carriage,
with the raw
dampness of the atmosphere penetrating
through
all coveringsand
defenses,with the booming of the surf
in the dense obscurityof the
near
sounding threateningly
fog,the young
couple waited for admission to their own
home, as strangers might have waited who had called at an

stormy

sea

ill-chosen time.
When

the

tress, whom

door
the

was

servants

opened
would

at

last,the
have

master

welcomed

and
with

mis
the

Avere
now
re
on
congratulations
any other occasion,
with the proper apologiesinstead.
Mr. Munder, Mrs.
all crowded
to
Pentreath,Betsey,and Mr. Frankland's man
gether in the hall,and all begged pardon confusedlyfor not

proper
ceived

having been ready at

239

SECKET.

DEAD

THE

the door

the

when

carriagedrove

up.

the conventional

baby changed
appearance
of the housekeeperand the maid into conventional
of the

The
cuses

ex
ex

remained
pressionsof admiration ; but the men
grave and
gloomy, and spoke of the miserable weather apologetically,
if the rain and the fog had been of their own
as
making.
The

for their

reason

dreary topic came

being conducted
morning had been
who

been

had

in dwellingon
persistency
while

out

the

up

Mr. and

west

lost with

Mrs. Frankland

staircase.

fatal to three of the

their boat

at

this

The

one

were

of the

storm

Porthgenna fishermen,
deaths

whose

sea, and

villageinto mourning. The servants

since the
had done nothing but talk of the catastropheever
of it had reached them
earlyin the afternoon ;
intelligence
and Mr. Munder
now
thought it his duty to explainthat the
the occasion of the arrival of his
absence of the villagers,
on
master
and mistress,
was
entirelyattributable to the effect
produced among the little community by the wreck of the
the
circumstances
Under
fishing-boat.
any less lamentable
have been crowded, and the appearance
would
west
terrace
with cheers.
have been welcomed
of the carriagewould
Lenny,I almost wish we had waited a littlelongerbefore
came
we
here,"whisperedRosamond, nervouslypressingher
to re
It is very dreary and disheartening
husband's
arm.
such a day as this. That story of
first home
to my
turn
on
had

thrown

the whole

"

"

the poor fishermen

placeof my
morning, and

the

to
row

and

women

back
sad story, love,to welcome
me
birth. Let us send the first thing to-mor
is

see

children.

what

we

I shall not

hearing that story, till we

have

do

can

for the

poor

helpless

feel easy in my mind, after

done something to comfort

them."
"

I trust

you

of the

will approve

pointingto
housekeeper,

ma'am,"
repairs,

the staircase which

said the

led to the second

story.
"

?"
repairs

The

never

rooms,

father

hear

and
to

the

said

word

of the

and

without

now,

planswe

live in them.

tions to ask you

"

Rosamond, absently. Repairs!

devised

Mrs.

thinkingof
for gettingmy

Pentreath,I have

Mr. Munder

about

north

the

dear

poor

host of ques

all the

extraordinary
mysteriouslady and the in

thingsthat happened when the

here.
came
comprehensibleforeigner
L2

But

tell

me

first
"

this

240

THE

is the

DEAD

SECRET.

front,I suppose ?

west

how

"

far

are

from

we

the north

how
I mean,
long would it take us to get to
wanted
to that part of the house ?"
to go now
Oh, dear me, ma'am, not five minutes !" answered

rooms?

if we
"

them,
Mrs.

Pentreath.
"

her

Not

five minutes

!"

repeated Rosamond, whisperingto

In five
again. "Do
you hear that, Lenny?
minutes we
might be in the Myrtle Room !"
Yet," said Mr. Frankland,smiling, in our present state
of ignorance,
at West
we
are
justas far from it as if we were
husband

"

"

Winston

still."

"I can't think

now

we

are

not

are

that,Lenny.

It may

the spot I feel

on

as

if

be

we

only my
driven

had

fancy,but
the

mys
last
into
its
house
We
in
the
are
hiding-place.
tery
actually
that holds the Secret ; and nothing will persuademe that we
let
next
"

half-wayalready toward findingit out.

are
stop on this cold landing. Which
way

us

don't
to

we

go

?"

way, ma'am," said Mr.

portunityof placinghimself in a
is

But

This

Munder, seizingthe first op

prominentposition. There
"

drawing-room. Will you allow me the honor

of leadingand conductingyou, Sir,to the apartment in ques
tion ?" he added, officiously
stretchingout his hand to Mr.
a

fire in the

Frankland.
"

not
Certainly

noticed

with

!"

Rosamond
interposed

sharply.

She

had

quickness of observation that Mr.

Munder
which ought to have
wanted
the delicacyof feeling
restrained him from staringcuriouslyat his blind master
in
her presence, and she was
unfavorablydisposedtoward him
in consequence.
Wherever
the apartment in questionmay
happen to be," she continued with satirical emphasis, I will
lead Mr. Frankland
to make
to it,if you please. If you want
yourselfuseful,you had better go on before us, and open the
usual

her

"

"

door."
Mr.
but inwardly indignant,
Outwardly crest-fallen,

Mun

der led the way to the drawing-room. The fireburned bright

ly,the old-fashioned furniture displayeditself to the most

picturesqueadvantage,the paper on the

fortablymellow, the carpet, faded as it
warm

underfoot.

Rosamond

and began
by the fireside,

walls
was,

led her husband

to feel at home

looked

com

felt soft and

easy chair
for the first time.
to

an

241

SECRET.

DEAD

THE

we
reallycomfortable," she said. "When
white
and
the
candles
have
shut out that dreary
are
fog,
lit,
shall
the table,
have nothing in the
and
we
the tea is on
world to complainof. You enjoy this nice warm
atmosphere,
There is a piano in the room, my dear ;
don't you, Lenny ?
I can
play to you in the evening at Porthgenna just as I
used in London.
Nurse, sit down and make yourselfand the
Before we take our bonnets
baby as comfortable as you can.

looks

"This

and see about the

with Mrs. Pentreath
go away
is your name, you very rosy, good-natured
What
bedrooms.
looking girl? Betsey, is it ? Well, then,Betsey, suppose

off,I

you

must

and

down

go

if you

better

tea ; and

get the
contrive

can

we

bring us

to

shall like you all the

cold meat
with
some

Giving her orders in those good-humoredterms, and

noticingthat her husband looked a little uneasy while
left
was
talking so familiarlyto a servant, Rosamond
it."

in company
with Mrs. Pentreath.
she returned,her face and manner
When

not

she
the

room

looked
"

she
me,
had

altered: she

and

and quietly.
spoke seriously
I hope I have arranged every thing for the best,Lenny,"
said.
The airiest and largestroom, Mrs. Pentreath
tells
in which my mother
is the room
died. But I thought we
"

better not

saddened

make

is

room

Mrs. Pentreath

of that

use

only to

me

sage, there

when

were

look at it.
that

there,that I remembered

leadinginto

the

second

be called in former

me

the
room

"

Farther

the

I have

days.

as

if it chilled and

along the pas

I almost fancied,
my nursery.
she had heard I used to sleep
pretty little arched door-way

was

told

I felt

on,

it
night-nursery
ordered

used

to

the fire to be lit

There is a third room

there,and the beds to be made.
on
the righthand, which
communicates
with the day-nursery.
I think

we

might

manage
fortablyin the three rooms

they are

to
"

establish ourselves

if you

felt no

com

very

objection though
"

largeor so grandly furnished as the company

I will change the arrangement, if
bedrooms.
you like but
the house looks rather lonesome and dreary,just at first and
to the old nursery
and I think we
might
my heart warms
at least try it,
to begin with,don't you, Lenny?"
Mr. Frankland
was
quite of his wife's opinion,and was
ready to accede to any domestic arrangements that she might
think fit to make.
While
he was
assuringher of this the tea
not

so

"

"

"

242

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

Rosamond
to
up, and the sightof it helped to restore
her usual spirits.When
the meal was
over, she occupied
herself in seeing the baby comfortably established for the
came

night,in

the

with

the

day-nursery.

came

back

versation

room

between

of Mrs.
"

I wish it was

turned

alone

they were
Jazeph and

the

not

duty performed,she
drawing-room; and the con
it almost
as
always turned
the two
perplexingsubjects

"

on

"

communicated

maternal

in the

them

which

right hand

That

husband

to her

when

now

the

on

Myrtle

Room.

night,"said

"

Rosamond.

I should

like

begin exploringat once.

Mind, Lenny, you must be with
in all my
me
investigations.I lend you my eyes, and you
lose patience,
You
and
must
never
give me your advice.
to

tell me

never

that you

were

startingon

ment

But

our

we

voyage
make

may
bell.

"

tinued,ringingthe

thing more
Mr.

bell

answered

was

Munder

Betsey having
of

""

haved

so

Yes, I

to hear

sure

every

can't make

them

tell us

some

in their letter."

Frankland

thing of
asked

oddly?"

am

we

discoveryat this very mo

at any rate,"she con
inquiries,
Let us have the housekeeperand

smiled

and

any

see

you

I do wish

desired that
up stairs.
her intention

sent

express

housekeeperand the

wanted,

Did

How

use.

by Betsey. Rosamond
Pentreath
might be

Mrs.

heard

questioningthe

they were

"

Mrs.

and

no

of

up, and try if we

than they told us

the steward

The

be of

can

you

steward,guessedwhy
mysteriously.

those

strange visitors who

detecting the

Rosamond,

did.

Tell

what

us

thing that happened

"

you

every

We

saw.

thing,doAvn

be

smile.
want
to the

smallest trifle."
in these

Appealed to

circumlocution

much

with
direct terms, Betsey contrived,
and confusion,to relate what
her own

personalexperiencehad been of the proceedingsof Mrs. Ja

she had done, Rosa
zeph and her foreigncompanion. When
mond
stopped her on her way to the door by asking this
question
found lyingin a fainting-fit
You say the lady was
at the
top of the stairs. Have
you any notion,Betsey,why she
"

"

fainted ?"
The
"

can

servant

Come
see.

hesitated.

come

Tell

!" said Rosamond.

us

what

it is."

"

You

have

some

notion,

244

THE

with

connection
in the

it,her

quietdress

DEAD

SECRET.

that
privateimpression

own

who

unfortunate

an

had

the

lady
escaped

person
from a mad -house. As to givinga word of advice,or suggest
ing a plan for solvingthe mystery, neither the housekeeper
was

appeared to think that the renderingof any

assistance of that sort lay at all within their province. They
took their own
practicalview of the suspiciousconduct of
the two
strangers,and no mortal power could persuade them
inch beyond it.
to look an
the provoking,impenetrable,
Oh, the stupidity,
preten
servants
exclaimed
tious stupidityof respectable
!"
English
and
alone again.
her husband
she
were
Rosamond, when
"No
help,Lenny, to be hoped for from either of those two
but the examina
people. We have nothing to trust to now
the steward

nor

"

tion of the house

like all the
did

Why
ton

What

rest.

wre

; and

to-morrow

from

hear

not

can

that

Doctor
him

before

resource

fail us,

may
Chennery be

about

left West

Wins

we

?"

shall see what the

"Patience,Rosamond, patience. We
post bringsto-morrow."
dear ! My stock of that
Pray don't talk about patience,
all exhausted
virtue was
never
a very
large one, and it was
ten days ago, at least. Oh, the weeks
and weeks I have been
me
vainly asking myself Why should Mrs. Jazeph warn
Is she afraid of my
againstgoing into the Myrtle Room?
discoveringa crime ? or afraid of my tumbling through the
"

"

floor ?

What

do in the room, when

she made
that attempt to get into it ? Why, in the name
of wonder,
should she know
something about this house that I never

knew, that
"

my
Rosamond

did she want

father

never

!" cried

to

knew, that nobody else "

Mr. Frankland, suddenly changing
"

color,and startingin his chair "I think I can guess who

Mrs. Jazeph is !"
do you mean
Good
?"
gracious,
Lenny ! What
Something in those last words of yours started the idea
the instant you spoke. Do you remember, when
in my mind
and talking about
were
we
staying at St. Swithin's-on-Sea,
the chances for and againstour
prevailingon your father to
do you remember, Rosamond, telling
live with us here
me
of certain unpleasant associations which
at that time
he
them
had with the house, and mentioning among
the myste"

"

"

"

DEAD

THE

disappearance of

rious

mother's

turned

"

told

You

left

the

pale at

question.

me," pursued Mr. Frankland,

her,in which

strange letter behind

morning

of your

"

How

came

we

before ?" she said.

of that

think

to

never

the

on

?"

death

Rosamond

servant

245

SECRET.

with the

charged her

"

that this servant

she confessed

that

of

a secret
telling
afraid to divulge,and
that she was
father
to your
a secret
I am
afraid of being questioned about.
that she was
right,
she gave
I not, in statingthose two
reasons
as the reasons
am
for her disappearance?"
Quite right."

had

mother

your

duty

"

"

"

father

And

your
Never
!"

"

heard

never

of her

again?"

bold guess to make, Rosamond, but the impression

Mrs. Jazeph
mind
is strong on
that, on the day when
my
into your room
at West
Winston, you and that servant
came
It is

"

met, and she knew

"And

it !"

Secret,dear

the

the Secret

"

she

was

afraid to

tell

father?"

my
"

Must

be in

some

said

Rosamond

connected

way

nothing

in

with

She

answer.

chair,and began to walk agitatedly

up
rustle
of
her
Leonard
the
dress,
Hearing
her
laid
his
fingerson
and, taking
hand,
lifted them
"I

for

I had

wish

told

agitatedyou
chance
"

of

No,

of yours
have

we

no

you

in

no

purpose

you
done with
have

about

done
Mrs.

the

"

woman,

think

called her
her

to

pulse,and

morning

"

Oh, Lenny, how

breathless
fearful,
and in findingout

room.

him,
then

before

this guess
interest
"

the

Myr

?"

thinking for
with

the

her

Jazeph," he said. "I have

whatever, and have spoiledyour

good night'srest."
! nothing of the kind.
tracingthat

down

and

from

rose

Mrs.

about

Do

I have
must

to

Myrtle Room."

cheek.

until to-morrow

adds to the interest

tle Room.
"

waited

idea

my

you

to her

moment

the

it

too.

dear ; and
said more
than

the

night,my

We

have

and
Jazeph already. Change the subject,
I will talk of any thing else you please."
"It is not so easy to change the subject,"
said Rosamond,
pouting,and moving away to walk up and down the room

enough

246

DEAD

THE

"Then

let
I know

way.

in the

man

change

us

think

you

the

SECRET.

place,and
the

me

world, but there

is

make

it easier that

provokinglyobstinate
in my
and
obstinacy,

most
reason

will

acknowledge as much when you awake to-morrow

morning refreshed by a good night'srest. Come, let us
give our anxieties a holiday. Take me into one of the other
try if I can guess what it is like by touch
rooms, and let me
ing the furniture."
you

The

reference

his blindness

to

which

the last words

tained

con

td his side in a moment.

You
brought Rosamond
always know best,"she said,puttingher arm round his neck
and kissinghim.
I was
looking cross, love,a minute ago,
but the clouds are all gone now.
We
will change the scene,
and exploresome
other room, as you propose."
She paused,her eyes suddenlysparkled,
her color rose, and
she smiled to herself as if some
new
fancy had that instant
"

"

her mind.

crossed

"Lenny, I will take you where you shall touch a very re

markable
piece of furniture indeed," she resumed, leading
him to the door while she spoke.
We
will see if you can
"

tell

at

me

mind

what

once

; and

She

drew

him

You

promise to

must

you

guiding your

me

it is like.

must

touch

not

be

impatient,

nothing till you

feel

hand."
after her

along the passage, opened the door

of the room
in which the baby had been put to bed, made
a
to be silent,
sign to the nurse
and,leadingLeonard up to the
cot, guided his hand down
gently,so as to let the tipsof his
fingerstouch the child's cheek.
"There, Sir!" she cried,her face beaming with happiness
and pleasurewhich
she saw
flush of surprise
the sudden
as
changed her husband's natural quiet,subdued expressionin
instant.
What
do you say to that pieceof furniture ?
an
Is it a chair,or a table ?
Or is it the most
preciousthing in
all the house,in all Cornwall, in all England, in all the world ?
Kiss it,and see what it is a bust of a baby by a sculptor,
a livingcherub
or
by your wife !" She turned, laughing,to
"

"

the

nurse

must
woman

down
in

be

"

"Hannah, you look

hungry.

smiled, and
as
soon
stairs,

taking care

Have

one

of the child.

serious that I

had

you
answered
as

so

that

your
she

Go

at

sure

supper yet?"
had arranged to

of the servants
"

am

could

you
The
go

relieve her

once," said Rosamond.

DEAD

THE

247

SECRET.

I will stop here and look after the baby.

back again in half an hour."
and come
"

the

When

low stool

Rosamond

room,

at

change again when she did this ; her face

on
ful,her eyes softened,as they turned,now
After

in which

the bed

on
a

supper,

placed a

by

to

now

your

the side of the cot, and seated herself

Her variable disposition
his knees.
seemed

chair for Leonard

on

left the

had

nurse

Get

minute

of

two

or

the child

her

his side.

by
sleeping

was

she
silence,

thought
husband,

grew

took

hands,

it.
on
placed it on
Lenny," she said,rather sadly, I wonder whether we are
perfecthappinessin this world ?"
any of us capableof feeling
"What
makes
my dear?"
you ask that question,
and yet"
I fancy that I could feel perfect
happiness,
his knee, and

laid her cheek

of his

one

gently down

"

"

"

"And

yet what?"
yet it seems

that bless
if,with all my blessings,
I should be per
ing was never
likelyto be granted to me.
little thing. I suppose
but for one
fectlyhappy now
you
can't guess what that thing is ?"
"

And

"

I would

since

"Ever

our

you told me, Rosamond."

child was
born, love,I have

the heart

aching at
gether,as

we

from

away

rather

as

are

me

when
especially

"

now

on

"

your

little sorrow

we

are

had

little

all three

that I can't

to

quiteput

account."
Lift

head, Rosamond, and

I feel something on
hand
which
to
nearer
me.
come
my
that you are crying."
tells me
and laid her face close to his. "My own
She rose
directly,
fast round him.
My own
love,"she said,claspingher arms
child."
heart's darling,
seen
our
you have never
Yes, Rosamond, I see him with your eyes."
I do my best
Oh, Lenny ! I tell you every thing I can
which shuts you out from
to lightenthe cruel,cruel darkness
that lovelylittleface lyingso close to you ! But can
I tell
I
he first begins to take notice? can
you how he looks when
tell you all the thousand
pretty things he will do when he
"

On

account

my

up

your

"

"

"

"

first tries to talk?

oh, how
on

now

me
am

much

more

when

God

but,
very merciful to us
heavilythe sense of your affliction weighs
I am
when
to you than your wife
now
more
has been

"

the mother

"And

of your child !"

yet that affliction ought to

"

weigh lightlyon

your

248

THE

SECRET.

DEAD

made

it

Really and truly,have

for,Lenny, if I can live

I ?

Rosamond,
spirits,

for you

have

weigh lightlyon

mine."
"

I ?

Have

noble

comfort
with

live

to

my

some

that you

you

eyes.

something
It is

for that !

say, as you said justnow,

They shall always serve
you

hear

to

It is

"

see

oh, always !

if they were
The veriest
as
faithfully
your own.
trifle of a visible thing that I look at with any interest,
you
I might have had my own
lit
shall as good as look at too.
tle harmless
husband; but with
secrets, dear,with another
much
like
so
as
a thought in secret
seems
you to have even
taking the basest,the crudest advantage of your blindness.
much
fonder of you now
I do love you so, Lenny ! I am
so
I never
when
first married
than I was
were
we
thought I

always !
"

as

"

be, but I

should
much

cleverer

But

way.
you

You

am.

to

much

so

me,

handsomer

much

so

are

preciousto

more

to

me,

so

in every
I not ?
Do
me

always tellingyou that, am

hearing me ? No ? Are you sure of that ?
She stopped,and looked
at him
sure?"
and the tears still glis
smile on her lips,

am

get tired of

Very, very, very

with a
earnestly,
tening in her eyes.

Just

then

child stirred

the

little in

She arranged the bed

his cot, and drew her attention away.
him
in silence for a little while,
clothes over
him, watched
"

Baby
again on the stool at Leonard's feet.
has turned his face quite round toward
you now," she said.
his bed is
"Shall I tell you exactlyhow he looks,and what
then

sat

down

like,and how
Without

the

is furnished ?"

room

waiting for

child's appearance
of a woman's
ness

and

an

answer,

she

positionwith

began

to

describe the

marvelous

the

minute

proceeded,her
elastic spirits
recovered themselves,and its naturallybright
happy expressionre-appearedon her face. By the time the
returned to her post, Rosamond
was
nurse
talkingwith all
and amusing her husband
with all
her accustomed
vivacity,
her accustomed

observation.

While

she

success.

back

drawing-room, she opened

the piano and sat down
to play. "I must
give you your
usual evening concert, Lenny," she said, or I shall be talk
ing again on the forbidden subjectof the Myrtle Room."
of Mr. Frankland's
favorite airs,
with a
She played some
When

they

went

to

the

"

certain union

of feeling and

fancifulness in her execution

of

DEAD

THE

the

with
position
under

her

It

er.

grace the close of the

lingeredlonger than usual over

of the

tened

across

or

always reserved on
evening'sperformance.

to

notes

waltz;
the

then
to

room

the

suddenly left the

the fire-place.

"Surely it has turned much colder within

two," she said,kneelingdown on the rug,

face and

hands

"Has

of Web

and it was
favorite,

Leonard's

was

sprang into life

the airs she could

with the Last Waltz

ended

dis

own

which

playingthrough

she
easily,

most

that account
She

After

of her

the charm

of the melodies

the charm

touch.

remember

to blend

seemed

music, which

249

SECRET.

last

plaintive
piano,and has
the

and

last minute

holding her

the fire.

over

it?" returned

"I don't feel any

cold,"said Rosamond.

Leonard.

change."
"

Or per
"Perhaps I have caught
haps,"she added, laughing rather uneasily,"the wind that
has been
goes before the ghostlylady of the north rooms
I certainly
felt something like a sudden
blowing over me.
chill,
Lenny, while I was playing the last notes of Weber."
You
are
overfatiguedand over
Nonsense, Rosamond.
"

excited.

Tell your

water, and

lose

Rosamond

no

maid

you some
time in gettingto bed."

cowered

closer

the fire.

over

she said,"or
superstitious,"
the ghost."
to see
predestined
not

ON

STANDING

and

It's lucky I
I

am

was

IV.
THE

BRINK.

Porthgenna passed without the slightest

of a
No ghost,or dream
of any kind.
interruption

firstnight at

THE
or

ghost,disturbed
awoke

"

might fancy that

CHAPTER

noise

hot wine

make

to

the soundness

in her usual

in the west

and
spirits

garden before

The

sky was

ly to

all the

walk

Rosamond

met

her usual

slumbers.

health,and

was

She
out

breakfast.
the wind

cloudy,and

pointsof

of Rosamond's

veered

about

capricious

of her
In the course
compass.
the gardener,and asked him what

the

with

The
man
repliedthat it
thought about the weather.
might rain again before noon, but that,unless he was very
of
much
mistaken,it was going to turn to heat in the course
hours.
the next four-and-twenty

he

250
"

DEAD

THE

Pray,did

of

hear

ever

you
called

SECRET.

room

on

side of

the north

our

inquired Rosamond.
that morning,not to lose a chance
She had resolved,on rising
of asking
of making the all-importantdiscovery for want
questionsof every body in the neighborhood; and she began
with the gardener accordingly.
I never
heard tell of it,
But it's
ma'am," said the man.
a likely
name
enough, consideringhow the myrtles do grow
in these parts."
Are there any myrtles growing at the north side of the
house ?" asked Rosamond, struck with the idea of tracingthe
mysteriousroom
by searchingfor it outside the buildingin
stead of inside.
I mean
close to the walls,"she added, see
look puzzled; under the windows, you know ?"
ing the man
"I never
in my time but
see
any thing under the windows
weeds and rubbish,"repliedthe gardener.
old house

Myrtle Room?"

the

"

"

"

"

"

Just then

the breakfast-bell rang.

Rosamond
returned to
the house, determined
to explorethe north garden,and if she
any relic of a bed
it,and to have the room
found

of

myrtles to

which

the window

mark

that window

above

lightedopened

immediately. She confided this new scheme to her husband.

He complimented her on her ingenuity,
but confessed that
he had no great hope of any discoveries being made
out of
doors,after what the gardener had said about the weeds and
rubbish.
As

soon

order

the

keys

breakfast

as

north

with
had

him

the

just delivered.

pounced
her

rooms

on

husband

attendance,and

would

one
"

with
"The

Rosamond

say that the

to

The

be wanted.

an

turned

exclamation

of

the bell to

rang

by Mr. Frankland's
servant, who
which
morning'ssupply of letters,

answered

was

be in

gardener to

of the

over, Rosamond

was

them

summons

brought
the

postman

eagerly,

over

and
delight,
News

Long Becklcy postmark!

np

said to
from

the

vicar,at last !"

She opened the letter and ran
her eye over
it then sud
denly dropped it in her lap with her face all in a glow. "Len
here that is positively
ny !" she exclaimed, there is news
I declare the vicar's letter has
enough to turn one's head.
"

"

quitetaken
"

Read

Rosamond

away
my breath !"
it,"said Mr. Franjdand

compliedwith

"

pray

read

the request in

it at once."
very

faltering,

252

THE

all its

bearings. In

man

of business

from

Mr.

DEAD

that

not

SECRET.

he
conviction,

stir in the

to

instructed

had

affair until he had

his

heard

Frankland,and to be guided entirely

by any direc
tions which that gentleman might give.
"Directions
!" exclaimed
Rosamond, crumpling up the let
ter in a high state of excitement
she had read to
as
soon
as
All the directions we
the end of it.
have to give may
be
"

written
world

in
does

Of

straighton
a thought
Of

to
on

course

Plan

by

we

"

"

gravely.

Quite impossi
dear,you will

If you think for a moment, my

it is out of the questionto traffic with
that

has

been

serv

obtained
surreptitiously

library."

looking quite aghast

not

in the

What

! dear ! don't

Oh, dear

five

second

"

his master's

"What

matter.

mean

of post !"
shook his head

return

for information

"

in

"

ble,"he said.
surelysee that
from

read

consid
by talkingabout mature
course,"cried Rosamond, looking,womanlike,
she had in view,without
the purpose
wasting
the means
to be achieved
by wrhich it was
his five-pound
give the man
note, and get the

Mr. Frankland

ant

and

the vicar

eration ?

"

minute

harm

He

say that !" pleaded Rosamond,

the view her husband
took of the

at

are

doing,if we

we

give the

only made a copy of the Plan :

stolen any thing."
He has stolen information,
according to my idea

pounds ?

his

man

has

he has

of

it,"

said Leonard.

"Well,

if he

but

does it do to his
to

have

Rosamond,
has," persisted

master

the information

In my

opinionhis

stolen,for

not

"what

master

having

had

harm

deserves

the

com

politenessto send it to the vicar. We must have the

Plan
oh, Lenny, don't shake your head,please! we must
! AVhat is the use
of being scru
must
have it,
we
you know
pulous with an old wretch (Imust call him so, though he is
uncle)who won't conform to the commonest
usages of
my
and I am
the vicar
sure
society? You can't deal with him
mon

"

"

"

would

say

people,or
not.

here
as
so, if he was
you
in
people their senses, which
"

What

use

is the Plan

of the north

would

with

every

body

rooms

to

civilized

says he is
him?
And,

besides,if it is of any use, he has got the original

; so his in
is not
formation
because he has got it the
stolen,after all,
whole

time

"

has he not, dear ?"

THE

"Rosamond!

I don't

said

sophistries,you
I

like,
love,as long

reason

his

Leonard, smiling at
are
tryingto reason

"

who

care

253

SECRET.

Rosamond!"

wife's transparent
a Jesuit."
"

DEAD

as

like

get the

Plan."
Mr.

still shook

Frankland
of

ments

his head.

avail,Rosamond

no

morial weapon

wisely resorted

on

sex

Persuasion

to

her

argu
the imme

using it at such close

her
won
quarters and to such good purposes that she finally
husband's
reluctant consent
of compromise,which
to a species
granted her leave to give directions for purchasingthe copied
Plan

of her

Finding

"

condition.

one

This condition
Mr. Treverton

as

soon

as

send back

they should

that

was

it had

the Plan

to

their purpose ; mak

of the manner
in which it

served

acknowledgment to him
had been obtained,and pleadingin justification
of the pro
of courtesy in withholdinginformation,
want
ceedinghis own
in itself,
of no
which
else in his place
consequence
any one
ing a

full

would

communicated

have

tried hard

obtain

to

"I have

hand.

the withdrawal

done

of this

modification

not to be
pride was
by her light
impunity,even
violence already to my own

much

too

or

Rosamond

course.

sensitive

point,with

that

on

of

matter

her husband's

condition;but
touched,

as

"

If we
he said, and I will now
do no more.
convictions,"
to degrade ourselves by dealing with this servant, let us
are
from claiming us as his accomplices.
at least prevent him
Write in my name, Rosamond, to Doctor Chennery's man
of
are
business, and say that we
willingto purchase the tran
scribed Plan

the condition

on

dition he will of

that I have

placebefore

course

stated

which

"

the servant

in the

con

plain

possibleterms."

est
"

And

which

suppose
he

must

amond, going
"

Let

thing.
ingly.
tate
man

Let

refuses

risk

losinghis place,

us

When

you
letter on

your
of business

dear,by supposing any

happens,and act accord
write,tell me, and I will dic

ourselves,my
worry
wait and hear what
are

ready to

this occasion.

understand

that

in the first place,

that Mr. Andrew

with

to

do if he accepts your condition ?" said Ros

rather reluctantly
to the writing-table.

not

us

the servant

according to

the

I wish
we

act

to make
as

Treverton

established

usages

we
can

of

the vicar's

do, knowing,
not

be dealt

society;

and

254

knowing, in
servant

ed

DEAD

THE

the second

offers to

book,

and

us

is in

SECRET.

place,that

is contained

the information

in

an

extract

which

from

his

print

connected
directlyor indirectly,
with Mr. Treverton's
that you
have
privateaffairs. Now
made
consent
to this compromise, Rosamond, I must
me
justifyit as completely as possibleto others as well as to
myself."
Seeing that his resolution was firmlysettled,Rosamond
had tact enough to abstain from saying any thingmore.
The
letter was
written exactlyas Leonard
dictated it. "When it
and when
had been placed in the post-bag,
the other letters
of the morning had been read and answered, Mr. Frankland
reminded
his wife of the intention she had expressed at
breakfast-time
of visiting
the north garden, and requested
that she would
take him there with her.
He candidlyac
knowledged that,since he had been made
acquaintedwith
Doctor
he would
Chennery'sletter,
give five times the sum
demanded
by Shrowl for the copy of the Plan if the Myrtle
Room
could be discovered,
without assistance from any one,
before

no

way,

the letter to the vicar's

man

of business

was

put into

he said,
the post. Nothing would give him so much
pleasure,
it into the fire,
to be able to throw
and to send a plainre
as
fusal to treat

They
own

wrent

for the Plan

into the

eyes convinced

in its place.

north

garden,and

her that she had

of

not

there Rosamond's

the

chance
slightest

discoveringany vestigeof a myrtle-bed near any one of

the windows.
From
the garden they returned to the house,
and had the door opened that led into the north hall.
shown
the place on
the pavement
the
where
They were
keys had been found, and the placeat the top of the firstflight
Mrs. Jazeph had been discovered
of stairs where
when
the
alarm was
the door of
given. At Mr. Frankland's suggestion,
which immediatelyfronted this spot was
the room
opened.
It presenteda drearyspectacle
of dust and dirt and dimness.
old pictureswere
Some
piledagainstone of the walls,some
tattered chairs were
heaped together in the middle of the
broken china lay on the mantel-piece,
and a rotten
some
floor,
cabinet,cracked through from top to bottom, stood in one
These few relics of the furnishingand fitting-up
of
corner.
the room
all carefully
were
examined, but nothing of the
smallest importance nothing tending in the most
remote
"

DEAD

THE

mystery of the Myrtle Room

clear up the

degree to

255

SECRET.

was

"

discovered.
"

Shall

mond
"

the other doors

have

we

opened ?" inquiredRosa

out on the landingagain.
Our
useless,"
repliedher husband.

they came

when

"

it will be

I think

findingout the mystery of the MyrtleRoom

is by
if it is as deeply hidden from us as I believe it to be
searchingfor it in that room, and no other. The search,to
be effectual,
must
extend,if we find it necessary, to the pull
to the dis
perhaps even
ing up of the floor and wainscots
do that with one
room
mantling of the walls. We
may
where it is,but we
know
can
when
we
not, by any process
short of pullingthe whole side of the house down, do it with
the sixteen rooms, through which our present ignorancecon
without guide or clew.
It is hopeless
demns
to wander
us
enough to be lookingfor we know not what ; but let us dis
of

only hope

"

"

"

the four walls

can, where

cover, if we

within

are

which

that

begin and end. Surelythe floor of

be dusty ? Are there no foot-marks on it,
the landingmust
that might lead us to the right
after Mrs. Jazeph'svisit,

unpromisingsearch

must

door?"
led
suggestion

This

had

too

ly on
to

the

Here

marks

he detected
duced

the toe

by

doubtful

part

to

or

there

indications

dust which

the heel of

lay yards

be found.

could

former

some

with

rotten

was

landing,Mr. Frankland's
in the

dusty

age,

allow the dust to lie smooth

there,where

and

of the

the boards

the sort

the floor at

over

the

footstepson

surface,
torn, ragged,and
in every

uneven

it.

laid down

been

and
period,
was

search for

but nothing of
landing,

floor of the

Matting

to

hole

servant

might

have

through
thought

been

pro
these faint and

shoe ; but
and yards apart from
a

each

slightest
impor
tance
was
plainlyimpossible.After
than an hour in examining the north side of
spendingmore
the house, Rosamond
was
obligedto confess that the serv
first opening the
ants
on
were
rightwhen they predicted,
door in the hall,that she would discover nothing.
when they returned
"The letter must
go, Lenny," she said,

other,and

from

draw

to

any

conclusion

of the

simply and

them

to the breakfast-room.
"

away

There
the

is

no

help for it,"answered

and
post-bag,

let

us

say
M

no

her husband.
more

about

it."

"

Send

256

THE

The

letter

from

answer

ing that
posed

could

be better

passed

was

suspense

in the unfinished

re

of

state

days would elapsebefore an

be reasonablyhoped for. Feel
if this period of
for Rosamond

of the

out

the time

to fillup

In the

time,two

London

it would

day's post.

that

Porthgenna,and

railroad at that

the

SECRET.

dispatchedby

was

positionof

mote

DEAD

by

house, Mr. Frankland

littleexcursion

pro

along the coast

places famous for their scenery, which would be

likelyto interest his wife,and which she might occupy her
self pleasantly
in describingon the spot for the benefit of her

to

some

husband.

This

immediatelyacted

suggestionwas

The

on.

couple left Porthgenna, and only returned on the

evening of the second day.
On the morning of the third day the longed-for
letter from
the vicar's man
of business lay on the table when
Leonard
young

and

Rosamond

cided
held

entered

breakfast-room.

the

accept Mr. Frankland's

to

that any

be out

must

man

it

when

condition
of his

Shrowl
"

senses

offered to

him

had

de

because
first,
who

he

refused

secondly,be
too absolutely
he believed that his master
cause
was
depend
him
him
whatever
to turn
ent on
; thirdly,
away for any cause
because,if Mr. Treverton did part with him, he was not suffi
cientlyattached to his place to care at all about losingit.
Accordinglythe bargain had been struck in five minutes
the copy of the Plan,inclosed with the letter
and there was
of explanationto attest the fact !
document
Rosamond
out on
the
spread the all-important
table with tremblinghands,looked it over
eagerlyfor a few
moments, and laid her fingeron the square that represented
of the Myrtle Room.
the position
five-poundnote

was

"

"

it is !" she cried.

Here

"

Oh, Lenny,how

One, two, three,four the fourth door

ing is the door of the Myrtle Room !"
"

She

would

rooms;

but

had

have
her

composed

called
husband

herself

at

once

insisted
and
little,

on

for the
her

on

my heart beats !
the first-floorland

keys of the north

waiting until she

until she had

taken

some

spiteof all he could say, the meal was hurried

his wife's arm
over
so
was
rapidlythat in ten minutes more
in his,and she was
leadinghim to the staircase.
The
gardener'sprognosticationabout the weather had
been verified : it had turned to heat
heavy, misty,vaporbreakfast.

In

"

TUE

One

ous, dull heat.

quiveringfog-cloudspreadthinly
seaward

heaven, rolled down

all the

over

white

sharp edges

the

257

SECRET.

DEAD

distant

of the

and

dulled

The

sunlightshone paleand trembling;

of flowers

leaves

at

lay about

animals

noises sounded

hold

servants'

line,
view.

moorland

lightest,
highest

the

still; the domestic

were

house
Chance
sleepilyin dark corners.
heavy and loud in the languid,airless

the heat seemed

stillnesswhich
in the

windows

open

the horizon

on

to

hold

Down

the earth.

over

hall,the usual bustle of morning work

was

looked in,on her way to the

Rosamond
suspended. When
were
to get the keys,the women
room
fanning
housekeeper's
were
sittingwith their coats off.
themselves,and the men
all
the heat, and
all talking peevishlyabout
They were
agreeingthat such a day as that,in the month of June,they
had

and

known

never

to

accompany
sages, unlocked

the

the door

tered the

the foot of the

At

hold of her husband's

"Is

any

change

to

any
"

way

of the north

hall.

it is here!"

unnaturallycool
deserted place.

"How

of before.

keys,declined the housekeeper'soffer

along the pas
her,and leadingher.husband

took

Rosamond

heard

never

stairs she

said,as they en

she

stopped,and

took

firmer

arm.

thing the matter?"

the damp coolness of

this

"Is

Leonard.

asked

the

placeaffecting
you

in

?"

hastily."I

No, no," she answered

might

But, Lenny, supposing your

guess

feel either heat

damp,

or

as

far too

am

excited to

at other times.

feel them

Mrs.

about

Jazeph

is

right?""
"Yes?"

And, supposing we
Room, might it not turn

discover

mother

which

"

father
my
I thousrht

or

my
of that

when

out

to

the
be
we

Secret

of the

Myrtle

something concerning
ought not to know ?

Mrs. Pentreath

offered to

accom-

pany

us, and

it determined

me

to

come

here

alone

with

you."
likelythat the Secret might be something
we
ought to know," repliedMr. Frankland, after a moment's
In any case, my idea about Mrs. Jazeph is,after
thought.
all,only a guess in the dark. However, Rosamond, if you
"It

is just as
"

feel any

hesitation

"
"

258
"

THE

No

Give

what

come

may

DEAD

of

hand

SECRET.

it,Lenny, we

We

have

can't go back

now.

again.
mystery thus
together,and togetherwe will find it out."
She ascended
the staircase,
leadinghim after her,as she
spoke. On the landing she looked again at the Plan, and
satisfied herself that the firstimpressionshe had derived from
She
correct.
it,of the positionof the Myrtle Room, was
counted
the doors on to the fourth,
and looked out from the
bunch the key numbered
IV.,"and put it in the lock.
Before she turned it she paused,and looked round at her
me

your

traced

the

far

"

husband.

standingby her side,with his patientface turned

expectantlytoward the door. She put her right hand on
the key,turned it slowly in the lock,drew him closer to her
with her left hand, and paused again.
I don't know
has
what
to me," she whispered
come
I
if
I
feel as
afraid to push open the door."
was
faintly.
Your
hand is cold,Rosamond.
Wait
lock the
a little
door again put it off tillanother day."
He felt his wife's fingersclose tighterand tighteron his
He

was

"

"

"

"

"

hand
"

one

while

memorable, breathless

afterward

ing
ward

he said those words.

"

of utter

silence.

Then

there

never
instant,

Then

he heard

to

the

Rosamond

and

he

were

in the

CHAPTER
THE

MYRTLE

instant

an

be

forgotten
sharp,crack

opening door,and felt himself

suddenly into a changed atmosphere,and

sound

of the

was

drawn

for

knew

that

Myrtle Room.

V.
BOOM.

window, with small panes and dark sashes;

dreary yellow light,glimmering through the dirt of half a
the
century crusted on the glass; purer rays strikingacross
dimness
through the fissures of three broken panes ; dust
floating
upward, pouringdownward, rollingsmoothly round
and round in the stillatmosphere;lofty,
bare,faded red walls;
tables placed awry ; a tall black book
chairs in confusion,
case, with an
open door half droppingfrom its hinges; a ped
bust lying in fragments at its feet ; a
with a broken
estal,
floor whitened
a
by dust such
ceilingdarkened by stains,
A BROAD,

square

"

DEAD

THE

the

was

259

SECKET.

aspect of the Myrtle Room

when

Rosamond

first en

it,leadingher husband by the hand.

few
After passing the door-way, she slowly advanced
a
the
on
steps, and then stopped,waiting with every sense
watch, with every facultystrung up to the highestpitchof
in the forlorn
expectation waitingin the ominous stillness,
for the vague
might
solitude,
Something which the room
contain,which might rise visiblybefore her, which might
sound
audibly behind her,which might touch her on a sud
den from above,from below, from either side. A minute
or
she breathlessly
more
waited; and nothing appeared,nothing
sounded, nothing touched her. The silence and the solitude
had their secret to keep,and kept it.
She looked round at her husband.
His face,
so
quiet and
composed at other times,expressed doubt and uneasiness
and moving
His disengaged hand was
now.
outstretched,
tered

"

backward

and forward

and

up

down, in the vain attempt

and

something which might enable him to guess at'the

he
as
positionin which he was placed. His look and action,
stood in that new
and strange sphere,
the mute
appealwhich
he made so sadlyand so unconsciously
to his wife's lovinghelp,
to touch

restored

Rosamond's

the dearest

to

Her
the

her
self-possession
by recalling

heart

of all its interests,

to the holiest of all its

eyes, fixed

so

but
distrustfully

drearyspectacleof neglectand

the

before

moment

ruin which

cares.
on

spreadaround

them, turned fondlyto her husband's

radiant with the un

face,
fathomable brightness
of pityand love. Shebent quicklyacross
him, caught his outstretched arm, and pressedit to his side.
Don't do that,darling,"she said,gently;
I don't like
it. It looks as if you had forgottenthat I was
with
to see
left alone and helpless.What
need have
as if you
were
you
of touch,when
Did you
you of your sense
you have got me?
hear me
that we
are
open the door,Lenny ? Do you know
"

"

"

in the
"

What
and
"

moor

Myrtle Room?"

What

do you

see,

see

now

Rosamond,
?"

He

eagerly,in a whisper.
Nothing but dust and dirt
in Cornwall

there is
that

did you

is not

nothingto

suggests

an

alarm

idea of

when

asked

you
those

opened the door?

questionsrapidly

and desolation.

The

lonelylookingas this
one's
us, nothing(except
danger of any kind."
so

room

own

loneliest
; but

fancy)

260
"

What

mond

made

long before

so

you

SECKET.

DEAD

THE

spoke to

you

Rosa

me,

?"

"

first enteringthe

love,on
frightened,

was

room

not

"

at

fanciful ideas of what I might

I saw, but at my
own
child enough to be afraid of something starting
I was

what
see.

walls,or of something risingthrough the floor ; in

I have
those fears,
got over
short,of I hardly know what.
still clingsto me.
Lenny, but a certain distrust of the room
of the

out

you feel it ?"

I feel something like

Do
"

night that is always before

this place than in any other.

if the

as

in

me

darker

my eyes was
Where
are
we

to

standing

?"

now

"Just
"

Does

inside the door."

"

his foot

as

that is

"

With

air

The

his face

seems

forward
is before

What

the

she led him

words

these

it if it

on

across

if it was

as

the

toward

sus

room

It would

was

rotten

so

with

never

be

try it."

and

me,

sup
to

as

slowly to the window.

to me," he said,
nearer
bending
lowest

of the

broken

panes.

?"

now

us

tried it

He

?"

on

put the question.

he

Quite safe,"repliedRosamond.

port the furniture

dangerous. Come
"

safe to walk

the floor look

with
piciously

"

it,"he replied,
uneasily. " I feel

him, describingminutelythe size and appearance

if that part
He turned from it carelessly,
as
of the window.
stilllingered
Rosamond
had no interest for him.
of the room
the window, to try if she could feel a breath of the outer
near
a
silence,which was
momentary
atmosphere. There was
broken by her husband.
She

"

"

told

What
I

am

are

you

doing now

lookingout

tryingto get

some

at

one

?" he asked

anxiously.

of the broken

air,"answered

Rosamond.

of

panes
"

and
glass,

The

shadow

restingon the lonelygarden ; but

it. I see the tall
coolness breathing up from
there is no
and the tangled wild-flowers
and still,
weeds
risingstraight
me,
interlacingthemselves heavily. There is a tree near
motionless.
all
struck
if
and
the leaves look as
they were
there is a peep of white sea and tawny sand
Away to the left,
quiveringin the yellow heat. There are no clouds ; there is
blue sky. The mist quenches the brightnessof the sun
no
and lets nothing but the fire of it through. There is
light,
of the

house

is below

me,

THE

DEAD

in
somethingthreatening

261

SECRET.

the

sky,and

the

earth

to

it !"

know
"

the

But

the

what

! the

room

make

worth

most

the wall

sure

know

can

the window

not

every

describ

to

is.

I will take off my

sit down
then you can
we

think

of

begin with. First of

make
how largeit is?"
you understand
first thing. Try if you can
it
compare
the

all,I suppose, I must

"
Yes, that is the
room

my

me

begin,and
of seeingfor you what you are likelyto
lookingat. Here is an old ottoman
against

thing else,what

any

I shall

depend on

apron and dust the seat for you ; and

and listen comfortablywhile I tell you, before

with

; tell

don't describe

only doubting where

the wall where

"

you

the view

it is like.

about

"

think

mind

exactlywhat

"

thing to me
My darling! You
ing every thing. I am
to

Never

Leonard, drawing her

you, Rosamond, if you

justas it is."

feel easy

how

"

is like

room

!" said

room

the window.

aside from

any

seems

that I

is like,
to

room

was

familiar with

"

before

I lost my

sight."
forward,from wall to
and walked
then went
wall
to the fire-place,
slowly down
the
the lengthof the room, countingher steps. Pacing over
dusty floor with a dainty regularityand a childish satisfac
tion in lookingdown
her morning
at the gay pink rosettes
on
shoes ; holding up her crisp,
bright muslin dress out of the
dirt,and showing the fanciful embroidery of her petticoat,
and the glossystockingsthat fitted her littlefeet and ankles
like a second skin,she moved
the
through the dreariness,
around her,the most
the dingy ruin of the scene
desolation,
charming livingcontrast to its dead gloom that youth,health,
and beauty could present.
of the room, she reflected a little,
Arrived
at the bottom
looked

Rosamond

backward

and

"

and

said

to

her husband

"

the blue drawing-room,

Lenny,in your
you remember
father's house at Long Beckley ? I think this room
is quite
"

Do

if not larger."
large,

as

"What
hand

on

covered

are

the

the wall

walls

like?"

behind

him

with

asked
while

Leonard, placinghis
he spoke. "They are

paper, are they not ?"

Yes ; with faded red paper, except on one
side,where
the floor. There is
have been torn off and thrown
on
strips
"

M2

262

THE

wainscotinground
has

ragged holes

the

rats

and

"

opposite
"

there

is

in

it,which

pictureson

in many
places,
have been made
by

to

seem

the walls ?"

frame

empty

an

just above

mean

small

It is cracked

mice."

there any
There is

No.

SECRET.

the walls.

and

"Are

DEAD

the

over

where

am

in the

mirror,cracked

And
fire-place.
standing now
"

centre, with

broken

for candlesticks

projectingon either side of it.

that,again,there is a stag'shead and antlers;some
face has dropped away, and a perfectmaze
of cobwebs

branches
Above
of the

is stretched

between

the

horns.

On

the

other walls

there

with more
cobwebs
hanging down from them
largenails,
heavy with dirt but no picturesany where. Now you know
is the next thing? The
every thingabout the walls. What
are

"

floor?"
"I

think,Rosamond,

feet have

my

told

already what

me

the floor is like ?"

"

They

tell you
ward

have

may

than

more

the middle

told you
It
that.

of the

that it is

bare,dear

slopesdown

from

I suppose
is swept about
into
through the broken panes

which

by

"

"

shapes that

quitehide

these boards

should

the

be made

the

wind

strange, wavy,

floor beneath.
to take

discover

can

every side to
thick with dust,

It is covered

room.

; but

blowing
feathery

Lenny

! suppose
where ! If we

up any
them swept to-morrow.

will have
we
nothingto-day,
In the mean
time,I must go on tellingyou about the room,
I not ? You
know
must
alreadywhat the size of it is,what
is like,
the window
what the walls are like,what the floor is
Is there any thing else before we
like.
to the furni
come
ture ?
Oh, yes ! the ceiling for that completesthe shell of
I can't see
much
the room.
of it,
it is so high. There are
"

great cracks

plasterhas
tre

and

come

ornament

stains from
in

away
seems

to

be

one

end

to

patchesin, some
made

the

other,and

places. The

of alternate

rows

the
cen

of small

plastercabbages and largeplasterlozenges. Two bits of

chain hang down from the middle,which,I suppose, once
held
The cornice is so dingy that I can
a chandelier.
hardly tell
what pattern it represents. It is very broad and heavy, and
it looks in some
been colored,
and
places as if it had once
that is all I

oughly

say about it. Do you

understood
the whole room
now,
can

feel

as

Lenny

if you
?"

thor

DEAD

THE

"

love ; I have

Thoroughly, my

those last

At

it in

from

on

of every
We
me.

for which

we

thing you
may

now

here."

came

had been

dawning on
husband
addressed
her,vanished
stole close to his side,and, bend
her arm
his shoulder,
on
said,in

She

him, with
low, whisperingtones
down

ing

clear picture of

same

smile which

her

moment.

more

words, the

face when

Rosamond's

time

to the purpose

ourselves

the

always give me

which you
it in my mind
You
need waste
no
see.
devote

263

SECRET.

over

"

"

When

ing,we

the other

had

opened, oppositethe land

began by examining the furniture. We thought
remember
that the mystery of the Myrtle Room
we

room

"

if you

"

with

connected

migTitbe

hidden

stolen,or hidden
or

papers that
of
stains and traces

hidden
table

or

might betray.

valuables

that

had

been

ought to have been destroyed,

some
a chair
crime,which even

Shall

examine

we

the

furniture

here ?"
"Is there much
"More

than

"More

than

there

examine

in

room," she answered.

one
morning?"

if you have no better plan

furniture,
I am
but a helplessadviser at such a crisis as
leave the responsibilities
of decision,
after all,

begin with

Then

in the other

was

you can
I think not."

"No;
"

it,Rosamond?"

of

to

propose.
this. I must

the

Yours
the eyes that look and
are
your shoulders.
of Mrs. Jazeph's
hands
that search ; and if the secret

to rest

the

on

is to
warning you againstenteringthis room
found by seeking in the room, you will find it
"And
it is found.
as
it,Lenny, as soon
you will know
for

reason

be

"

"

won't

hear

tween

us,

let

me

see.

oppositethe
recess

any

difference be

in my position
over
any superiority
What
shall I begin with ? The

yours. Now,
tall book-case

you

or

behind

talk,love,as

window
the

Begin

with

or

the

dingy

Those
fire-place?

of furniture that I
"

if there

can

see

old

are

in the
writing-table,
the two largest
pieces

in the room."

book-case,my

the

was

dear, as you

seem

to

have

noticed that first."

Rosamond
then
the
"

advanced

stopped,and

looked

few

steps toward

aside

suddenlyto

the book-case
the lower

end

"

of

room.

Lenny

forgot one

thing,when

was

tellingyou

264

THE

about

the

wall

to

the

Each

dow.

is of the

door

we

"There

I stand

is

same

the

size and

They

with

now

my

distance from

doors

two

are

in at.

came

right,as
at

SECRET.

said.

walls,"she

besides the

room

DEAD

are

back

both
to

the corner,

Don't
appearance.
where they lead
see

in the
in the

the win
and

each

think

we

ought
open
Certainly. But are the keys in the locks ?"
Rosamond
approached more
closelyto the doors,and

an

same

and

them

to

you
to ?"

"

swered
"

in the

affirmative.

Open them, then,"said

Take

self.

with

me

here,and leavingyou
Rosamond
and
sitting,
from

thest

the

I don't

you.

to open

retraced
then

Leonard.

her

led him

those

steps
with

to

"

Stop !

by your
like the idea of sitting
doors by yourself."
the place where
he was

her to the door

not

that

was

far

"

window.

Suppose there should be some

dreadful sightbehind it !" she said,tremblinga little,
she
as
the key.
stretched out her hand toward
more
"Try to suppose (what is much
probable)that it
only leads into another room," suggested Leonard.
Rosamond
threw the door wide open, suddenly. Her hus
band was
right. It merely led into the next room.
Can this one
serve
They passed on to the second door.
the other ?" said Rosamond, slowly and
the same
as
purpose
turning the key.
distrustfully
She opened it as she had opened the first door, put her
head inside it for an
instant,drew back, shuddering,and
with a faint exclamation
closed it again violently,
of disgust.
be alarmed,Lenny," she said,leadinghim
"Don't
away
abruptly. "The door only opens on a large,empty cup
But there are quantities
of horrible,
board.
crawling brown
about the wall inside. I have shut them in again
creatures
I am
in their darkness
and their secrecy ; and now
going to
"

you back to your seat,before

the book-case contains."
take

door

the shelves
when

find out, next, what

of the upper part of the book-case,hanging open

half dropping from its hinges,showed
the emptinessof

The
and

we

on

Rosamond

one

side at

pulledit

glance. The correspondingdoor,

open, disclosed exactlythe same

spectacleof barrenness on the other side.

there spread the same
dreary accumulation
without
a vestigeof a book, without
even

Over

every shelf
of dust and dirt,

stray scrap

of

266

DEAD

THE

"

But

do

know

we

said Leonard.
it

round

SECRET.

that it has not been

Might not the tape

more
body at some

by any
You
can
judge best,because
scriptionon the tape, or any

and

seal have

if there

see

signs to

then?"

been

period of

recent

can

you

opened since

form

put

time ?

is any

in

opinionby

an

the seal."

upon
"

seal is

blank,Lenny, except that it has a flower

in the middle.
I can
of a
like a forget-me-not
mark
see
no
pen on either side of the tape. Any body in the world might
have
opened the box before me," she continued,forcingup
the lid easilywith her hands, for the lock is no protection
of the cover
is so rotten that I have pulled
to it. The wood
the stapleout, and left it sticking
by itself in the lock below."
the box proved to be full of papers.
At
On examination
written these words :
the top of the uppermost packet were
Price fifty
I won
Election expenses.
by four votes.
pounds
The

"

"

J. A. Treverton."

each.

The

inscription.Rosamond
leaf

"

cenas

"Birthday

Ode.

of modern

times

next

layerof

opened them,

and

papers

read

addressed
Respectfully
in his poeticretirement

had

no

on

the first

to

the

at

Mae

Porthgen-

production appeared a collection of old

old doctor's prescriptions,
of invitation,
and
old notes
bills,
tied together with a piece of
old leaves of betting-books,
whip-cord. Last of all,there lay on the bottom of the box
thin leaf of paper, the visible side of which presenteda
one
took it up, turned it to look at the
perfectblank. Rosamond
faint ink-lines crossingeach other
other side,and saw
some
in various directions,
and having letters of the alphabet at
her husband
tached to them in certain places.She had made
of all the other papers, as a
acquainted with the contents
Below

na."

matter

sented
"

this last paper

he explainedto her that the lines and letters repre

of course;

him,

to

this

The

and

when

she had

mathematical

problem.
tells us nothing,"said Rosamond, slowly

book-case

puttingthe papers back in the box.

next?"
ing-table
by the fire-place,
"

What

"It
whole

does it look

has

two

Does

very

the top

in

"

like,Rosamond
of drawers

rows

top is made

ward, like
"

described

an

down

Shall

we

try the writ

?"

side; and the

way to slopeup

each

odd, old-fashioned

largewriting-desk."
open?"

DEAD

THE

Rosamond

went

tried

then

raise the

to

table,examined

the

to

267

SECRET.

"

top.

It is

^made

it is locked.

she said. "But

key-hole,"
ers,"she continued,tryingthem
the

one

after

it

narrowly,and

open, for I see

And all the draw

to

"

another,

are

lock

ed too."
in any of them ?" asked Leonard.
But the top feels so loose that I
sign of one.

"

Is there

"

Not

key

no

really

I forced the little box open

think it might be forced open
as
by a pair of stronger hands than I can boast of.
just now
"

"

Let

take you

me

to

the

table,dear

; it may

give way

to your

strength,though it will not to mine."

hands
under the ledge
She placed her husband's
carefully
formed by the overhanging top of the table. He exerted his
the wood
whole strengthto force it up; but in this case
was
in vain.
sound, the lock held,and all his efforts were
send for a locksmith?"
asked Rosamond, with a
"Must
we
look of disappointment.
If the table is of any value,we
must," returned her hus
"

"

will open both

If not, a screw-driver and a hammer
in any body's hands."
the top and the drawers
"In that case, Lenny, I wish we had brought them with us
band.

into the room,

lies in the secrets that it may
when

came

we

feel satisfied until you

While
saying these

for the
be

only value
hiding from us.

and I know

words, she

what

of the table
I shall

not

there is inside of it."

took her husband's

hand

to

they passed before the fire

place,he steppedupon the bare stone hearth ; and, feeling
under
his feet,instinctively
stretched
substance
some
new
free. It touched
marble
that was
the hand
a
out
tablet,
which had been let into the
with figureson it in bass-relief,
and
middle of the chimney-piece. He stopped immediately,
that his fingershad accidentally
asked what the objectwas
lead him

back

to

As

his seat.

touched.
"

I did not notice

said Rosamond.
pieceof sculpture,"
It is not very large,
and not particularly
it before.
attract
it seems
to
ive,accordingto my taste. So far as I can tell,
"A

be intended

to

represent

"

"

"
Let
before she could say any more.
he
me
try, for once, if I can't make a discoveryfor myself,"
"
won't
said,a little impatiently. Let me try if my fingers

Leonard

tell me

stopped her

what

this

is meant
sculpture

to

represent."

268

THE

passedhis

He
mond
the
"

DEAD

hands

SECRET.

the bass-relief

over
carefully

watching their

with silent

slightest
and said"
while),considered a little,
Is there not a figureof a man
sittingdown,

hand

And

corner

done,high

up,
looked

dear !" she

miniature

there not

are

at

"

said.

him

interest,

in the

trees, very

rightstiffly

Your

"

and smiled.
My poor
tenderly,
man
a
sittingdown is,in reality,

of the famous

copy

rocks and

(Rosa

the left-hand side ?"

at

Rosamond

movement

ancient

of Niobe

statue

and

imitations of clouds,and
child ; your rocks are marble
in
done trees are arrows
darting out from some
your stiffly
visible Jupiteror Apollo,or other heathen god. Ah, Lenny,
her

Lenny

can't trust

! you

your

touch,love,as

you

trust

can

me!"
A

momentary

but

it vanished

him

back

to

her cheek.

the instant she

He

his seat.
"

of vexation

shade

took
her

his face ;

across

his hand

him

to

again to lead
gently,and kissed
"

You

faithful friend to

drew

passed

are
me

The one
right,Rosamond," he said.
who never
is my
in my blindness,
fails,

wife."
with the
Seeing him look a little saddened, and feeling,
that he was
affection,
thinking
quick intuition of a woman's
he had enjoyed the blessingof sight,
Rosa
of the days when
she saw
returned abruptly,as soon
him seated once
mond
as
the ottoman, to the subjectof the Myrtle Room.
more
on
"

shall I look next, dear ?" she said. " The book
have examined.
The writing-table
wait to
must
we

Where

case

we

examine.
in it ?"

What
She

toward

away
had

been

else is there that has

looked

round

her

in

cupboard or a
perplexity; then

part of the room

last drawn
the part where
the

"

to

which

the

her

drawer
wralked

attention

was
fire-place

situ

ated.
"

thought I

noticed

something here,Lenny,when I passed

with you," she said,approachingthe second recess
just now
the mantel -piece,correspondingwith the recess
behind
in
which the writing-table
stood.
She looked into the placeclosely,
and detected in a corner,
darkened
by the shadow of the heavy projecting
mantel-piece,
a narrow,
ricketylittletable,made of the commonest
mahog
the
least
of
furniture
frailest,
conspicuouspiece
poorest,
any
in the whole room.
She pushed it out contemptuously into
"

THE

the

"

It

her foot.

lightwith

wearilyas

creaked

ers, and

DEAD

ran

clumsy old-fashioned

on

table,"said

miserable,forlorn -lookinglittle thing,lost

and I have
have justpushed it into the light,
in it."

drawer

paused,and

She

cast

it moved.

another

found

Lenny, I have

269

SECRET.

tried to

Rosamond.
in

"A
I

corner.

discovered

one

the

drawer;
she exclaimed,impa
tiently. Even this wretched thing is closed againstus !"
She pushed the table sharply away
with her hand.
It
and fell over
the floor
on
swayed on its frail legs,tottered,
fell as heavilyas a table of twice its size fell with a shock
that rang through the room, and repeateditself again and
but

"Another

it resisted her.

open

lock!"

"

"

"

againin

of the lonesome

the echoes

north

hall.

husband, seeinghim start from his

had happened.
You
call
seat in alarm, and told him what
in astonishment.
he replied,
it a little table,"
"It fell like
of the largestpiecesof furniture in the room
!"
one
have been
something heavy in the
Surely there must
drawer !" said Rosamond, approaching the table with her
stillfluttered by the shock of its unnaturallyheavy
spirits
to
fall. After waiting for a few moments
give the dust
and which
still hung over
it had raised,
it in thick
which
and
ex
lazy clouds,time to disperse,she stooped down
Rosamond

her

to

ran

"

"

it.

amined
and

It

was

lock had

the

cracked
been

the top from end to end,

from its fastenings
by
away

across

broken

the fall.
She

set the table up

drew
againcarefully,

out

the

drawer,

and, after a glance at its contents, turned to her husband.

"
I knew
it,"she said," I knew there must be something
heavy

in the drawer.

those

specimens of
Wait

mine.
the back

She

here

It is full of

my
I think I

piecesof copper-ore, like

father's,
Lenny, from Porthgenna
feel something else,
far away
at
as

my hand
extricated from the
as

can

reach."

lumps of ore at the back of the

drawer
of black wood, about
small circular picture-frame
a
the size of an
with the
out
ordinaryhand-glass. It came
front part downward, and with the area
which its circle in
closed filled up by a thin pieceof wood, of the sort which is
used at the backs of small frames to keep drawings and en
This piece of wood
gravingssteady in them.
(onlysecured
to the back of the frame by one
nail)had been forced out of

270

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

its place,
probablyby the overthrow
Rosamond
between

took

the

it and

the

frame

of the table ; and when

of the drawer, she observed

out

dislodgedpiece of
of paper, apparentlyfolded many
She
the smallest possible
space.

morsel

wood

turned

the

times over, so
drew out the

of

to

as

piece
the table without
on
unfoldingit,re
and then
piece of wood in its proper position,
frame
a
round, to see if there was
picturein

occupy
of paper, laid it aside

placed the

the end

front.

picture
much
faded,by
and the figureas

There

but

was

not

woman,

"

picturepaintedin oils,
darkened,

It representedthe head
age.
far as the bosom.

instant Rosamond's

The

eyes fell on it she

toward
her husband
with

hurriedlyadvanced

of

shuddered,and
the picturein

her hand.
"

Well, what
approach.

her
"

have

you

found

now

?" he

inquired,
hearing

she answered,faintly,
stoppingto
picture,"
again.
A

Leonard's

sensitive

ear

detected

Is there any thing that alarms

half in earnest.
ed,half in jest,
"

"There

is

to have

seems

is,"said

something

in

startles

change in her voice.

the picture
?" he ask
me

"

cold for the moment,

the
"Do
you remember

turned

me

Rosamond.

-girlgave

servant

that

you

us,

on

the

night

we

look at it

something
hot

that

the

day
the
description
arrived here,of the
as

?"
ghost of the north rooms
it perfectly."
Yes, I remember
and this pictureare
exactly
Lenny ! that description
is the curling,
alike ! Here
light-brownhair. Here is the
dimple on each cheek. Here are the bright regularteeth.
Here is that leering,
wicked, fatal beauty which the girltried
awful !"
when she said it was
and did describe,
to describe,
That
vivid fancy of yours, my
smiled.
Leonard
dear,
takes strange flights
sometimes,"he said,quietly.
How
it
to herself.
can
Fancy !" repeated Rosamond
I
it be fancy when
I see
the face ? how
can
be fancy when
She stopped,shuddered
feel
again,and, returninghas
tilyto the table,placed the pictureon it,face downward.
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

she did so, the morsel of folded paper which she had
from the back of the frame caught her eye.
moved
As

re

THE

"

be
may
stretched

There

said,and
It

was

the

on

than

ever,

Fold

as

took it up

from

heavier
intense

more

that there

saw

it out

faded

to

the

on
carefully

writ

were

light,

table

"

at the firstline of the writ

looked

again and

weighed

the table.

in ink that had

smoothed

She

heat

things was

up

traced
inside,

yellow hue.
then

the paper
opened it,and

fold she

by

The

noon.

stillness of all

she took

characters

ten

toward

gettingon
air,and the

to it.

her hand

out

picturein this,"she

of the

account

some

271

SECRET.

DEAD

ing.
first line contained

The

told her that

only

words

words

"

it

writing on

the

with

the paper

three

which

not

was

de

her
but a letter words which made
of the picture,
scription
her eye fell upon them.
and change color the moment
start
Without
attempting to read any further,she hastilyturned
the leaf to find out the placewhere the writingended.
over
"

It ended
break

of the third page ; but there was

a
the foot of the second page, and in
two
names
signed. She looked at the

at the bottom

in the

near
lines,

that break

there

uppermost

of the

were

two

started

"

"

back

turned

and

again

in

stantlyto the first page.

Line by line,and word
by word, she read through the
writing; her natural complexion fading out gradually the
all her face
while,and a dull,equal whiteness overspreading
When

in its stead.

had

she

of the third

end

the

to

come

she held the letter

page, the hand in which
side,and she turned her head slowly toward

dropped

to

her
In

Leonard.

tears
no
moistening her eyes, no
positionshe stood
word
no
escapingher lips,
change passingover her features,
in that po
of her limbs
movement
no
varying the position
sition she stood,with the fatal letter crumpled up in her cold
at her
breathlessly
looking steadfastly,
speechlessly,
fingers,

that

"

"

blind

He

husband.

fore,with
front of

in

them,

and

his head

he had

few moments

itself upon
for

legs crossed,his

his

tion in which
But

she had

still sittingas

was

seen

few

expectantlyin

the sound

turning his
little,

then called to his wife.

He

head

changed

be

his

uneasilyfrom

the

direc

of his wife's voice.

the intense stillness in the

his attention.

minutes

claspedtogether in

hands

turned

last heard

him

room

forced

position listened
and
side to side,
"

272

DEAD

THE

SECRET.

"Rosamond!"
At

of his voice her

the sound

closed faster

the

on

stepped forward

nor

that

paper

lipsmoved, and
they held ; but

her

fingers

she neither

spoke.

"Rosamond!"
Her

again

lipsmoved

"

faint traces

of

began
expression

to

of her face
she
the blank whiteness
over
pass shadow-like
looked at the letter,
and stop
advanced
one
step, hesitated,
"

ped.
Mov
Hearing no answer, he rose surprisedand uneasy.
wandering hands to and fro before him
ing his poor, helpless,
forward
in the air,
he walked
a few
paces, straightout from
the wall againstwhich he had been sitting.A chair,which
held low enough to touch,stood in his
his hands were
not
way ; and, as he still advanced, he struck his knee sharply
againstit.
A cry burst from Rosamond's
if the pain of the
as
lips,
from her hus
blow had passed,at the instant of its infliction,
You
band to herself. She was
by his side in a moment.
not
are
hurt,Lenny," she said,faintly.
No, no." He tried to press his hand on the placewhere
he had struck himself,
but she knelt down
and put
quickly,
hand
her own
there instead,nestlingher head againsthim,
her knees, in a strangelyhesitating
while she was
timid
on
she had intercepted
He lightlylaid the hand which
way.
it touched
The moment
her shoulder.
on
her,her eyes be
in them, and fell slowly one
by
gan to soften ; the tears rose
"

"

such
was
you had left me," he said. "There
silence that I fancied you had gone out of the room."
now?"
Her strength
out of it with me
"Will
you come
"I

her cheeks.

down

one

thought

seemed

fail her while

to

drooped on
at

her

asked

the

question;

her

breast,and she let the letter fall on

head

the floor

side.

Your
?
voice sounds
you tired already,Rosamond
if you were."
"
I want
stillin the same
to leave the room," she said,
low,

"

as

her

she

Are

faint,constrained
you
"

with

walk

now

knee.

your

knee

Can

easier,dear?

?"

Certainly. There
my

"Is

tone.

If you

is
are

nothing in the
Rosamond
tired,

world
"

as

the

matter

I know

you

274

THE

ure, and

SECRET.

DEAD

his face with

covered
and passionately
breathlessly

kisses.
"

away
my breath."
She drew back, and
laid

hand

on

stood
"

tenderly. I would give all

how much
could only know
you love
Surely,"he returned,stilllaughing
ought to know by this time !"

murmured
if I
"

"

with a
silence,
Oh, my angel!" she
I have in the world,

"

I shall know

quiet and low that they were

the change in her voice as a
ard invited her
She

took it in

and
silence,

fresh indication of

ON

their way
made
no

amond

Interpreting
Leon
fatigue,

by holding out his hand.

guided him slowly to the door.

VI.

TELLING

back

so

away

CHAPTER
THE

in tones

words

barely audible.

lead him

to

Rosamond,
Surely,

spoke those

She

soon."

!"

me
"

"

you

take

You

in

him

lookingat

of his shoulders.

each

"

Leonard, laughing.

said

Gently ! gently!"

OF

to the

SECRET.

THE

inhabited

house,Ros

side of the

further reference to the

subjectof

the folded

hands.
paper which she had placed in her husband's
All her attention,
while they were
returningto the west
to
front,seemed
watching every

to make

be

inch

that

sure

absorbed

it

his foot

of
was

him

to

had

always been, from

set

whenever
now

the

she

on

led him

unduly, almost

in the

ground

that

safe and

Careful

the

first
one

act

Leonard

smooth

it.

from

one

and

of

jealously

walked

over,

before she suffered

considerate

as

she

day of their married life,

place to another, she was

absurdlyanxious to
of an
accident.
possibility

preserve

him

from

Finding that he
the nearest
of the open landing when
to the outside
was
they left the Myrtle Room, she insisted on changing places,
that he might be nearest
While
so
to the wall.
they were
she stopped him in the middle,to in
descending the stairs,
quire if he felt any pain in the knee which he had struck
againstthe chair. At the last step she brought him to a
stand-still again,while she moved
the torn and tangled
away
remotest

remains
in it.

of

old mat, for fear one

of his feet should catch
she intreated that he
the north hall,
Walking across
an

take her

would
felt
Even

short

the

at

and

lean

his knee

that

sure

DEAD

arm

flightof

her,because

heavilyupon

not

was

275

SECRET.

THE

quite free

stairs which

from

stiffness yet.
the en
connected

the hall with

trance

to

of the

house, she

placehis

foot

the passages leadingto the

twice stopped him on
the way
sound

the

on

she

west

side

down,

parts of the steps,which

to

she rep

dangerouslyworn
placesthan one.
away in more
He laughedgood-humoredly at her excessive anxiety to save
him from all danger of stumbling,and asked if there was
any
with
their
of
back
to
numerous
likelihood,
getting
stoppages,
resented

as

side of the house

the west

in time

for lunch.

She

was

not

laugh found no pleasant

that it was
impossibleto be
in silence tillthey
about him ; and then went
too anxious
on
reached the door of the housekeeper's
room.
in to givethe
she went
outside,
Leaving him for a moment
keys back again to Mrs. Pentreath.
Dear me, ma'am
!" exclaimed
the housekeeper, you look
quiteovercome
by the heat of the day and the close air of
Can I get you a glassof water, or may I
those old rooms.
ready,as usual,with her retort
echo in hers ; she only answered

; his

"

"

bottle of salts?"

give you

my
Rosamond
"

declined

I be

May

allowed

this time

found

both

in the

offers.

ask,ma'am,

to

north

if any

rooms?"

thing has

inquiredMrs.

been
Pen

treath,
hanging up the bunch of keys.
old papers,"
repliedRosamond, turningaway.
Only some
I beg pardon again,ma'am," pursued the housekeeper;
but, in case any of the gentry of the neighborhood should
call to-day?"
We
are
engaged. No matter who it may be,we are both
left
engaged." Answering brieflyin these terms, Rosamond
Mrs. Pentreath,and rejoinedher husband.
"

"

"

"

With
shown
him

the
on

up

excess

same

the

way

the west

to

of attention
the

staircase.

and

care

housekeeper's
room,
The

which
she

she had
now

led

librarydoor happening to

open, they passedthrough it on their way to the draw

ing-room,which was the largerand cooler apartment of the

stand

returned
Having guided Leonard to a seat,Rosamond
and took from the table a tray containinga
to the library,
and a tumbler,which
bottle of water
she had noticed when
she passed through.
two.

276

THE

"I may

feel faint

well

as

to

herself,
turninground

to

the

SECRET.

she
frightened,"

as

with

said

the tray in her hand

quickly

to

return

drawing-room.

After
she

DEAD

she had

put the

locked
noiselessly

down

water

the door

on

table in

corner,

leadinginto the

then
library,
the
door leading into the passage.
Leonard, hearing her
moving about,advised her to keep quiet on the sofa. She
pattedhim gentlyon the cheek,and was about to make some
suitable

when
she accidentally
beheld
answer,
flected in the looking-glass
under which he was

sight of

her

words

the

white

own

on

her

lips. She

catch any breath

from the sea.

to

heat-mist

The

time

and

of air that

might

to the window,
away
be wafted toward
her

water

Nearer, the oily,col

heaving slowly,
justvisible,

was

time,in one vast monotonous

itself out smoothly and endlessly
tillit was
obscurityof the mist. Close on the shore
hushed.

to

No

sitting.The
eyes suspended

startled

hastened

sound

from

came

all that told of life and

be

to

was

seen

any

lost in the white

noisysurf was
the beach except at long,
quick thump, and a still

the

Not

movement.

where

the

on

that rolled

wave

when
a
wearily long intervals,
just audible and no more, announced
splash,
the parching sand.
tiny,mimic wave
upon
in front of the house, the changelesshum
of
was

re

stillhid the horizon.

orless surface of the

from

cheeks

face

her

shore ;

fall of

the
On

the

terrace

insects

summer

human

figure

sign of

no

one

sail

shadowy through the heat at sea ; no breath of air

waved
the lighttendrils of the creepers that twined up the
refreshed the drooping flowers ranged in the
or
house-wall,
loomed

windows.
after

Rosamond

turned

weary
again,her husband

room

spoke to

thinglies hidden
precious
producingthe letter,and smilingas
"

What

there

must

powder, or

be
some

the

contemplationof it.

moment's

into the

from

away

outer

As

prospect,
she looked

her.

in this

paper?" he asked,
he opened it.
Surely
inestimable
something besides writing some
bank-note of fabulous value
wrapped up in
"

"

"

all these folds ?"

opened the letter

with a mock
the writing inside,
and passedhis fingerover
and a lightjestabout sharingall treas
of anxiety,
expression
discovered at Porthgenna with his wife.
ures
Rosamond's

heart sank

within her

as

he

THE

DEAD

277

SECRET.

"I will read it to you directly,

Lenny," she said,dropping
into the nearest
seat, and languidlypushing her hair back
her

from

"

temples.

But

put it away

for

few minutes

now,

thing else you like that does not re

I
I am
mind
of the Myrtle Room.
am
us
very capricious,
not, to be so suddenly weary of the very subjectthat I have
weeks past? Tell
been fondest of talkingabout for so many
abruptly and going to the back
me, love,"she added, rising
with my
whims
and fancies
of his chair; "do I get worse
and

let

and

talk of any

us

faults ?

or

first married

?"

"

am

improved,since

the time when

we

were

tossed the letter aside

He

the

always placedby
with

ger at her
mond
! are

you

arm

frown

tryingto

a table which
on
was
carelessly
of his chair,
and shook his forefin
of comic reproof. Oh, fie,
Rosa
entrap me into paying you compli
"

ments?"

The

in adoptingseemed
abso
lighttone that he persisted
her.
She shrank away
from his chair,and
lutelyto terrify
sat down
again at a littledistance from him.
I remember
I used to offend you,"she continued,
quickly
and confusedly. No, no, not to offend
to
vex
only
you a
little by talkingtoo familiarly
You might
to the servants.
almost
have fancied,
if you had not known
at first,
so
me
"

"

"

"

well,that

it

was

habit with

because

me

I had

who
one

been

the servant
myself. Suppose I had been a servant
had helped to nurse
the servant
you in your illnesses,
led you about in your blindness more
than any
carefully
else would you have thought much, then, of the differ

servant

who

once

"

"

between

ence

She
and

he

us?

would

stopped. The
had

turned

"

you

"

smile had
a

vanished

little away

from

from Leonard's
her.

"

What

face,
is the

could have
Rosamond, of supposingevents that never
happened ?" he asked rather impatiently.
She went
to the side-table,
of the water
poured out some
she had brought from the library,
and drank it eagerly; then
and plucked a few of the flowers that
walked to the window
of them away again the
were
placedthere. She threw some
but kept the rest in her hand, thoughtfully
next
moment;
arrangingthem so as to contrast their colors with the best
this was
effect. When
done, she put them into her bosom,
looked down
absentlyat them, took them out again,and,reuse,

278

THE

turningto

SECRET.

DEAD

little nosegay

husband, placedthe

her

ton-hole of his

in the but

coat.

I
as
Something to make you look gay and bright,love
always wish to see you," she said,seatingherself in her fa
vorite attitude at his feet,and lookingup at him sadly,with
her arms
restingon his knees.
?" he asked,
What
are
thinking about, Rosamond
you
"

"

"

after

an

"I

wondering, Lenny,

was

could

world
that

interval of silence.

there

be

are

whether

of you as
would
others who
as

fond

in

woman

I feel almost

am.

the

afraid

ask

nothing better than to

There is something in
something besides
ways

die for you, as well as me.

face,in your voice,in all your

live and
your

any

"

the interest of your sad, sad affliction that would

If I were
heart to you, I think.
to die
woman's
"

draw

any

"

repeatedthe words
after her,and, leaningforward, anxiouslylaid his hand upon
her forehead.
You are thinkingand talkingvery strangely
! Are you not well?"
this morning,Rosamond
her knees and looked closer at him, her face
She rose
on
and a faint smile justplaying round her
brighteninga little,
lips. I wonder if you will always be as anxious about me,
and as fond of me, as you are
?" she whispered,kissing
now
"

If you

to

were

die !"

He

started

as

he

"

"

his hand

as

she

removed

it from

her

forehead.

He

leaned

not to look too

jestingly
far into the future. The words, lightlyas they were
spoken,
struck deep into her heart.
There are
times,Lenny,"she
said, when all one's happinessin the present depends upon
of the future."
She looked at the letter,
one's certainty
which
her husband
had left open on a table near
him, as she spoke ;
and, after a momentary
strugglewith herself,took it in her

back

againin

the

and
chair,

told her

"

"

failed her ; the

deadly palenessoverspread her face again; she threw the
end
letter back on the table,
to the other
and walked
away
hand

to read

of the
"

it.

At

her voice

the first word

room.

The

future ?" asked Leonard.

"

What

future,
Rosamond,

?"

possiblymean
future at Porthgenna?" she said,
our
"Suppose I meant
Shall
moisteningher dry lipswith a few drops of water.
we
thought we should, and be as
stay here as long as we
happy as we have been every where else ? You told me on
can

you

"

THE

journey

the

driven

myself. You
gardening and
proached her
while

"

on.

Why
is

What

men.

to

prevent

I suppose,
requisite,
I have
got." She

that

table

is

hand

it,keeping her

on

be

on

from

me

have

to

the

write novels

women

advanced

which

reached

the

More

not

first great
and

that I should

extraordinaryoccupationsto amuse
said you expected that I should
begin with
A novel !"
end by writinga novel.
She ap
husband
his face eagerly
again,and watched

she went
than

now

dull,and

of

try all sorts

to

find it

that I should

279

SECRET.

DEAD

idea of

an

few

story ;

steps farther,

letter lay,and

eyes stillfixed

The

trying?

placed her

intentlyon

Leonard's

face.
And

"

idea,Rosamond
to
replied. "I mean

?" he asked.

is your

what

"This," she

make

the main

interest

in two young married

of the story centre
fond as
be very fond of each other
as

people. They shall

and
we
are, Lenny
After they have been hap
they have got one child
dearly than ever, a ter

"

in

they shall be
pily married
make

to

rible

other

them

fall upon

like

for his wife

chosen

shall have

more

thunderbolt.

young

"

lady bearing

"

the letter
well-born

"

and

to
as

"

covery shall
that she bore

fro

well-born

as

husband

shall be

Lenny and the terrible dis

has no rightto the ancient name

you,

be, that his wife

he married

when

"The

table.

the

on

"

her."

I can't say, my
love,that I approve of your idea.
interest in a
an
story will decoy the reader into feeling
"

an

The

as
familyname
As your name
?" suggested Leonard.
of the Treverton
As the name
family,"she continued,aft
moving
pause, during which her hand had been restlessly

"

er

love each

discoveryshall

ancient

as

when

time,and

some

them

husband

of life.

rank

our

"

who

turns

to

out

be

Your
wom

impostor."

an

a
Rosamond, warmly. "A true woman
full
of
who never
woman
stooped to a deception a woman
but a teller of the truth at all hazards and
faults and failings,
all sacrifices. Hear me
out, Lenny, before you judge." Hot

"No!"

cried

"

"

tears

rushed

into her eyes ; but

and
sionately,

anhood, and

went

shall

"

on.

marry,
in total ignoranceof her
ure

of the truth

she

dashed

them

pas
away
wife shall grow
up to wom
mind
that !
in total ignorance
The

"

"

real

shall overwhelm

history. The
her

"

sudden

disclos

she shall find herself

280

THE

struck

by

about.

; it shall burst

depend
from

secret

free

own

herself.

shall have

her husband

of fearful

ment

she

on;

had
her

with

in

hand

no

bringing
by the dis

very reason
she has no

her when

upon

shall be shaken

tried,she

SECRET.

calamity which she

shall be staggeredin

She

covery
self to

DEAD

the

of

power

temptation; she

shall

her

keeping it

shall1
be

she

perfectimpunity;

in her mortal

but

one

frailness,
by one mo
it,and, of her
conquer

will,she shall tell her husband

Now, Lenny, what do you call

all that

that

knows

she
?

woman

im

an

postor ?"
"No:

victim."

"

Who

"

goes of her
to be sacrificed ?"

"

accord

own

who

is

said that."

never

What

would

you

I mean,
her ? It is a

do with

her,Lenny, if you

the story ?

how

have

questionin

to

to the sacrifice ? and

would

make

you

which

husband

her

man's

writing

were

be

is

nature

con

is not
cerned,and a woman
competent to decide it. I am
perplexedabout how to end the story. How would you end
As she ceased,her voice sank sadlyto its gentlest
it,love?"
She came
close to him, and twined her fin
pleadingtones.
would
love?" she
gers in his hair fondly. "How
you end it,
repeated,stooping down till her tremblinglipsjust touched
his forehead.

He

moved

writer of
"

"

But

uneasilyin

his

chair,and replied

how

would

It is hard for

act,Lenny, if you

you

am

now

not

am

me

to

say,"he

that husband?"

were
"

answered.

I have

I have no
imagination,
my dear.
power
into a position
at a moment's
that
self,
notice,
and of knowing how I should act in it."

But

novels,Rosamond."

vivid

"

"

"

your wife
Suppose she had

suppose
?

was

close

justtold

to

you

you

of

your

puttingmy

is not

"

not

as

own,

my
close

the dreadful

as

secret,

I am
with
as
standingbefore you
standing now
life to come
the happiness of her whole
depending on one
kind word from your lips?
let
not
Oh, Lenny, you would
her drop broken-hearted
feet ? You would
at your
know, let
her birth be what
it might, that she was
still the same
faith
and

was

"

ful creature

worshiped you

ing in

return

had

who

cherished

since her

but

to

"

and

served

and

trusted

and

marriage-day,and who asked noth

lay her head on your bosom, and to hear

282

THE

"

Why

She
of

the letter ?

stole

mind
"

"

serious

SECRET.

should

Why

anxious

one

something

DEAD

look

to

at

come

not

you

his

face,and

that

saw

sense

his

overshadowing

now

was

explain?"

for the first time.

Rosamond
There

!" he

are

mysteriesbetween

no

quickly.

"There

shall be."

She

exclaimed," there is some

have

never

moved

mystery

"
"

two," she interposed

any, love; there never

us

been

little nearer

to

him

to take

her

old

favorite

and drew
place on his knee,then checked herself,
back
again to the table. Warning tears in her eyes bade
her distrust her own
firmness,and read the letter where she
could not feel the beating of his heart.
Did I tell you," she resumed, after waiting an instant to
herself, where I found the folded piece of paper
compose
"

"

I put into your hand

in the
"I think not."
"No," he replied,

which
"

I found

it

the back

at

of the

pictureof the ghostlywoman

it

and
immediately,

saw

which
"

it

contained,were

Whose

"The

Gracious

God, Rosamond
read,and

me

eyes, what

my

eyes, every

light;

contains.

The

why

do

you

speak of

the

you

will know.

You

have

opened
address

her

in

objectwhich

close

seen, with

is like ; you have seen, with

the search through it brought

Myrtle Room

now
see, with iny eyes, what
you must
It is the Secret of the Myrtle Room."

She bent

To

letter.

?"

my

"

face.

mother?"

your

Of the late Mrs.Treverton."

words

"

the late Mrs.Treverton."

"

to

was

picture the

it,and one of the two signatures

in a handwritingthat I knew."

"

that way
"Let

of that

?"

!"

handwriting of

"Of

frame

with the wicked

that it

the first line under

inside,

Myrtle Room

over

the

faded writing,
and
faint,

this letter

read these

my

Husband"

and I have not had the

parted,Arthur,forever,
that I have
farewell by confessing
to embitter
our
courage
But a few
deceived you
cruellyand baselydeceived you.
minutes
since,you were
weeping by my bedside and speak
ing of our child. My wronged, my beloved husband, the
"

We

have

"

THE

DEAD

283

SECRET.

little daughter of your heart is not yours, is not mine.

I have imposed on you for mine.
whom
is a love-child,
miner

father

was

Sarah

Leeson."

paused,but

Rosamond

him

table ; she

heard

his breath

heavilyin

himself

to

per

lay his

after

"
"

the let

him

draw

him

whis

With

love-child !"

the

suddenly on

his feet ; she heard

quick gasp ; she heard

one

maid,

from

to

start

instant

the

hand

Her

is my

her mother

raised her head

never

her husband

heard

She

ter.

Porthgeuna ;

at

She

fearful,
painful distinctness she heard those three words.
her cold.
The tone
in which he whispered them
turned
But
she never
while
to read; and
more
moved, for there was
more
remained, if her life had depended on it,she could not
looked

have

In

"

moment

for you.
sought to hide
ness

she

fondness

from

me.

borne

the infant

was

I should

"I

never

add

can

fraud

arms,

your

were

no

more,

for death
what

who
poor little creature
her unhappy parent
to
If there

bears
:

she

of

member
have

women
me

sinned

loved you !"

from

it

true.

when
loved

never

not

me.

said

that,

How

the

other
I
motives
were,
my
the mother
of the child,who

is

who

charged

to

will be merciful

give

to

the

Be merciful also
my name.
is only guilty of too blindly

is any thing that mitigatesthe bit

it is the remembrance
that my
act

of my
remorse,
of deceit saved
the most

terness

had

near

fond

sea, and

'I have

"

is very

leave you to discover from

writes this under my
and
dictation,
it to you wrhen I am
You
no
more.

ate

from

I love you know.'

If you
have kept -my guiltysecret.

must

me.

all her

as

committed, and

was

obeying

sin

you
that your
until
own

me

lipsproved

your
back

came

told

which

secret

heart

your

child;and
you

me

fondness

make

placedin

Rosamond,

told

That

never

you a
first words, when

Your

you,

That

wife would

had

read these lines next

many

must

barren

on, and

she went

more

for,but this one

heavy sins to answer
it through
pardon,Arthur, for I committed

I have

you

up.

shame

faithful and

the

that she had

not

Arthur
forgivingly,

against you

no

"

words

words

can

affection

most

deserved.
may

tell how

tell how

Re
I

I have

284

THE

She

had

line

on

and

then

struggled

the

second

tried

amond

familiar

band's

memories
seemed

to

table,

the

and

laid

moaning

down

head

household
forever

at

the

same

her

dropped
them,

hus

articulate

to

heart

on

of

her

profaned

she

Ros

"
"

sacred

her

cry

again,

on

strove

had

last

syllables
was

the

from

away

her

and

"

letter

paused

two

that

All

the

signatures

two

her.

ruthless

low,

she

name

day

the

reached

repeated

the

themselves

With

the

"

failed

that

tear

moment.

of

voice

which

of

had
when

letter,

faintly

hour
her

the

name

and

far,

first

the

She

every

but

third,

on

read

Christian

lips

the

of

page
to

SECRET.

thus

on

Treverton."

that

DEAD

and

arms

hid

her

face.
She
felt

heard
touch

on

trembled.
and

looked

Her

husband

The

tears

rose

and

were

touched

conscious

was

shoulder

her

in

pulse

her

of

from

bounded

body

until

nothing,

touch

light

"

Every

she

she

nothing,

in

hand

she
that
to

answer

up.

had

in

glistening
him,

himself

guided

his

arms

his

to

near

dim,

her

sightless
and

opened,

table.

the

by

As

eyes.

closed

fast

she

around

her.
"

forted

My

own

!"

it,

Rosamond

!"

he

said,

"

come

to

me

and

be

com

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

BOOK

VI.

CHAPTER
UNCLE

THE
had

and

day

the

come,

ties and

I.
JOSEPH.

night had passed,and

before the husband

speak calmly of

to

285

the

and

wife could

and
Secret,

the sacrifices which

the

the

to face

new

morning
themselves

trust

resignedlythe

discoveryof

it

du

imposed on

them.
Leonard's
which
that

first questionreferred to those lines in the letter

Rosamond
she knew.

what

informed

had

Finding
she

could

that he

him

were

was

at

in
a

handwriting

loss to understand

of

forming an opinion on this

point,she explainedthat,after Captain Treverton's death,
letters had naturallyfallen into her possession
which
many
had been written by Mrs. Treverton
to her husband.
They
treated of ordinarydomestic subjects,
and she had read them
often enough to become
thoroughlyacquaintedwith the pe
culiarities of Mrs. Treverton's handwriting. It was
remark
ablylarge,firm,and masculine in character;and the address,
the line under it,and the uppermost of the two
in
signatures
the letter which had been found in the MyrtleRoom, exactly
means

it in every

resembled

have

particular.
the

body of the letter. The

writingof this,of the second signature("Sarah Leeson"),and
of the additional lines on the third page, also signedby Sarah
Leeson, proclaimeditselfin each case to be the productionof
While
the same
statingthat fact to her husband,
person.
did riot forgetto explainto him that,while read
Rosamond
ing the letter on the previousday, her strengthand courage
The

next

that

to

she got to the end of it. She added

the postscript
which she had thus omitted to read was

failed her

had

of

questionrelated

before

importance,because

der which
would
without

it mentioned

the Secret had

been

listen while she made

any

further

him

delay.
N2

hidden

the

circumstances

; and

begged

acquaintedwith

that

un

he

its contents

286

DEAD

THE

SECRET.

Sittingas close to his side,now,

ing their first honey-moon days over
last lines

my

her

morning

the

before,on

years
Tower

"

lines which

the

"

if

they were
enjoy
read
she
these
again,

as

written

had

mother

she fled from

when

sixteen

Porthgenna

If this paper
should
heart it never
whole

(which I

found

with

pray

say that I have

I dare not show

be),I wish to
hiding it,because

may

of

resolution

the

to

come

be

ever

it is ad
writing that it contains to my master, to whom
In doing what I now
dressed.
propose to do, though I am
acting againstmy mistress's last wishes,I am not breaking
which she obligedme to make before
the solemn engagement
the

her

death-bed.

her

on

or
stroy this letter,

That
take

to

I shall do neither

house.

forbids

engagement
with

it away

my

purpose is to conceal it in the

of its
I think there is least chance

"

misfortune

which

of this deceitful proceeding.

on
consequence
in
part, will fall on myself. Others,I believe, my con
follow

as

science,will
cret

if I leave the

me

my

"

place,of all others,where

ever
being found again. Any hardship or
may

de

to

me

happierfor

be the

the

hiding of

the dreadful

Se

this letter contains."

which

There

had read

be

can

no

the end ;

to

doubt, now," said Leonard,when his wife

Mrs. Jazeph,Sarah Leeson, and the serv

"

disappearedfrom PorthgennaTower, are one and the

same
person."
Poor creature
!" said Rosamond, sighingas she put down
We
know
the letter.
now
why she warned me so anxious
Who
can
ly not to go into the Myrtle Room.
say what she
who

ant

"

"

have

must

side ?

suffered when

Oh,

whom

servant

feel that

can

think of

Secret?

how

she

"

to

her

even

now,
can

think
I

on

name

stranger
had

that
me

as

my
less

spoke to
a

bed

to

been

; it is

of her

worse

hasty
her

as

still to

child should

tell her that I know

ever

the

heart-sick consciousness

her birth ; she paused,shrinking

had given to
that her husband

parentage, which

recognize.

give if I

paused,with

cast

of the
own

as

to remember

How
She

was

not

came

expected to obey

not,

"

thought

her,and of
dained

mother.

of the slur that

as

would

It is dreadful

with her !
a

what

she

the laws

of

societydis

THE

"

do you
afraid

Why

DEAD

287

SECRET.

stop ?" asked Leonard.

"

began, and paused again.

for her, that
Afraid," he said,finishingthe sentence
of pity for that unhappy woman
words
might wound
my
of the circumstances
sensitive prideby reminding me
of your
! I should be unworthy of your matchless
birth ? Rosamond
truthfulness toward me, if I,on my side,did not acknowledge
that this discoveryhas wounded
me
as
can
only a proud man
be wounded.
My pridehas been born and bred in me.
My
I
takes
while
to
now
am
speaking you,
pride,even
advantage
I

"

was

she

"

"

"

of my

first

doubting,in
read

have

strong
be for
and

as
me

will

"

yet."

er
"
"

From

blind

of

moments

of all

face

composure,

and

deludes

whether
probability,

the

into

me

words

you

of truth.
But,
can, after all,be words
and inbred feelingis hard as it may
that inborn
it as I ought, and must
and master
to discipline
to

me

"

there is another
He
the

husband

felt for her

hour
"

my heart that is strong

and took it in his ; then added

hand,

when

from

feelingin

the

you

first devoted

hour

when

you

your
won

life to your
all his grati

all his love,you took

tude, as you had alreadywon
from which
his heart,Rosamond,
nothing,not even

placein
such

High as I
have always held the worth of rank in my
I have
estimation,
before the event of yesterday,
to hold the worth
even
learned,
of my wife,let her parentage be what it may, higher still."
Oh, Lenny, Lenny, I can't hear you praiseme, if you talk
in the same
breath as if I had made
a sacrifice in marrying
I might never
have deserved
you ! But for my blind husband
I firstread that fear
When
what you have just said of me.
I had one
of vile,
ful letter,
moment
ungratefuldoubt if your
love for me would hold out againstthe discovery
of the Secret.
I had one
of horrible temptation,
that drew me
moment
away
I ought to have put the letter into your hand.
from you when
It was
the sightof you, waiting for me
to speak again,so in
of all knowledge of what happened close by you, that
nocent
brought me back to my senses, and told me what I ought to
the sightof my blind husband
do.
It was
that made
con
me
quer the temptation to destroy that letter in the first hour
of discoveringit. Oh, if I had been the hardest-hearted
of
could I have ever
taken your hand again could I kiss
women,
by your side,and hear you fall asleep,
you, could I lie down
shock

as

has

now

assailed

us,

can

move

you

"

"

288

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

I had

nightafter night,feelingthat
ence

to

me

on

serve

your blind depend

selfish interests ? knowing that

own

my

abused

only succeeded in my deceit because your affliction

made
deception? No, no ; I can
you incapableof suspecting
could be guiltyof
hardly believe that the basest of women
such baseness as that ; and I can
claim nothing more
for my
self than the credit of having been true to my
You
trust.
said yesterday,
love,in the Myrtle Room, that the one faith
ful friend to you in your blindness,
who
never
was
failed,
It is reward
enough and consolation enough for
your wife.
I had

that the worst

now

me,

is over, to know

that you

can

say

so

still."
"

get that there may

"

is

the worst

Yes, Rosamond,

be hard

love ?
To what
trials,
Perhaps,Rosamond, I overrate

rifice demands
of my

own

edge

that

looked

at

tell the Secret

we

trials do you

refer ?"

the

that
courage
it will be a hard
at least,

me

to make
feelings
strangers partakersin
we
now
possess."

Rosamond
need

but, to

her husband
to

for

not

must

we

trials stillto meet."

Hard

"

; but

over

sac

sacrifice

the knowl

"

in astonishment.

Why

?" she asked.

one

any

the

Assuming that we can satisfyourselves of the genuine

shall have no
he answered,
choice
of that letter,"
we
ness
not
but to tell it to strangers. You
can
forgetthe circum
under which Captain Trevunder which your father
stances
"

"

"

"

erton"
"

my father," said
he loved me, and how

Call him

ber how

"

Rosamond,
I loved

sadly.
him, and say

Remem
'

my

fa

ther 'still."
"

afraid I must

CaptainTreverton'

now," return
ed Leonard, or I shall hardly be able to explainsimply and
Cap
plainlywhat it is very necessary that you should know.
His
tain Treverton
died without leavinga will.
only proper
ty was the purchase-moneyof this house and estate ; and you
of kin
inherited it,
his next
as
am

say

"

"

"

started back

Rosamond
in

dismay.

"

in her chair and

Oh, Lenny," she

of you, since I found

this !"

much

so

bered
"

It is time to remember

tain Treverton's

it,my

daughter,you

"

simply,
that
letter,

said
the

claspedher

love.

have

no

I have

never

If you

are

rightto

one

hands

thought
remem

Cap
farthing

not

290

THE

discoveryof

the

on

DEAD

Sarah

SECRET.

Leeson

no

"

mother
learn to call her
; I must
your
shall not learn to pity and forgiveher."

Rosamond
word

nestled

closer

her

to

say, love,does

you

head

laying her

heart

You

the time comes, to meet

strengthenme,
and weary
ought ? Oh, how pale and worn
she stood by my
bedside,and looked at me
find her?
Will it be long before we
Is she

could

of the

pearance

than

nearer

he

we

Every

whispered,
help me and

I
as
my mother
she was
when

and

child !

my

far away

from

think?"

interruptedby a
was
surprisedby the ap
Betsey was flushed,excited,

answer,

Rosamond

door, and

the

-at

much

nearer,

Leonard

Before
knock

or

"

or

she

will

when

us, I wonder?

name,

side.

good,"
"

discoveryof

that

by

husband's

my
his shoulder.

on

the

on

maid-servant.

was

a
breath; but she contrived to deliver intelligibly
brief message
from Mr. Munder, the steward, requestingper

and

of

out

mission

to

business

of

"What
"

send
"

speak to Mr. Frankland,or

importance.

is it?

What

think,ma'am,

he

for the constable

Send

for

the

does he want?"

or

Munder

constable

than

worse

again,if
door

you

bold

as

says

asked
whether

not," answered

there thieves in the house

"Mr.

know

to

wants

Mrs.

to

he

Frankland,on
Rosamond.
he had

Betsey.
"

repeated Rosamond.
broad daylight?"

!"

in

know

don't

better

but

what

Are

it may

be

"

It's the foreigner

thieves,"repliedBetsey.
He
come
please,ma'am.
up and rung at the
as
brass,and asked if he could see Mrs. Frank-

land."
"

The

!"
foreigner

exclaimed

Rosamond,

layingher

eagerlyon her husband's arm.

Him
here
as
come
Yes, ma'am," said Betsey.
the house
over
along with the lady
started
Rosamond, with characteristic impulsiveness,
feet.
Let me
!" she began.
go down
Wait," interposedLeonard, catching her by the
"

"

hand

to

go

"

to her

"

"

"

There

is not

the least need

for you

to go

down

the

stairs.
"

hand.
Show

foreignerup here," he continued,addressinghimself

will take the manage
that we
Betsey, and tell Mr. Munder

to

"

ment

of this business

Rosamond
is

very

our

own

hands."

again by her husband's side. "This

she said,in a low, serious tone.
strange accident,"
sat

down

into

DEAD

THE

"

into

clew

something more
hands,at the

be

It must

our

291

SECRET.

than

chance

mere

when

moment

we

that puts the

least expected

to find it."

The

the second

opened for

door

time,and

there

appeared,

with rosy cheeks

a little old man,
modestly,on the threshold,
A small leather case
and long white hair.
was
slung by a
and
the
of
his
stem
of the
a pipe peeped out
side,
strap at

pocket of

breast

stopped,raised

room,
up in

to his

them,

succession
to

one

his coat.

advanced

step into the

one

both his hands,with his felthat

heart,and

Frankland,two
again,as an act of

Mrs. Frankland

crumpled
in quick
to her husband, and
separate and special

-fivefantastic bows

made

Mrs.

to

two

"

He

had
Rosamond
seen
a
more
homage to the lady. Never
in human
form of perfectinnocence
complete embodiment
than the foreignerwho
and perfectharmlessness
de
was
scribed in the housekeeper's
letter as an audacious vagabond,
and
dreaded
who
was
as
by Mr. Munder
something worse

than

thief!

"Madam
little nearer
for

don

good Sir," said

and
at

Mrs. Frankland's

intrudingmyself. My

I live in the

of

town

the

old man,
advancing a
"
I
invitation, ask your par
is

name

Joseph

I work

Truro, where

Buschmann.

in cabinets

and

I am
also,if you please,
shiningwoods.
scolded by the big
who
little foreign man
the same
was
All that I ask
the house.
to see
major-domo when I came
of your kindness is,that you will let me
say for my errand
here and for myself,and for another person who is very near
and
tea-caddies,

my

love

Madam

and

to

with my

"

other

one

good Sir,and

best wishes

and

consider,Mr.

"Pray
time,"said
which
you

need

my

oblige you
order

We
to

to

but

I will go
best thanks."

then

Buschmann,
"

Leonard.

beforehand, in

I will be

little word.

have

shorten

no

that

few

my

our

ways
time

engagement
your

prevent any

minutes,

visit.

again,

is your
whatever

I must

tell

embarrassment

on

side,that I have the misfortune to be blind. I can

promise you, however, my best attention as far as listening
seated ?"
Rosamond, is Mr. Buschmann
goes.
the door,and was
Mr. Buschmann
still standing near
was
again,and
expressingsympathy by bowing to Mr. Frankland
his heart.
over
crumpling his felt hat once more
And
"Pray come
nearer, and sit down," said Rosamond.
either

"

292

DEAD

THE

for

imagine

don't

steward's

SECKET.

that

moment

one

the least influence

has

on

opinion of

any

us,

that

or

the

feel it

we

at

all necessary
for you to apologizefor what
took place the
last time you came
We
have an interest
to this house.
a
"

she added, with her usual heartyfrank

great interest,"

very

"

in

ness,

hearing any thing that

of all others

the person

are

whom

have

you
we

are,

tell

to

justat

us.

You
"

this time

"

stopped,feelingher foot touched by her husband's,and

the action as a warning not to speak too
rightlyinterpreting
to the visitor before he had
explainedhis ob
unrestrainedly
jectin coming to the house.
pleased,and a little surprisedalso,
Looking very much
he heard
Rosamond's
last words, Uncle Joseph drew a
when
Mr. and Mrs. Frankland
table by which
chair near
to the
were
sitting,
crumpled his felt hat up smaller than ever, and
of his side pockets,
drew from the other a little
put it in one
placed them on his knees as he sat down,
packet of letters,
patted them gently with both hands,and entered on his ex
planationin these terms :
and good Sir,"he began, before I can
Madam
say com
fortablymy littleword, I must, with your leave,travel back
She

"

"

ward

to

with

my
"Your

the last time

when

to

came

this house

in company

niece."
niece!"

exclaimed

Rosamond

Leonard, both

and

speakingtogether.
Sarah,"said Uncle Joseph,"the only child of
niece,
sister Agatha. It is for the love of Sarah,if you please,

"My
my

that
and

am

blood

She

here

now.

that

is left to

is the

one

last morsel

in the world.

me

The

of my

rest,they

little Joseph,my
brother
all gone ! My wife,my
she married,the
sister Agatha and the husband

Max,
good

they are all,all gone !"

Englishman, Leeson
Leeson," said Rosamond, pressing her husband's
niece's name
is
Your
under the table.
significantly

noble

flesh
are

my

and

"

"

"

hand
Sarah

Leeson?"
"

One day," he
Joseph sighed and shook his head.
said, of all the days in the year the evilmost for Sarah, she
is dead
who
Of the man
she married
changed that name.
but this:
it is little or nothing that I know
Madam
now,
I think
for which
His name
was
Jazeph,and he used her ill,
Uncle Joseph,
him the First Scoundrel ! Yes," exclaimed
Uncle
"

"

"

THE

DEAD

293

SECRET.

approach to anger and bitterness which his

nature
was
capableof making, and with an idea that he was
in the language
using one of the strongest superlatives
to come
to life again at this very moment
Yes ! if he was
of time,I would
to his face
Englishman Jasay it of him
zeph,you are the First Scoundrel !"
Rosamond
pressedher husband's hand for the second time.
If their own
convictions had not already identified Mrs. Jazeph with Sarah Leeson,the old man's last words must have
them
that both names
had been
amply sufficed to assure
borne by the same
person.
I
shall
travel backward
to the time when
now
Well, then,
I was
Uncle
here with Sarah,my
Joseph.
niece,"resumed
"I must, if you please,
speak the truth in this business,
or,
I
I
that
I
backward
shall
where
want
to
now
am
be,
already
and
for
stick fast in my place,
the rest of my
get on no more
life. Sir and good Madam, will you have the great kindness
to forgive
not
and Sarah,my niece,if I confess that it was
me
the house that we
here and rang at the bell,
and
to see
came
much
and wasted
breath of the big
deal of trouble,
gave
major-domo'swith the scoldingthat we got. It was only to
do one
curious little thing that we
came
together to this
all about
of Sarah's,
secret
which
is
a
place or, no, it was
with

the nearest

"

"

"

"

"

still

as

and

darkest

black

nothing knew
to any body

dark

and

night

to

that

about

me

as

ever

it,except

the middle

was

in the

that

there

of the
world

was

blackest
and

"

harm

no

as

in it

determined
to
any thing,and that Sarah was
that I could not let her go by herself; as also for

go, and
the good
any
she

to

it

so

happened

room

me

had

she

the best

where

that I

she had

no, that

"

hidden

she

guage.
abouts

the

it,as

"There

muddlement

own

rightplace is,and how I

I am
is more
a living
sinner,
is

not

Rosamond,

anxietyto

lost in my

am

am

to

than

it before

no, no, that

"

Joseph,strikinghis
himself by an invocation
relieving

"

said

told

right of
the letter and to hide it again,seeingthat
its being found if longer in that room
she

the

was

she

Gott !" cried Uncle

and
spair,

into

take

afraid of

was

left it,which
Ach

that

reason

body

why,

or

forehead
in his

own

; and

"

"

in de
lan

where

get myself back

I know

!"

account,"
go back on our
all caution and self-restraint in her
forgetting

restore

the least need

the old man's

to

confidence

and

composure.

'294

THE

don't

"Pray
ready

to

try

DEAD

SECRET.

explanations.We

repeat your

know

al

"

"

We

will

suppose,"said Leonard,interposing
abruptlybe
fore his wife could add another word,
that we
know
already
in
desire
to
tell
relation
can
to
us
every thing you
your
"

niece's secret,and

to

motives

your

for

desiringto

the

see

house."

"You

will suppose
greatlyrelieved.

ing
Madam,
dlement

with

to

tops

thousand

Ah

in

can

Let

the

Sarah,my niece,are
now
'Suppose.' Good!
to

of

heart
not

to

done

the house
sole

and

Also,I

see.

that

we

go

on

myself too

; and

house

at

well again,as

little

as

make

we

what

also,good Madam,

my
tells me

her

On

my

way

frightenedfor Sarah,
your stairs here,and be
makes
me
heavy at my

am

sake,because
she

she has

into

came

matters, but I

same

con

will stop with

I shall make
her happy

settled

falls

on

I make
must

she

in

our

when

me

surprise

reason, and she

because
she is afaid of

that is the second

"

thing which

that

where

her home

my

lose my
I and Sarah,

is that Sarah

are

blow

it

these

comfort

soon

from

think,and

more.

for her

sorry

Truro, and

Judge, then,Sir,what
she will not

on

face that

my

once

Truro,I

I fret about

do.

to

now,

of the house

curious

one

mud-

own

confusion

over

out

am

of my

out

say it in this way :

that is the first 'Suppose.' I

"

at

look in her

in my

me

on

my
of the faint she fell into

because
cause

home

own

Joseph,look
Sir,and you, good

you,

all

am

go

us

house

Uncle

helpingme

Suppose.' I

and

back

! thank

times for

So !

more.

niece,are

my

"

; but

toes

my

self no

'

exclaimed

that!"

life together.
I hear

that

Judge

you,

mine.

be,when

I ask for

leave Uncle

must

Joseph,

being found out by you" He stop

it sadden
face,saw
ped,and lookinganxiouslyat Rosamond's
from him after he had spoken his last words.
and turn
away
Are you sorry, Madam, for Sarah,my niece ? do you pity
her ?" he asked,with a little hesitation and trembling in his
"

voice.
"

"

And

said Rosamond, warmly.

with my whole heart,"
with my whole heart,for that pityI thank you !" re

pityher

joinedUncle Joseph.
the courage
each other
she

came

to
on

to

see

Ah, Madam,

on, and

go

the

"

day
me

of

this

to

our

your

kindness

givesme
parted from

tell you that we

gettingback to Truro

time,it

was

years

and

When

years,

long

THE

DEAD

295

SECRET.

afraid that many

her stop with me

since we
had met.
I was
two
many,
would
more
pass again,and I tried to make
to the very last. But she had stillthe same

fear to drive her

away

and

lonelyand

very

the

"

fear of

being found

and

put

to

questionby you. So,with the tears in her eyes (and in

mine),and the grief at her heart (and at mine),she went
to hide herself in the empty
bignessof the great city,
away
London, which swallows up all people and all things that
has now
swallowed
into it,and which
pour
up Sarah,my
to
niece,with the rest.
'My child,
you will write sometimes
I will write oftUncle Joseph,'
I said,
and she answered
me,
(
since that time,and here,on my
en.' It is three weeks now
I shall ask your
knee,are four letters she has written to me.
leave to put them
down
open before you, because they will
help me to get on further yet with what I must say, and be
I see in your face,Madam, that you are indeed sorry
cause
for Sarah,my niece,
from your heart."
He untied the packet of letters,
opened them, kissed them
smooth
one
by one, and put them down in a row on the table,
with his hand, and taking great pains
ing them out carefully
them all in a perfectly
to arrange
straightline. A glance at
the

'

the firstof the little series showed

Rosamond

writingin

handwriting in

it

the

was

of the letter which

had

same

been

as

the

found

in the

that the hand

the

body

Myrtle Room.

read,"said Uncle Joseph. But if

Madam, I can tell you after
you will look through them first,
all the reason
for showing them that I have."
The old man
was
right. There was very little to read in
and they grew
the letters,
progressivelyshorter as they be
"

came

There

more

is

not

recent

much

"

to

in date.

All

four

were

written

in the for

correct
mal, conventionally
style of a person taking up the
and grammar,/
pen with a fear of making mistakes in spelling
and were
rela
equallydestitute of any personalparticulars
tive to the writer; all four anxiouslyentreated that Uncle
Joseph would not be uneasy, inquiredafter his health,and
expressed gratitudeand love for him as warmly as their
timid restraints of stylewould
permit; all four contained
these two
First,had Mrs.
questionsrelatingto Rosamond
Frankland
arrived yet at Porthgenna Tower?
Second, if
she had arrived,
what
had Uncle
Joseph heard about her?
all four gave
the
instructions for adsame
And, finally,
"

29G

THE

SECRET.

DEAD

"Please
direct to me,
S. J.,Post-office,
dressingan answer
Smith
followed
Street,London'
by the same
apology,
"Excuse
of accidents;for
my not givingmy address,in case
in London
I am
stillafraid of being followed and found
even
I send every morning for letters ; so I am
out.
to get
sure
'

"

"

"

answer."

your
"

I told

you,
raised her head

sorry for Sarah

why

got

old man, when

Rosamond
the letters, that I was
frightenedand
"

from

she

when

left

more

Now

me.

frightenedand

all the four letters that

with

said the

Madam,"

please,
I have

sorry yet, when

more

writes

she

see, if you

to

They begin here,

me.

the

left hand; and they grow

at my
first,
shorter,and
and shorter,
to my
as
shorter,
they get nearer
right,till the
last is but eight little lines. Again, see, if you please. The
writing of the first letter,here,at my left hand, is very fine
I

"

it is very
I write very

fine to me, because

badly myself; but

mean

cause

the second

letter
"

it shakes

I love

good in
it crooks
little,

it is not

it blots
little,

Sarah, and be

so

itself a little in the last lines. In the third it is worse

more

"

there is
crook.
In the fourth,where
shake, more
blot,more
least to do, there is stillmore
blot,stillmore
shake,still more
in all the other three

crook,than
remember

that she

was

put together. I

and

weak

left me, and I say to myself, She is

tell it,
for the writingbetraysher !'"
Rosamond

looked

down

and

worn

'

again at

this ; I
she
when

see

weary
she will

ill,
though

the

the

not

and followed
letters,
the handwriting,line

in
significant
changes for the worse
the old man
as
by line,
pointedthem out.
"I say to myself that,"he continued; "I wait,and think
heart whisper to me,
I hear my
Go you,
a little; and
own
Uncle Joseph,to London, and, while there is yet time,bring
and made
her back to be cured and comforted
happy in your
home !' After that I wait,and think a little again not
own
about leavingmy
business ; I would
leave it forever sooner
'

"

than Sarah
to

get her

the letters

should
to

hand

before

That

Frankland

that I shall

never

but about

can

what

am

to do

thought makes me look at

me
always the same
ques
I see it plainlyas my
own
back,
get Sarah, my niece,
about those questionsof

easy her mind

Mistress Frankland's
that she dreads
unless

make

"

the letters show

Mistress
me

to harm

back.

come

again;

tions about

come

as

if there

was

death to

298

DEAD

THE

and

and
shopman too),

my

SECRET.

shall then go to Sarah

the first

by

coach."
"

May

wish
"

to

She

at the

in

I ask for your niece's address

write to you ?"

address,Sir,but
great distance of London, the
gives me

the

no

London, in

case

we

post-office
; for

even

fear that she had

same

stillsticks to her.
But here is
way from this house
the place where I shall get my own
bed," continued the old
"It is the house
of a
man, producing a small shop card.
all the

countryman

good
"

man

of my
indeed."

of

fine baker

own,

buns,Sir,and

very

thought of any plan for findingout your niece's

address?"
inquiredRosamond, copying the direction on the
card while she spoke.
"Ah, yes for I am always quick at making my plans,"
I shall present myself to the master
said Uncle Joseph.
of the post, and to him I shall say just this and no
more
the man
who
writes the letters
Good -morning,Sir. I am
if you please; and all that I want
She is my niece,
to S. J.
is Where
does she live ?' There is something like
to know
He spread out both his hands in
Aha
!"
a plan,I think?
and looked at Mrs. Frankland
with a self-satis
terrogatively,
Have

you

"

"

"

"

fied smile.
"

said Rosamond, partlyamused, partlytouch

afraid,"
that the people at the post-office
are
by his simplicity,
I think you
to be trusted with the address.
at all likely
I

am

"

ed
not

would

do better to take

deliver it in the

to

the

country

; to

the

door,and then to follow the

niece (asshe tells you herself)
to

near

person who is sent by your

ask for letters for S. J."
"

You

think

that

that

his

convinced

ingeniousof
you
my
and

him
"

say to
heart."

me,
He

is better ?" said Uncle

idea

own
"

two.

Madam,

Good

is

took the

Joseph,secretly

the
unquestionably

was

The

command

most

least little word

that I follow

crumpled felt hat

when
to say farewell,

advanced

out

that

with

all

of his

pocket,
spoke to

Mr. Frankland

again.
If you
"

Leonard,
you

the

when

morning

wait

'
you, directed to S. J. ;'
letters are received from

letter with

find your
you will

will let

us

know

niece

said
well,and willingto travel,"

bring her
when

you

back
are

to Truro

both

at

at home

once

And

again?"

At

"

"

Joseph.

Uncle

Sir,"said

once,

299

SECRET.

DEAD

THE

To

both

these

ques

tions,I say, At once."

"If
"and

either that

but

been

passes,"continued

from

must

you, we
obstacle

unforeseen

some

return,

this time

nothing

hear

we

your

from

week

that your

or

fears

conclude, then,
in the

stands

of

way

have
your niece's account
able to
that she is not

on

well-founded,and

too

Leonard,

travel ?"

Yes, Sir ;

"

before
"

the

Oh,

"

mond.
"

so

week

is out."

do I !

most

touching

He

his heart.

will hear from

you

raised

hand

the

me

said Rosa

anxiously!"

?"
message
said Uncle
word of it,"

my

got it here,every

I have

hope

most
earnestly,

remember

You

But

let it be.

so

Joseph,

Rosamond

which

lips. I shall try to thank you better

For all your kindness to
when I have come
back,"he said.
and to my niece,God bless you both,and keep you happy,
me
till we
meet
again." With these words, he hastened to the
door,waved his hand gayly,with the old crumpled hat in it,
held

out

him

to

"

to his

"

and

old

Dear, simple,warm-hearted
the

as

out.

went

"

door

closed.

"I

wanted

man

!" said

tell him

to

Rosamond,

every

which

did you stop me ?"

which you
love,it is that very simplicity
cautious.
I admire, too, that makes
me

sound

of his voice

thing,

Lenny. Why
"

My

but the

I felt

I heard

more

that it would

warmly

as

him

talk the

be rash to trust

closingtoo abruptly to your

of winning her
chance
Our
with

her

dealing with

her

terview

That

fears.

tions in the
all that

done

only succeeds
"

But

if he

toward

him

for
him, at first,
that

confidence

At

and

you

I became

her secret.

obtainingan

depends,I can see, upon our

exaggerated suspicionsand

do ;

fear of his dis

know

we

the first

as

convinced

more

mother

admire,and

tact

own

her

in
in

nervous

good old man, with the best and kindest inten

world,might ruin every thing. He will have
we
can
hope for,and all that we can wish,if he
in bringing her back to Truro."
if she is really
if any thing happens ?
fails?
"

"

ill?"
"

time

Let

us

wait tillthe week

enough

then

to decide

is over,
what we

Rosamond.

It will be

shall do next."

300

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

CHAPTER
WAITING

THE

week

II.
HOPING.

AND

of

from Uncle
expectationpassed,and no tidings
Joseph reached Porthgenna Tower.
On
the eighth day Mr. Frankland
sent
to
a
messenger
Truro,with orders to find out the cabinet-maker's shop kept
by Mr.Buschinann,and to inquireof the person left in charge
there

he

whether

had

received

his master.

from

news

any

and brought word

returned in the afternoon,
messenger
had written one
that Mr. Buschmann
short note to his shop

The

his

since

man

departure,announcing that
in London
nightfall
; that he

safelytowrard
welcome
hospitable
and

would

no

had

arrived

met

with

from

seeing her by

be removed

that note,

had

his countryman, the German

baker;
discovered his niece's address,but had been

that he had

prevented from

he

at

his next

an

obstacle

visit.

further communication

which

Since the

had

been

he

hoped
deliveryof

received

from

nothing therefore was known of the period at wrhich

he might be expected to return.
thus obtained was
not
The one
of
fragment of intelligence
of spirits
which the doubt
to relieve the depression
a nature
and suspense of the past W7eek had produced in Mrs. Frankendeavored
the oppressionof
to combat
land.
Her husband
from which
mind
she was
suffering,
by reminding her that
silence of Uncle Joseph might be just as proba
the ominous
bly occasioned by his niece's unwillingnessas by her inability
with him to Truro.
to return
Remembering the obstacle at
which the old man's letter hinted,and taking also into con
sensitiveness and her unreasoning
sideration her excessive
he declared it to be quitepossiblethat Mrs. Franktimidity,
land's message, instead of re- assuring her, might only in
and might consequently
spireher with fresh apprehensions,
strengthenher resolution to keep herself out of reach of all
from Porthgenna Tower.
communications
listened patientlywhile this view of the case
Rosamond
was
placedbefore her,and acknowledged that the reasonablehim,

and

DEAD

THE

ness

of it was

beyond dispute;
be

301

SECRET.

but her readiness in

rightand

admitting

that she

might
might be wrong
was
accompanied by no change for the better in the condition
had
which, the old man
The interpretation
of her spirits.
in Mrs. Jazeph's
placed upon the alteration for the worse
handwritinghad produced a vivid impressionon her mind,
recollection of her
which had been strengthenedby her own
face when they met as strangers at West
mother's
pale,worn
Winston.
as
convincinglyas he might,
Reason, therefore,
that her husband

Mr.Frankland
the

unable

was

obstacle

that
si

and the
Joseph'sletter,
referable alike
were
since,

maintained

he had

his wife's conviction

in Uncle

mentioned

lence which

shake

to

to

the illness of his niece.

The

from Truro

of the messenger

return

besides
suggested,

another
questionof much greater im
topicof discussion,
day beyond the week
portance. After having waited one
the proper course
that had been appointed,
of action
what was
for Mr. and Mrs. Frankland
of
to adopt,in the absence
now

this

any

information

future

or

from

Truro

to

decide

their

proceedings?
first idea

Leonard's

Joseph,at
his visit

to

municated

to

aught they
to them

knew

given on

the

Uncle

the occasion

of

this

projectwas com
opposed it,on the ground that
to the letter could

answer

serious waste
to

immediatelyto

When

Rosamond, she
delay before the

involve

write

he had

PortbgennaTower.
to

rive would

was

the address which

the necessary
for

London

from

of

time,when

it

contrary, be of the last

risk the loss of

ar

might,

impor

singleday. If illness
it would be necessary
preventedMrs. Jazeph from traveling,
her at once, because
that illness might increase. If
to see
of their motives,it was
she were
only suspicious
equallyim
with her before
portant to open personalcommunications
she could find an opportunity
of raising
fresh obstacle,
some
and of concealing
herself again in some
placeof refugewhich
Uncle Joseph himself might not be able to trace.
The truth of these conclusions was
obvious,but Leonard
hesitated to adopt them, because they involved the necessity
of a journey to London.
If he went
there without his wife,
his blindness placedhim at the mercy of strangers and serv
tance

ants, in
most

not

to

of the
conductinginvestigations

private nature.

If Rosamond
O

most

delicate and

accompanied him,

it

302

iences

journey of

Rosamond
ness

idea of her

The

of subjectingthe
jection,
of a long journey,she met
Exeter

to

ance, and
fort and

when

husband

preposterous for consideration.

too

fiftymiles.

travelingany
dependent
any circumstances,in his helpless,
her
attend
she
dismissed
at
to
on
having
him,

state, without

travel

and

hundred

two

both these difficultieswith her usual direct

decision.

and

as

than

more

met

where, under
once

SECRET.

be necessary to risk all kinds of delays and inconven

by taking the child with them on a long and weari

would

some

DEAD

THE

at

their

child

they
plenty of room
they reached the

second

chances

time

own

and

fatigues
they should

own

convey

insure

by taking a
at

in their

plenty of com
carriageto themselves

afterward

railroad

ob

and

by proposingthat

should

that

the

to

The

After thus smooth

Exeter.

to set themselves
in
ing away the difficulties which seemed
oppositionto the journey,she again reverted to the absolute
necessityof undertaking it. She reminded Leonard of the
serious interest that they both had in immediatelyobtaining
Mrs. Jazeph'stestimonyto the genuinenessof the letter which

had

found

been

ing all

in the

Myrtle Room,

fraud
extraordinary

the details of the

practicedby
also her

Mrs. Treverton

and

which

husband.

her

in ascertain

been,

had

She

pleaded

in
anxiety to make all the atonement
inflicted,
pain she must have unconsciously

Winston,
she

and sorrows
failings
having thus stated

band

and herself to lose

with

Mrs.

most

was

motives

the

time in

no

the

on

person of all others

bound
to respect ;

which

urged her hus

communicating personally

Jazeph,she again drew the inevitable conclusion

in the positionin which they
no
was
alternative,
placed,but to start forthwith on the journey to

that there
were

on

as

natural

own

her power for the

in the bedroom
at West
whose

well

as

now

London.
A

little further

meet

it

by

ingly to
genna

Before

at

once,

the

amazed

and
traveling,
earlyhour the next
for

nature

satisfied Leonard
as

to

render

impossible. He

all

felt that

his

to

order

horses

morning.

at

the

own

accord
further

at

Porth-

pack the

trunks

servants
to

to

attempts

his wife's ; and he resolved

further indecision or
without

evening was over, the

by receivingdirections

the

that

agreed with

act

were

half-measures

convictions

delay.

of such

was

emergency

consideration

post-town

for

an

DEAD

THE

303

SECKET.

clayof the journey,the travelers started as

the carriagewas
soon
as
ready,rested on the road toward
On the sec
for the night at Liskeard.
noon, and remained
On the
ond day they arrived at Exeter,and sleptthere.
third day they reached London
by the railway,between six
o'clock in the evening.
and seven
When
comfortablysettled for the night at their
they were
hotel,and when an hour's rest and quiet had enabled them
little after the fatiguesof the journey,Rosa
to
recover
a
On

the first

mond

addressed

first was
him

of their

cluded

Mr.

Buschmann

and of their
arrival,

second

The
Nixon

the

"

note
same

written,at

formed

next

Andrew

Rosamond

own,

to

ask

The

simply informed

desire to

see

morning, and

until he had

seen

him
it

them

at

con

be

their presence in London

to his niece.
Mr.
addressed to the familysolicitor,
was
than

year since,
Mrs. Frankland's
request, the letter which in
of his brother's decease,and of
Treverton

gentleman who,

which

under

circumstances

that

direction.

it

earnest

as

fore he announced

the

to

husband's

her

the
early as possible
by cautioninghim to wait

the hotel

had

under

notes

two

wrote

the

of Mr.
on

that

Nixon, was
his way

to

captain had

wrote, in her husband's

now

call at their hotel

more

he

All

and

her

endeavor

to

name

would

business

died.

the next

morning,

of great

importance,
give his opinionon a
the
which
had
journey from
obliged them to undertake
to Uncle
This note, and the note
Porthgenna to London.
addresses by a messen
Joseph,were sent to their respective
written.
they were
ger on the evening when
the so
The firstvisitor who arrived t^ienext morning was
licitor a clear-headed,
fluent,politeold gentleman,who had
privatematter

to

"

Captain Treverton

known

and

his father

before

him.

He

fullyexpectingto be consulted on some

with the Porthgenna estate,which the
difficulties connected
and which
local agent was
might
perhaps unable to settle,
and
to be easilyex
intricate a nature
be of too confused
the emergency
he heard
what
pressed in writing. When
reallywas, and when the letter that had been found in the
was
placed in his hands, it is not too much to
Myrtle Room
of a long life and a
say that,for the first time in the course
of clients,
all sorts and conditions
varied practiceamong
sheer astonishment
utterlyparalyzedMr. Nixon's faculties,
came

to

the hotel

304

THE

and

bereft him

for

DEAD

SECRET.

of the power

moments

some

of

utteringa

singleword.
When, however, Mr. Frankland

proceeded from making the

disclosure to announcing his resolution to give up the pur
chase-money of Porthgenna Tower, if the genuinenessof the
the old law
letter could be proved to his own
satisfaction,
the use
of his tongue immediately,and pro
yer recovered
tested againsthis client's intention with the sincere warmth
the advantage of being
of a man
who thoroughlyunderstood
rich,and
of

knew

who

fortythousand
Leonard

what

it

to

was

gain and

to lose

fortune

pounds.

listened with

patientattention

while

Mr.

Nixon

point of view againstregarding

argued from his professional
the letter,
taken by itself,
as
a genuine document, and against
acceptingMrs. Jazeph'sevidence,taken with it,as decisive
the subjectof Mrs. Frank! and's real parentage. He ex
on
patiated on the improbabilityof Mrs. Treverton's alleged
fraud upon her husband
having been committed without oth
er
persons besides her maid and herself being in the secret.
with all received experi
He declared it to be in accordance
ence

of human

sons

must

from

want

the truth

that

one

have

the

of

spoken of
caution,and

that the

nature

must, in the

or

secret

of

course

so

of those

more

either from

other per
malice or

consequent exposure of
long a periodas twenty-

the
knowledge of some
among
of England, as well as in London,
familypersonallyor by reputation.
this objectionhe passed to another, which
admitted
From
the possible
genuinenessof the letter as a written document ;
but which
pleaded the probabilityof its having been pro
to
years, have come
people in the West
many
the Treverton
who knew
two

duced

under

Treverton's
in

the

the influence

part, which

of

some

her maid

mental

delusion

might have

had

an

Mrs.

on

interest

the

time,though she might have hesitated,

after her mistress's death, at risking the possibleconse
of attempting to profitby the imposture. Having
quences
stated this theory,as one which not only explainedthe writ
but the hiding of it also,Mr. Nixon
further
ing of the letter,
observed,in reference to Mrs. Jazeph,that any evidence she
might give was of littleor no value in a legalpointof view,
from the difficultyor, he might say, the impossibilityof
humoring

at

"

"

the
satisfactorily
identifying

infant mentioned

in the

letter

306

THE

the viva

DEAD

SECRET.

evidence

(againstthe
you propose to extract
of which, in this case, I again protest),
writ
a
admissibility
voce

which
leave behind
declaration,
you may
you at your
death,and which may justifyyou in the eyes of your chil
should arise
dren,in case the necessityfor such justification
future period."
at some
This advice was
too
plainlyvaluable to be neglected. At
ten

Leonard's

request, Mr. Nixon

drew

out

at

once

form

of

declaration,
affirmingthe genuinenessof the letter addressed
by the late Mrs. Treverton on her death-bed to her husband,
since also deceased, and bearing witness to the truth of the
therein contained, both
statements
as
regarded the fraud
practicedon Captain Treverton and the asserted parentage
of the child.
that he wrould do well
TellingMr. Frankland
attested
Mrs. Jazeph'ssignatureto this document
to have
of two
Mr. Nixon
handed
by the names
competent witnesses,
the declaration

and, findingthat
and

that he

Rosamond

to

no

could

to

read

objectionwas

be of

rose
stage of the proceedings,
with
gaged to communicate

made

to

her

husband,
any part of it,

to

in the present early

Leonard
to take his leave.
en

further

no

aloud

use

him

of the
again in the course
his protest to
reiterating
retired,

day, if necessary; and he

with such an
the last,
met
and declaringthat he had never
extraordinarycase and such a self-willed client before in the
of his practice.
whole course
Nearly an hour elapsedafter the departureof the lawyer
At the expira
visitor was
announced.
before any second
sound of footstepswas
heard
tion of that time,the welcome
approaching the door,and Uncle Joseph entered the room.
stimulated
Rosamond's
by anxiety,detected
observation,
he appeared.
the moment
a
change in his look and manner
and his gait,as he ad
harassed and fatigued,
His face was
had lost the briskness and activity
into the room,
vanced
it when
she saw
which so quaintlydistinguished
him, for the
He
tried to add to his
first time, at Porthgenna Tower.
first words of greetingan apology for being late;but Rosa
mond
interruptedhim, in her eagerness to ask the first im
portant question.
discovered
her address,"she
that you have
know
We
Is she as you
"but wre know
nothing more.
said,anxiously,
"

feared

to

find her ?

Is she ill?"

DEAD

THE

old

The
her

shook

man

that

Madam,

his head

not

sadly.

did

said,"what

letter,"he

"

I tell

the message

even

307

SECRET.

her any good."

struck
few simple words

When

you?

your

I showed

is

She

kindness

you

ill,

so

to

gave

will do

me

Those

strange fear,which

silenced her

Rosamond's

againsther

heart
own

with

will when

the anx
speak again. Uncle Joseph understood
ious look she fixed on
him, and the quick sign she made to
which she and
to the sofa on
ward the chair standingnearest
her husband
were
sitting.There he took his place,and there
she tried to

he confided
He

to them

all that he had

tell.

to

followed,he said,the advice which

had

Rosamond

had

Porthgenna,by taking a letter addressed to

the morning after his arrival in Lon
S. J." to the post-office
had called to inquire,
The messenger
don.
a maid-servant
with his let
and had left the post-office
as
was
anticipated,
He had followed her to a lodging-housein
ter in her hand.
her let herself in at the door,and had
a street
near, had seen
then knocked
and inquiredfor Mrs. Jazcph. The door was
answered
who looked like the landlady;
by an old woman,
that no one
He
of that name
lived there.
and the replywas
him

given to

at

"

"

"

had

explainedthat

then

letters

whom
dressed

were

sent

he
to

"S.

J.;"but the
that they had

to

wished

to

see

person

for

ad
neighboringpost-office,
old woman
had answered,in the
nothing to do with anonymous
the

surliest way,
people or their friends in that house, and had

closed the door

the
gone back to his friend,
German
to
baker, to get advice ; and had been recommended
little time to elapse,
to ask if Jie
return, after allowingsome
who waited on the lodgers,
to describe
could see the servant

Upon

in his face.

this he

the

had

his niece's appearance, and to put half

what
hand to help her to understand

crown

he

wanted.

and had discovered

directions,
lyingillin the house,under the assumed
these

followed
was

James."

crown) had
come,

and

her

was

by

had

that his niece

of

name

"

Mrs.

he

that there
was

were

conducted

no

more

obstacles to be

immediatelyto

the

over
occu

room

his niece.

pied by
He

girl's

He

little persuasion
(afterthe present of the halfhis
induced the girlto go up stairs and announce

After

name.

into the

shocked
inexpressibly

the violent

nervous

and

startled when

agitationwhich

she

he

saw

manifested

308

as

THE

approached her
hope until he had

he

and

and

found

bedside.

SECRET.

But

communicated

all of which

he

was

that

he

did

not

lose heart

Mrs. Frankland's

mes

altogetherin producing
her spirits
he had
trusted
the re-assuring
which
effect on
it
and believed that it would
Instead of soothing,
exercise.
alarm
her afresh.
seemed
to excite and
Among a host of
minute
looks, about her
inquiriesabout Mrs. Frankland's
toward
manner
him, about the exact words she had spoken,
sage,

had

DEAD

it failed

able to

answer

more

or

less to her

satis

she had addressed

two
faction,
questionsto him, to which he
was
utterlyunable to reply. The first of the questionswas,
Whether
Mrs. Frankland
had said anything about the Secret?
she had spoken any chance
The second was, Whether
word
that she had found out the situation
to lead to the suspicion
of the Myrtle Room
?
The doctor in attendance
had come
in,the old man
added,
while he was
stillsitting
by his niece's bedside,and stilltry
and re
to induce -her to accept the friendly
ing ineffectually
After mak
assuringlanguage of Mrs. Frankland's message.
ing some
inquiriesand talkinga little while on indifferent
matters, the doctor had privatelytaken him aside ; had in
the regionof the heart and the
formed him that the pain over
of which
in breathing,
the symptoms
which
were
difficulty
than
serious in their nature
his niece complained,were
more
in medical matters
might be disposed
persons uninstructed
more
to think; and had begged him to give her no
messages
that
beforehand
from any one, unless he felt perfectlysure
they would have the effect of clearingher mind, at once and

forever,from
anxieties which

the

secret

anxieties

that

now

harassed

it

"

aggravatingher
might rest assured were
malady day by day, and renderingall the medical helpthat
could be given of little or no avail.
Upon this,after sittinglonger with his niece,and after
he had resolved to write pri
holding counsel with himself,
that evening,after getting back
vately to Mrs. Frankland
The letter had taken him longer to
to his friend's house.
than any one
to writingwould
accustomed
believe.
compose
At last,after delays in making a fair copy from many
rough
drafts,and delays in leaving his task to attend to his niece,
had happened
he had completed a letter narrating what
he hoped
since his arrival in London, in language which
he

DEAD

THE

nothing more
lips except

It contained
his

own

diminished

not

just been relating

communicated, as a
fear which

the

had

tor

given

to

of her name, and of her choice of an

to
strangers,when she had friends in London

concealment

of her

abode

that it also

the road.

on

mind, the explanationshe

his niece's

mented
him

had

had

he

than

"

distance

proofthat

Mrs.Frankland

crossed Mr. and

have

letter must

with

Judging by comparison of dates,this

be understood.

might

309

SECRET.

among
she might have

explanationit was per

for
haps needless to have lengthenedthe letter by repeating,
it only involved his saying over
again,in substance,what he
had alreadysaid in speakingof the motive which had forced
whom

Sarah

part from

to

the old

her

cover

touched

to

came

man

at Truro.

him

such

last words

With

That

gone.

as
an

After

end.

and to
self-possession
husband

her

whispered to
"I

may
genna ?"

him

to

draw

waiting a little to re
steady her voice,Rosamond
his attention

to

"All," he answered.
mond, it is fittestthat

that

I wished

say

"If

you

he should

it from

effect of the disclosure of the Secret

on

ited the

can

strikingcontrast

effect of it on
old man's

The

one

Mr. Nixon.

not
face,

emotion

word

No

that

your

Porth-

was

lips."
over, the

Joseph exhib
imagined to the

Uncle
be

of doubt

shadow

at

Rosa
yourself,

trust

can

hear

to

After the firstnatural burst of astonishment

most

and
herself,

"

all,now,

say

simplestory of

sad and

those,the

darkened

the

objection
dropped from his lips.
him was
un
simple,unreflecting,

of

excited in

alloyeddelight. He sprang to his feet with all his natural

his eyes sparkledagainwith all their natural bright
activity,
like a child;the
he clapped his hands
moment
one
ness;
he caught up his hat, and entreated Rosamond
to let
next
him

lead her

at

once

only tell Sarah what

the room
rying across

to

you

his niece's bedside.

have

just told me,"

"If you wrill

hur
he cried,

"
open the door, you will give her
back her courage, you will raise her up from her bed,you will
her before the day is out !"
cure

to

warning word from

sudden, and brought him
A

chair that he had

"

Think

left the

littleof what

Mr. Frankland

back, silent
moment

the doctor
02

stopped him on a
and
to the
attentive,

before.
told

yon,"said

Leonard.

310
"

SECRET.

DEAD

THE

surprisewhich

made

has

happy might
take the responsi
do fatal mischief to your niece. Before we
to agitate
of speakingto her on a subjectwhich is sure
bility
be in introducingit,
careful we
her violently,
however
may
I think,for safety's
we
sake,to apply to the doc
ought first,
The

sudden

so

you

for advice."

tor

her

suggestion,
and, with her characteristic impatience of delay,proposed
the medical
find out
that they should
man
immediately.
it seemed
Uncle Joseph announced
a little unwillingly,
as
that he knew
the place of the
in answer
to her inquiries,
and that he was
doctor's residence,
generallyto be found at
It was
before one
o'clock in the afternoon.
then just
home
twelve; and Rosamond, with her husband's approv
half-past
seconded

warmly

Rosamond

husband's

"

"

the bell at

al,rang
She

about

was

to

send

leave

the

once

to

for

cab.

to

room

after

giving the necessary order,when

her by asking,with some
appearance
if
it
considered
was
fusion,
necessary

put

her

on

the old

man

of hesitation
that

bonnet,
stopped

he

and

con

should

go to
the doctor with Mr. and Mrs. Frankland
; adding,before the
if
questioncould be answered,that he would greatlyprefer,
there

was

objectionto

no

the hotel to receive

at

give
with

ing
why

their

on

any

he

to

not," said
looks

Sarah,he

and

the

old

talks

away

Mr. and
found

grave

Mrs. Frankland
him

at home.

face,and

and
suffering
saddened

his

"

man.

as

if he

uneasilyto

sired to say no more.

The residence of the doctor

and

at the

she asked

hotel

going

to

When

he

speaks

thought

she

would

get up from her bed again." Answering in those brief

words, he walked

and

himself

for mak

the doctor.

I like him

never

but

immediately complied

into his reasons

inquiring
was
curiosity
aroused,and

preferredremainingby

them

about

their parts,being left to wait

instructions they might wish to
on

Leonard

return.

his request,without
it ; but Rosamond's

with
"

him

it

had

his character.

herself to

patientat

at

was

window,
some

He

was

young

man,

if he

as

little

arrived there before

subdued
quiet,

sorrow

the

distance,

one

with

o'clock,
a

Daily contact
perhaps prematurely steadied
manner.

Merely introducingher

de

mild,
with
and

husband

him, as persons who were

deeply interested in
the lodging-house,
Rosamond
left it to Leonard

ask

to

questionsrelatingto

first

the

311

SECRET.

DEAD

THE

the

condition

of her

health.

mother's

ominously prefaced by a few

evidentlyintended to prepare his
politewords,which were
come
hearers for a less hopefulreport than they might have
there expectingto receive.
Carefullydivestingthe subject
he told them
that his patient
of all professional
technicalities,
was
undoubtedly affected with serious disease of the heart.
of this disease he candidlyacknowledged
The
nature
exact
various medical men
of doubt,which
to be a matter
might
he
which
the
in
various ways.
decide
According to
opinion
The

had

doctor's

was

answer

himself formed

from

the

symptoms,

he believed

that the

with the artery which

connected
con
malady was
patient's
from the heart through the system. Hav
veys blood directly
questionsre
ing found her singularlyunwillingto answer
he
could
only guess that
latingto the nature of her past life,
of long standing; that it was
the disease was
originally
pro
mental
followed
duced
some
shock,
by long-wear
by
great
which
face
showed
her
palpabletraces)
; and
ing anxiety (of
that it had been seriously
aggravated by the fatigueof a
journey to London, which she acknowledged she had under
taken

at

time

when

great

exhaustion

nervous

rendered

her

Speaking accordingto this view of

his painfulduty to tell her friends that any
the case, it was
violent emotion would
unquestionablyput her life in danger.
At the same
time,if the mental uneasiness from which she
was
now
sufferingcould be removed, and if she could be
people
placed in a quiet,comfortable country home, among
her
be unremittinglycareful in keeping
would
com
who
for nothing,there was
posed,and in sufferingher to want
of the disease might be
to hope that the progress
reason
and that her life might be spared for some
arrested,
years to
totallyunfit

to

travel.

come.

Rosamond's
which
in the

her

heart

fancy drew

doctor's

bounded
from

last words.

at

the
"

the

pictureof

the

future

suggestionsthat lay hidden

She

can

command

every

ad

is required!"
mentioned,and more, if more
could speak again.
before her husband
she interposed
eagerly,
"Oh, Sir,if rest among kind friends is all that her poor weary
heart wants, thank God we
can
give it !"
We
can
give it,"said Leonard, continuingthe sentence

vantage you have

"

312

DEAD

THE

"

wife,

for his

munication

if the doctor

to his

SECRET.

will sanction
is of

which
patient,

making

our

nature

to

com

relieve her

anxiety,but which, it is necessary to add, she is at

present quiteunprepared to receive."
May I ask," said the doctor, who is to be intrusted
with the responsibility
of making the communication
you
of all

"

"

mention
"

?"

There

are

two

Leonard.

answered

could

who

persons
"
One

is the

bedside.
your patient's
that case,"rejoinedthe

"In

old

The

by

seen

be intrusted
whom

man

is my

other

with

it,"

you have
wife."

doctor,lookingat Rosamond,
be no doubt that this lady is the fittest person to
there can
the duty." He
undertake
paused,and reflected for a mo
ment
May I inquire,
however, before I vent
; then added
ure
on
guiding your decision one way or the other,whether
the lady is as familiarly
and is on
the
to my
known
patient,
"

"

"

intimate

same
"

afraid I

am

with

terms
must
"

repliedLeonard.
same
time,that

her,as
No

answer

fear,cause
little alarm

as

both

to

?"

man

those

And

ought,perhaps,to tell
patientbelieves my wife to

your
Her
first appearance
great surpriseto the

Cornwall.

the old

in the

questions,"
you,

be

the

now

in

would, I

sick-room

and
sufferer,

at

possiblysome

well."

circumstances,"said the doctor,"the risk

to be infinitely
of trusting
the old man, simple as he is,seems
that his pres
for the plainreason
the least risk of the two
he may
her no surprise.However
cause
ence
can
unskillfully
this
break the news, he will have the great advantage over
If the
lady of not appearing unexpectedly at the bedside.
that it
and I assume
be tried
hazardous
experiment must
must, from what you have said
you have no choice,I think,
but to trust it,
to the
with proper cautions and instructions,
"Under

those

"

"

"

old

to carry

man

After
said
mond

on

arrivingat

and

her husband
at

there
conclusion,

that

either side.

his instructions
As

out."

The

interview

hastened

back

was

no

more

terminated, and
to

give Uncle

to be

Rosa

Joseph

the hotel.

they approached the door of their sitting-room

they
were
surprisedby hearing the sound of music inside. On
crouched
a
entering,they found the old man
stool,
upon
box
littlemusical
which
to
was
listening a shabby
placed on

314

DEAD

THE

her

intentlyon
and

face,and detected

in it which

doubt

SECRET.

an

expressionof anxiety

rightlyinterpretedas referringto

he

himself.

"May I make
get nothing ?"
invent,it is
member, and

I go

sure, before

you

"

he

asked, very earnestly.

the

something in me
it is for
when
especially

more

now, and hear if I

have said to me ?"

please,listen

If you

I have

I have

; but

true

I shall for

that

away,

head

no

that

can

Sarah's

re

sake.

say to you

can

to

over

again all that you

Standing before Rosamond, with something in his look and
manner
strangelyand touchinglysuggestiveof the long-past
days of his childhood,and of the time when he had said his
earliest lessons at his mother's
knee, he now
repeated,from
the instructions that had been given to him, with
first to last,
an
a verbal exactness, with
which,
easy readiness of memory,
of his age, was
less
than
in a man
ast'onishing.
nothing
I kept it all as I should ?" he asked, simply,when
he
Have
"

had

to

come

take my
It was

good

I go my
may
to Sarah's bedside ?"

news

still necessary

her husband

consulted

of

followingup

by

the announcement

After
duce

"And

end.

an

some

the

the

to

write

form

of

paper,
and
declaration,

that

it

required her, in

that

was

and

not

been

folded

catch

the

on

it,in

these

in London.
his wife

words

to compose

to

pro

that
out
lawyer had drawn
few lines,
from his dictation,
the
on
requestingMrs. Jazeph to read the
if she felt
to affix her signatureto it,
to affirm nothing
every particular,
truth.

When

tliis had

Mrs. Frankland

that it

might

be

been

had
the

done,

written
first page

had
to

should

be

he

to

was

have
broken
the
you
"
niece,"he said, and when

"When

news

about

the

you have allowed

if she asks questionsabout
herself,

hand
that
myself (asI believe she will),
and beg her to read it. Whether
answer,
sign it or not, she is sure to inquirehow

and

discovered

was

directed that the paper

eye, Leonard
and explainedto him what
to the old man,

do with

means

the

which

outward, so

and

safest

the

given

your
time

exact

the leaf

when

own

presence
Leonard
asked
consideration,

side of the

blank

the best and

that the Secret

of their

which

Rosamond

him, while

togetheron

avowal

document

morning, and

detain

to

and

now,

ways

paper
she is
you

Secret

to

her full
wife
my
to her for

willingto
came
by it.

THE

DEAD

315

SECKET.
0

that you have received

using the word 'received,'so that

Tell her in return

it from Mrs. Frank-

land

she may

"

it

first that

to

sent

was

from

you

believe at,

Porthgennaby

post.

If

and that she is not

signsthe declaration,
much
agitated after doing so, then tell her in the same
gradual way in which you tell the truth about the discovery
of the Secret,
that my wife gave the paper to you with her
in London
own
hands,and that she is now
Waiting and longing to see her," added Rosamond.
"You, who forgetnothing,will net, I am sure, forgetto say

she

find that

you

"

"

"

that."
littlecomplimentto his powers of memory
if he was
as
a boy
Joseph color with pleasure,
The

isingto
gaging

worthy

prove
to

relieve

and

Mrs.

Frankland

out, he took his

suspense before the day was
his momentous
forth hopefully
errand.
on
watched

Rosamond
in and

way

out

ment, until he

of

down

on

whole

being of

the

glory of

the

afternoon

there

were

Toward
nurse,

After
to

the

for the
nurse

wore

her

in the

street

STOEY

summer

all its

III.
OF

THE

and

the

PAST.

eveningcame,

and

still

Joseph'sreturn.

o'clock,Rosamond

seven

reportedthat the child

soothingand quietinghim, she
with
having first,
sitting-room,
who

was
was

summoned
awake

took him
her usual

and
back

by

the

fretful.
with her

consideration

comfort
down

of any servant
whom
she employed, sent the
with a leisure hour at her own
stairs,
disposal,

after the duties of the

you,

the pave

bustle in the

great city basked

away
of
Uncle
signs

no

on

; all its

THE

went

nimbly the lightlittle

gayly the unclouded

How

CHAPTER

THE

passengers

cheerful

the

leave,and

all

window, threading his

How

sight!

of

mighty pulsesbeat high,and

whisperedof hope !

day

myriad voices

the

throng of

lost to view.
out

figuresped away
sunlightpoured
The

the

among
was

from

him

Uncle

again. Prom
reposed in him, and en

of the trust

back

come

made

Lenny, at
husband

"

"

I don't like to be away

from
day.
this anxious time,"she said,when she rejoined
I have brought the child in here.
He
is
so

316

DEAD

THE

likelyto

not

take

be

of is

care

troublesome

SECKET.

again,and

relief to

reallya

me

in

the

having him

to

state

of

present

our

suspense."
The

The

seven.

and

more

their way
ers

were

mantel-piecechimed the half-hour past

in the street were
followingone another
carriages
more
rapidly,filled with people in full dress,on

clock

on

the

their way
shoutingproclamationsof

dinner,or

to

to the
news

opera.
in the

editions of the

The

hawk

neighboring

evening papers under

their arms.
People who had been servingbehind the coun
ter all day were
standing at the shop door to get a breath
of fresh air. Working men
were
troopinghomeward, now
Idlers,
singly,now
together,in wreary, shambling gangs.
after dinner,were
out
who had come
lightingcigarsat cor
of streets,and lookingabout them, uncertain which way
ners
It was
just that transi
they should turn their steps next.
tional period of the evening at which
the street-life of the
day is almost over, and the street-life of the night has not
just the time,also,at which Rosamond, after
quitebegun
vainlytrying to find relief from the weariness of waitingby
and more
looking out of wrindow,was becoming more
deep
anxious thoughts when
her atten
ly absorbed in her own
tion was
abruptlyrecalled to events in the littleworld about
her by the opening of the room
door.
She looked up im
mediately from the child lying asleep on her lap,and saw
that Uncle Joseph had returned
at last.
in silently,
The old man
with the form of declaration
came
he had taken away
which
with him, by Mr. Frankland's
de
As he approached nearer
to the win
sire,
open in his hand.
noticed that his face looked
if it had
as
dow, Rosamond
strangelyolder during the few hours of his absence.
gro\vn
He
close up to her,and still not saying a word, laid
came
his trembling forefinger
the open
low down
on
paper, and
held it before her so that she could look at the placethus in
dicated without risingfrom her chair.
His silence and the change in his face struck her with a
sudden
dread which
made
her hesitate before she spoke to
"Have
him.
you told her all?" she asked,after a moment's
delay,puttingthe questionin low,whisperingtones, and not
heeding the paper.
"This
that I have," he said,still pointingto the
answers
square,

the second

on

with

"

"

THE

"

declaration.
that

DEAD

See ! here

317

SECRET.

is the

signed in

name,
her own

left for it

the

place

hand."

signedby
Rosamond
the
glanced at the paper. There indeed was
it were
signature, S. Jazeph ;" and underneath
added, in
traced lines of parenthesis,
these explanatorywords
faintly
Formerly, Sarah Leeson."
"Why don't you speak?"exclaimed Rosamond, lookingat
him
in growing alarm.
"Why don't you tell us how she
was

"

"

"

"

bore it?"
"

Ah

! don't

ing back

from

it

arm.

his

on

taught

to

with

truth

got

me

my
the end

to

ask me, don't ask me

!" he answered, shrink
her hand, as she tried in her eagerness to lay
"I

I said the

forgotnothing.

say them

I went

words

as

the roundabout

you
the

to

way
face
took
but
the
short
cut, and
tongue ;
my
first. Pray, of your goodness to me, ask noth
"

if you please,
with knowing that
satisfied,
The bad is over
she is better and quieterand happiernow.
If I tell you how she
and past, and the good is all to come.
looked,if I tell you what she said,if I tell you all that hap
pened when first she knew the truth,the frightwill catch me
round the heart again,and all the sobbing and crying that I

ing about

it !

Be

swallowed

have

will rise

down

once

and

more

choke

me.

shall I
how
or
my head clear and my eyes dry
say to you all the things that I have promised Sarah, as I
before I lay myself down
soul and hers,to tell,
love my own

keep

must

to

rest

ton

"

?"
to-night

He

stopped,took

with
pocket-handkerchief,

out

little cot

coarse

white
flaring

pattern

ground, and dried a few tears that had risen

speaking. My life has had so much
eyes while he was
looking at
piness in it,"he said,self-reproachfully,
dull blue

in his

"

mond, "that my courage, when it is wanted

trouble,is not easy to find. And
yet, I
nation

my

are

! why
philosophers
"

hap
Rosa

for the time

am

German

is it that I alone

am

on

of

! all
as

soft

brains,and as weak in my heart,as the pretty little

baby there,that is lyingasleepin your lap?"
in my
"

more
our

speak again; don't tell us

composed," said Rosamond.

Don't

worst

suspense
and
better.
quieter

that

now

I will ask
"

we
no

any
"We

know
more

thing till you

are

you

relieved

I will only ask one."

She
pause,
toward Leonard.
and her eyes wandered
inquiringly
she

added, after

from

left her

have

questions
;

feel

least,"
stopped;

at

He

had

318

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

listeningwith silent interest to all that had

interposedgently,and advised his "wife
passed; but he now
little before she ventured
to wait
a
on
saying any thing

hitherto

been

more.

"It

is such
"

mond.
message
to

only

wanted

hear

to

Yes, yes,"said

the

old

me

she

whether

that I

she knows

whether

"

questionto answer," pleaded Rosa

easy

her, if she will but let

see
"

an

has

got my

waiting and

am

longing

?"

come

with
nodding to Rosamond
That questionis easy ; easier even
than
air of relief.
an
straightto the beginning of all
you think,for it brings me
that I have got to say."
man,

"

had

He

hitherto

been

down
sitting

about
walking restlessly
and

the

He

the next.

gettingup
midway between Rosamond
-and
child,near the window

moment,

one

room

chair for himself

now

who
placed
with the
her hus
was
sitting,
band, who occupied the sofa at the lower end of the room.
In this position,
which
enabled him to address
himself alter
he soon
without difficulty,
nately to Mr. and Mrs. Frankland
recovered composure
enough to open his heart unreservedly
to the interest of his subject.
When
and past,"he said,addressing
the worst
was
over
I could speak,
Rosamond
she could listen and when
when
a

"

"

"

"

"

of comfort

the first words

of your

fearingeyes.
'

Did

Straightshe

message.
'

Was

binds

answer

to

shall go

my

here

to

that, No
ways

for the

look

no, not

count

"

one,

crumple up

"

see

again;
the

there flies

that
'

out

And

said,

once

more

from

away

my

While

two, it is gone

is outside

I shall go

all her face

over

sun-flash.

count

can

it is turned

hand

the sheet.

nothinglike it.' And

them
no
misery? lias
love and all the happi

"

between

like
light,

it lasts ; before

face is all dark

low, and

look

And

ever

no

words

speak those

change

See now
! I
misery,no wrench.
fetch her
to the good wife,and
once
with her own
good husband
tongue.'

at

words

at

of all the
away
to the other?'
the one

'

While

the

were

me, with doubting,

there to hear her?' she says.

sorrow

anger, no
it made

them

answer

her

? did he look sorry ? did he

from her ?'
got that message

when
little,
you
'No; no change,no
she said again: 'Has
it nothing wrenched
so

that

looked

her husband

he look angry

ness

I said to

that

the

ways,

me

bed

on

can

; the

the

pil
begin to

then, and fetch

THE

the

I
good wife,'
not

must

there

her,I dare

see

not

'

she says,
her

see

the hand

stops, and

she

And

again.

say

319

SECRET.

DEAD

No,

till she

knows
the

crumples up

not

yet.
"

sheet

;'and
again,

I say to her, 'Knows

what?' and she an
softly,
softly,
What
swers
I,her mother, can not tell her to her face,
me,
And
I say, So, so, my child ! tell it not, then
for shame.'
tell it not at all.' She shakes her head at me, and wrings
'I must
her two
hands together,
like this,on the bed-cover.
I must
rid my
heart of all that has been
she says.
tell it,'
gnawing, gnawing, gnawing at it,or how shall I feel the
blessingthat the seeing her will bring to me, if my con
Then
she stops a little,
and lifts up
science is only clear?'
her two
hands, so, and cries out loud, Oh, will God's mercy
of telling
it that will spare me
before my
show
me
no
way
I say, Hush, then ! there is a way.
Tell it to
child !' And
and

'

'

"

'

'

'

Uncle

is the

Joseph,who

father to you ! Tell it to

died in your arms;
whose tears

same

as

Joseph,whose littleson
hand wiped away, in the grieftime long ago.
Tell it,
your
and the shame
(if
my child,to me ; and ./shall take the risk,
there is shame),of telling
it again. I,with nothing to speak
white hair; I,with nothing to help me
for me
but my
but
I shall go to that good and
harm
no
my heart that means
with the burden of her mother's griefto lay be
true woman,
fore her; and, in my
soul of souls I believe it,she will not
Uncle

"

turn

!'"

away

down

the bosom

on

one,

to

ment

he fixed
prove

tears

to you

her.

and

"Oh,

that your

head

she

dress.

Waiting a

spoke, she held

out

met
firmlyand gratefully

go

on, go

generous

bent

was

dropping slowly,one

were

collect herself before

on

Her

of his little white

to the old man,

hand

at Rosamond.

paused,and looked
her child;her
over

He

on!"

she

said.
in

confidence

me

by
mo

her

the look
"Let

is not

me

mis

placed."
"

I knew

for

was

!" said Uncle

now

to

it

her,she knew
a

not, from

the

Joseph.

"And

it too.

little; she leaned

She
over

as
first,
surelyas

was

from

Sarah, when
silent for
the

I know

I had

spoken

little; she cried

pillowand

kissed

then
cheek,as I sat by the bedside
looked back, back,back, in her mind, to the Long Ago,
very quietly,very slowly,with her eyes looking into
eyes, and her hand restingso in mine,she spoke the words

here, on

my

it

; and

me

she
and

my
to

320

THE

that I must

me

SECRET.

speak again to

now

you, who

sit here

judge,before you go to her to-morrow

"
Not as her judge !" said Rosamond.
I

her

as
"

to-day

her child."

as

not, I

can

you say that."

I speak her words, not

must

hear

not
"

"

tillyou

before you
know
the end."

He

his chair

ly.

DEAD

mine,"rejoinedthe old man,

bid me
change them for others

Wait

drew

minute

them

from

one

"As

to

two

or

little nearer

his

arrange

grave

wait

"

Rosamond, paused for

and to separate
recollections,
to

the

other; then resumed.

began with me," he said,"so

Sarah

I,for

my part,
that
I
to say,
must
means
now
begin
go down
through the years that are past, to the time when my niece
know that the sea-captain,
went
out to her first service. You
also

the brave
ist

and

which

"

good

the stage

on

what

"

and

big woman,

will in her that is

say, We

for his wife

Treverton, took

man

they

handsome

here
play-actress

; with

often

not

call

seen

a
a

life and

will do this

grand,
spiritand a

of the

woman

art

an

who

sort

thing,or that thing and do it in

all the
the spiteand face of all the scruples,
all the obstacles,
in the world.
for maid
To this lady there comes
oppositions
niece
to wait upon her,Sarah,my
a young
girlthen, pretty
and kind and gentle,
and very, very shy. Out of many
oth
the place,and who
bolder and bigger and
who want
are
ers
Mistress Treverton,nevertheless,picks Sarah.
quickergirls,
can

"

"

This is strange, but it is stranger yet that

she comes
when
out of her first fears and

Sarah, on her part,

doubts, and pains

of

shyness about herself,

gets to be fond with all her heart
has a life and a
of that grand and handsome
who
mistress,
This is
spiritand a will of the sort that is not often seen.
strange

to

say, but it is also,as

word of it true."

lips,
every
"True
beyond
tachments

doubt,"said

formed

are

between

I know

from

Leonard.

Sarah's

"Most

people who

own

strong
unlike

are

at

each

other."
"

So the life they led in that ancient house

began happily for

love

that the

them

mistress had

heart that it overflowed

about
would

her, and
have

continued
all,"

to

Sarah, her maid,

nobody

but

the old

for her husband

in kindness

Sarah

to

of

was

Porthgenna
"The

man.
so

full in her

every body who

before all the rest.
to

read

to

her, to work

was

She
for

322

THE

fullywith

Mrs. Treverton

think

"I

SECKET.

baby's hands

of the

one

DEAD

was

very

the child's
answered, gently lifting
"

"

I, for ray part, think

Then

To be

when

yes ! To be more
is still no
child and
"

good sea-captain
says,
for

ship.' And

and

he

goes

fondness

at

And

on

here,I get

"

fine

but

still he
in

comes

new

with

with

ship,and
"

old

again. I shall ask

they give it him;
much
kissingand'

sea

mistress

the

was

rust

the

on
a

his wife

parting from
he

is at

Sarah

no
'

his cruises

on

is gone,
work for her

when

be

to

asks for

he

away

day,

one

; I want

idleness

much

so

pitied?

there

restingin hers.
much
to be pitied,"
she
hand
to her lips.
too,"said Uncle Joseph.
months
pitiedsome
after,
hope of a child,and the

which

gown,

goes

again

and

away.
where

snatches

it

and throws after it all

the floor,
on
away, and casts it down
the fine jewels she has got on her table,and stamps and cries
with

the

give all
love

those

he

brought
between
fine

tells

the vilest of all vile

she

cause

was

but

got ?'

And

"

has

but he

who

kill !

his love

gone

crookchange placeswith the ugliest,

creation,if I could only have a child !'
Sarah that the Captain'sbrother spoke
words
she was
of her,when
married,be

artist

an

child,who

no

of my
husband's

rest

I would

she

then

have

never

in all

wretch

And

I would

if I had
from me
away
him a child !' Then
she looks in the glass,
and says
with a
her teeth,'Yes!
fine woman,
a
yes! I am

would

and
figure,

edest

'

the

'

have

to
life,

passion that is in her.

fine things,and go in rags for the
I am
child !' she says.
losingmy
and

misery

"

ah, I know

she says, ' If I have

that I wish I could

; and

stage

the rascal-monster

he will
then

the

on

come

she

it,I

possess all that the

cries again,and says, * I am
to

know

it !

Captain
losing

losinghis love!'
Nothing that Sarah can say will alter her thoughts about
the months
And
that.
the sea-captain
comes
go
on, and
and
there
still
is always the same
secret griefgrowing
back,
and growing in the mistress's heart
growing and growing
tillit is now
the third year since the marriage,and there is no
the sea-captain
hope yet of a child ; and once more
gets tired
the land,and goes off again for his cruises
on
long cruises,
"

"

am

"

"

this time ; away, away, away, at the other end of the world."
Here Uncle Joseph paused once
more, apparentlyhesitating
a

little about

inind seemed

how
to

be

he

should

soon

go

on

with

relieved of its

the narrative.

doubts,but

His

his face

T1IE

his tones

saddened,and
amond
again.
"

he

DEAD

sank

lower,when

I must,

if you please,
go away
and get back to Sarah,my

"

said,

also

of

This

mining

was

wage,
in the

and

with

man,

kept a good
from

time

is

he

addressed

Ros

the

mistress

now,"

niece,and

lived with
ancient

the

time, took

and

well

He

near

word
say one
of Polwheal.

name

worked

character.

little villagethat

seeingSarah

from

the Cornish

that

man

young

323

SECRET.

got good
his mother

house

and,

fancy to her,and
she to him.
So the end came
that the marriage-promise
was
them
between
given and taken ; as it happened, about the
the sea-captain
time when
back after his first cruises,
was
he was
and just when
thinking of going away in a ship
again. Against the marriage-promisenor he nor the lady
his wife had a word
to object,
for the miner,Polwheal,had
good wage and kept a good character.
Only the mistress
said that

the

Sarah

and

to

loss of Sarah

answered

there

was

go on, and the

cruises ; and about the

long

same

finds

that Sarah

the

about

the

; and

house

standingtoo much
sake,that shall not
evening,and talks
up

yet

the banns

night,it
and

next

is his

work

turn

And

them

like

not

she

be !'

she

calls for them

kindly,and

hours

of the

both

sends

morning the young man

into the
to go down

after the

also the mistress

and that
herself,
and lurks there,round
I
to herself,So ! so ! Am
this marriage? For Sarah's

says
in the way of
to

sad ;

very

no

time

and looks
frets,
miner,Polwheal, he lurks here
out

"

hurry to part.
sails away
sea-captain
again for

So the weeks
his

be sad to her

would

that

much

to

away
Polwheal.

put
That

Porthgenna mine,
With

day.

one

his heart

all

he rises to the
light,down into that dark he goes. When
world again,it is the dead body of him that is drawn
up
fall
of
the dead body, with all the young
the
a rock,
life,
by
"

crushed

out

flies there.

in

With

fort near, it comes

to her sweet-heart
was

from

The

moment.
no
on

break, with
a

sudden

to

that

where

youth was gone, all

fixed
was
fright-look
The
simple words

the shock

her
that

drew

hair
has

the

warning, with

no

evening
pretty girl; when,

young,
the sick-bed

flies here ; the

news

was
never

Sarah, my
she

had

niece.

said

gray,

com

When

good-by,she

six little weeks

threw

no

news

after,she,

up, all her

in her eyes the

her,got
and

left them

pictureof

since."

the miner's

death,

324

DEAD

THE

and

of all that

with

"

blindness

then

suffered

was

me

"

man.

for what

but what

"

Pity

her

for what

that
after,

came

it to

was

was

she
!

worse

weeks

mistress,who is kind and good to her

sister could be, finds out, little by little,
something

fers

The

more.

any

is not

the

her

face which

the

something which
grief-look;

the tongue
looks and

forward

not

can

into

the eyes

put into words.

her tremble

Sarah's

at

room,

and

the

nor
pain-look,

thinks,till there

makes

which

at

pass, after the death of the mining

in the body suffers less,
suf
but in the mind

Sarah

and

man,

old

"

"

trial to

sore

Pity her

five,six,seven

Yet

her !" said the

Pity

startlingdistinctness
shuddered,and looked
murmured, the first news
a

"

her husband.

of your
this !"

it,with

followed

reality.Rosamond
Oh, Lenny !" she

fearful

SECRET.

Sarah

into

steals

which

sets

mind

which

thinks,
doubt

drives her
her

inmost

her

see, but
looks and

her

which
herself,

in

nor
fright-look,

can

She

as

straight
searching

eyes

'

heart.

There is
through
through
something on your mind besides your grieffor the dead and
before
gone,'she says, and catches Sarah by both the arms
she can
turn
way, and looks her in the face,front to front,
with curious eyes that search and suspect steadily. The
miner man, Polwheal,'she says ; my mind misgivesme
about
to

'

'

the miner
to

man,

than

you

Polwheal.

mistress.

As

! I have

been

more

friend I ask you now

questionwaits; but no word

The

all the truth?'

me

Sarah
your

friend
"

of

tell
an

only Sarah strugglesto get awray, and the mistress

holds her tighteryet, and goes on and says, I know
that the
passed between you and miner Polwheal;
marriage-promise
swer

'

I know

truth
truth in man, there was
in him ; I know
from this place to put the
out
that he went
Have
banns
and for him, in the church.
se
up, for you
from
from all the world besides,
crets
Sarah, but have none
that

if

there

ever

was

Tell me, this minute

the truth ! Of all the lost
tell me
in this big,wide world, are
?' Before she
creatures
you
me.

"

"

that are
next
to come,
say the words
knees,and cries out suddenly to be let go
can

die,and
gave.

be heard
It

was

of

no

enough

more.

for the

That
truth

was

then

Sarah

falls

on

her

to hide and
away
she
all the answer
; it is

enough

for

the truth now."

He

and
sighedbitterly,

ceased

speaking for

littlewhile.

DEAD

THE

voice broke

No

The

words.
the

was

room

asleepin
"That

livingsound that stirred in the stillness of

the lightbreathing of the child as he lay

his mother's

arms.

all the

was

answer," repeatedthe old man,

it says nothing for

forward into Sarah's
but stilllooks straight
heard

the mistress who

looks

palerand palerthe longershe

'

her face.

your

house,keep your

an

'The

horses

gown

for

On

palerand paler,tillon

"

flash the red flies back

one

counsel,do
with

angry
! I want

I bid you, and

as

calls

ride

;'then

to

Pluck

up

honor, I will

mad for
; I am
out, in a fever of the
then

reeks

into

again,and

loud

out

turns

save

you.
in
the
gallop
open

the door

at

upon

Sarah

"

"

'My
!

creature

My

gown, my gown,
air !' And
she goes

tillthe
gallops,
blood,and gallops,

horse

rides after her wonders

who

the groom-man
she comes
When

the

"

heart,poor

your

leave

quick on her
room
faster,
she pullsthe

round

she turns

that

jerk,and

ridingin !

lifeand

my

after,

face,and grows

heel,and falls to walking up and down the

Then
till she is out of breath.
faster,faster,
bell with

time

some

says,

own

And

me.'

to

rest

at

"and

whisperingand lookingat the door,

friend,Sarah, always your friend. Stay in this

No,'she

'

once

starts,and

she

sudden

his last

silence that followed

the reverent

one

325

SECRET.

back,for all that ride in the

air,she is not tired. The whole evening after,she is now
strikingloud tunes all
walking about the room, and now
mixed
up togetheron the piano. At the bed-time,she can
Sarah
not rest.
Twice,three times in the night she frightens
by coming in to see how she does,and by sayingalways
words over
those same
counsel,do
again: Keep your own
In the morning she
leave the rest to me.'
as I bid you, and
lies late,sleeps,
gets up very pale and quiet,and says to
if she is mad.

'

'

Sarah, No

word

yesterday

no

"

between

more

word

tillthe time

eyes of every stranger who

again. Till that time let

looks
us

be

two

us

as

you.

fused about

Then

happened

you fear the

I shall speak

before I put the

told the truth !'"

we

questionyesterday,and before you

At this pointhe broke the thread
as
explaining

when

comes

at

of what

were

of the narrative

again,

that his memory

was
growing con
questionof time,which he wished to state cor

he

did

so

rectlyin introducingthe

series of events

be described.
P

that

were

next

to

326

THE

DEAD

SEC11ET.

"Ah, well! well!" he said,shaking his head, after

ly endeavoring to pursue the lost recollection. "For
I must
it was
acknowledge that I forget. Whether
months, or whether it was three,after the mistress said
last words
time

of the

or

and

there is

alone

Truro.

to

is

Sarah

the basket
and

two

those
one

carriage
comes

of the

cover

letters

'

one

S. L.'

On

it

on

are

into the mistress's

taken

are

it ; for those

to

'

her, Open

the letters of your

yours.' Inside there is first a

on

thingsin it are
holds a grand bonnet

the

box, which

the
the

are

her

evening she

called,and the mistress says

S. L.

with

On

once,

of the

card, and written

baskets

The

orders

In the

it

on

the end

at

morning

one

of the other there is

and

but

"

largeflat baskets.

the letters '11. T.'

name,

not

card, and written

cover

room,

she

other

goes away
with two

back

the

Sarah, I know

to

vain

are

of black

lace ; then

fine

dark shawl ; then black silk of the best kind,enough to make

a gown
; then linen and stuff for the under
garments, all of
'Make

the finest sort.

'

the mistress.

You

up
so

are

those

fit yourself,'
says

things to

littlerthan

much

I,that

make

to

is less trouble than, from my fit to yours,

thingsup new
to alter old gowns.' Sarah, to all this,
says in astonishment,
Why ?' And the mistress answers, I will have no questions.
Remember
what I said
Keep your own
counsel,and leave
So she goes out; and the next
the rest to me!'
thing she
the

'

"

does
the

is to send

for the doctor

gets for

matter;

strangely,and

not

air of Cornwall
doctor

always

swers

are

time

Sarah

like

makes

and

comes

answer

; and

weak.

when

lie asks

Mistress

that

and, say
only two

the

her.

see

herself;also
her

goes,

is at work

to

is

what

Treverton

feels

that she thinks the soft

The

what

days-pass,

he may,

that

he

she has

can

those

get.

done, the

and
two

All

the
an

this

mistress

'
for the other basket, with II.T. on it ; for those
says, Now
and the things in it are
the letters of my
mine.'
are
name,
Inside this,
there is first a box which holds a common
bonnet

of black

good

straw

common

the

under

ond

best.

fit me.

No

; then

coarse

dark

shawl

; then

black

stuff;then linen,and other thingsfor

garments, that are only of the sort called sec
Make
up all that rubbish,'
says the mistress,to
questions! You have always done as I told you ;
4

I tell you now, or you are a lost woman.'

When
rubbish is made
up, she tries it on, and looks in the

do

as

of

gown

'

the

glass,

DEAD

THE

and

laughs in

I make

that is wild and

way

fine,buxom,

327

SECRET.

comely

desperateto

hear.

servant-woman?'

4l)o

she

says.
in
that
times
llla! but
enough
part
past
my
days on the theatre-scene.' And then she takes oft'the clothes
acted

I have

again,and bids Sarah pack them

pack the things she has made
orders

doctor

out of this damp, soft Cornwall

go away
the air is fresh and dry and cheerful-keen,'

to

mo

where

to
climate,

rings with
laughs again,till the room
Sarah
begins to pack, and takes some

says, and
time
the same
she

thingsoft'the table,and

knack

it

likeness of the

has

on

sees

her,turns

the brooch

them

cheeks,trembles

brooch
The

it.

At

knickwhich
mistress

all over, snatches

away, and locks it up in the cabinet in a great

if the look of it frightenedher. 'I shall leave that

that Mistress

to

and

round

turns

You
had

Treverton

on

her

heel,and goes
the thingwas

what
guess now
it in her mind to do ?"

and
first,
questionto Rosamond
in the
Leonard.
They both answered

addressed

peated it

among

face.
sea-captain's

in the

white

hurry,as
behind me,' she says,
quicklyout of the room.
He

in one
trunk,and
up at once
for herself in another.
'The

the

tive,and entreated

him

to

go

then

re

aih'rma-

on.

"It

Sarah,at that
with the miseryin her own
mind, and
time,could do. What
the wits
the strange ways and strange wrords of her mistress,
all confused.
in her were
that were
Nevertheless,what her
mistress has said to her,that she has always done ; and togeth
alone those two from the house of Porthgenna drive away.
er
Not a word says the mistress tillthey have got to the jour
ney'send for the firstday,and are stoppingat their inn among
'Tut
strangers for the night. Then at last she speaksout.
to-morrow,'
you on, Sarah,the good linen and the good gown
bonnet
and the common
she says, but keep the common
shawl tillwe
get into the carriageagain. I shall put on the
and keep the good bonnet
linen and the coarse
coarse
gown,
We
shall pass so the peopleat the inn,on our
and shawl.
risk of sin-prising
without
to the carriage,
very much
way
When
out on the road
are
them
we
by our change of gowns.
again,we can change bonnets and shawls in the carriage
You
the married
arc
and then, it is all done.
lady,Mrs.
"You

guess?"

he

said.

is

more

than

'

"

Treverton, and I am your maid who waits on you, Sarah Leeson.' At that,the glimmeringon Sarah's mind breaks in at

328

TIIE

last

'

is, Oh,

say
mean

my
ery

with

she shakes

DEAD

the

mistress ! for

do?'

frightit givesher,and all she can

the love of Heaven, what is it you

'I

mean,'the mistress answers, 'to save you,

faithful servant, from disgraceand ruin ; to prevent ev
penny that the captainhas got from going to that rascalto

monster, his brother,who

I

SECRET.

to

mean

by making

keep
him

slandered

from
husband
my
love me
he has
as

and, last and most,

me;

going

away
loved

never

to

again,

sea

yet. Must

me

I say

is it
or
frightenedcreature
more, you poor, afflicted,
enough so?' And all that Sarah can answer, is to cry bitter
'No.'
'Do
tears, and to say faintly,
you doubt,'says the
"

the arm, and looks her close in the

Do
is best,to cast
you doubt which

and gripsher by
mistress,

'
fierce eyes
yourselfinto the world forsaken

face with

"

and

disgraced and

to

save

and

yourselffrom

make

friend

ruined,

for
me
shame,
the rest of your life?
if
You wreak,wavering,baby woman,
I shall for you.
decide for yourself,
As I will,
not
you can
it shall be ! To-morrow, and the day after that,wre go
so
and on, up to the north, where
on
good fool of a doctor
my
nobody
up to the north,where
says the air is cheerful-keen
knows
has heard my name.
me
or
I, the maid, shall spread
in your health.
No
the report that you, the lady,are weak
or

of

"

strangers shall you

see, but

the doctor

and

the nurse, wrhen

Who
the time to call them comes.
they may be, I know not ;
and the other will serve
but this I do know, that the one
our

suspicionof wrhat it is ; and that

when
we
us
get back to Cornwall again,the secret between
will to no third person have been trusted,
and will remain
two
Secret to the end of the world !' With
all the strength
a Dead
of the strong will that is in her, at the hush of night and in
of strangers, she speaks those words to the woman
a house
the most
the most
of all women
the most
frightened,
afflicted,
What
ashamed.
need to say the end?
the most
helpless,
On that nightSarah first stoopedher shoulders to the burden
them
with every
that has weighed heavier and heavier on
purpose

without

the least

year, for all her after-life."

"How
days did they travel toward
many
did the
asked Rosamond, eagerly. "Where

the

north?"

journey

England or in Scotland ?"

"In
England," answered Uncle Joseph. "But
of the place escapes my foreign
a
tongue. It was

end?

In

the

name

little town

330

DEAD

THE

long years
of her
"

heart

And

the blood

to

stranger

SECRET.

of her

!"

all the

years

after !" said the old

years and
child that was

years

among

growing

of her

into

some

sorrow

into mine

'

me

no

the

pillow

more,

the

and

her face

thousand

told the Secret !'

trusted
birth

whose

'Could
Could

me?
was

you?
place she has
can-

"You
he could

times

she could

turned

away

she said,
it,'
Could

even

speak to
again on

the

to

I tell it afterward
me

not

child,if you
*

the

the story

pour

livingcreature,

was

lone

sight of

no

to

better,my

I tell

The

had

master

the

to

child,

she listen to the

shame, told by her mother's

How

lips?

listen to

from

How

heart

her, when

to

reproach to

story of her mother's

will she

up, with no
of any
ear

said

when

"

man.

strangers, with

Better,'I

'

"

who

the heart

blood,to

she
never

say

it now, Uncle
Joseph, when she hears it
the life she has led, and the high
Remember
in the

held

look at

ever

left
more

"

world.

How

can

in kindness

me

she

forgiveme

again ?'

"

before
her," cried Rosamond, interposing
left her with
"surely,surely,you never

thought in her heart P

Uncle Joseph'shead drooped on his breast.
What
words
of mine could change it?" he asked,sadly.
leave you, and
Oh, Lenny, do you hear that ? I must
leave the babj^. I must
about
go to her, or those last words
The passionatetears burst from
will break my
heart."
me
her eyes as she spoke ; and she rose
hastilyfrom her seat,
that

"

"

with

the child in her

arms.
"

Not

She said to me
at
to-night,"said Uncle Joseph.
to-night;give me till the morn
parting,*I can bear no more
ing to get as strong as I can.'
Go, for
Oh, go back, then, yourself!"cried Rosamond.
God's sake, without
wasting another moment, and make her
she ought ! Tell her how
I listened to you,
think of me
as
with my
bosom
all the time
child sleepingon my
tell
own
her
oh, no, no ! words are too cold for it ! Come here,come
close,Uncle Joseph (I shall always call you so now) ; come
and kiss my child
her grandchild! Kiss him on
close to me
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

this

cheek, because

it has lain

"

nearest

my
back

go
go back, kind and dear old man
but
./sent
kiss
that
that
say nothing
"

heart.

to

to

to

her

her J"

And

now,

bedside,and

THE

DEAD

IV.

CHAPTER
CLOSE

THE

THE

night,with

its wakeful

331

SECRET.

OF

DAY.

wore
anxieties,
for
hopefully,

at last ;
away
it brought with

morning lightdawned
it the promise of an end to Rosamond's
suspense.
the
of the day was
arrival of Mr. Nixon,
The first event
who
had received a note on the previousevening, written by
Before the law
to breakfast.
Leonard's
to invite him
desire,
yer withdrew, he had settled with Mr. and Mrs. Frankland
all the preliminaryarrangements that were
necessary to ef
fect the restoration of the purchase-money of Porthgenna
with a letter to BaysTower, and had dispatcheda messenger
Trevwater, announcing his intention of calling
upon Andrew
that afternoon,on privatebusiness of importance relat
erton
of his late brother.
ing to the personalestate
Uncle Joseph arrived at the hotel to take
Toward
noon,
with him to the house where her mother
Rosamond
lay ill.
He came
of the wonder
in,talking,in the highestspirits,
ful change for the better that had been wrought in his niece
by the affectionate message which he had taken to her on the
previousevening. He declared that it had made her look
happier,stronger,younger, all in a moment
; that it had given
her the longest,
sweetest
quietest,
night'ssleepshe had en
joyed for years and years past; and, last,best triumph of all,
that its good influence had been acknowledged, not an hour
since,by the doctor himself.
Rosamond
listened thankfully,
with a wrandering
but it was
and

the

When
attention,with a mind ill at ease.
of her husband, and when
she and Uncle

she had

taken leave

Joseph

were

out

in

together,there was something in the prospect of

her mother
the approaching interview between
and herself
which, in spiteof her efforts to resist the sensation,almost
daunted
her.
If they could have come
together,and have

the

street

recognizedeach
first said

or

nothing more

other without

done
than

on

to

think

what

should

be

side,the meeting would have been

natural result of the discoveryof the

either
the

time

332

THE

Secret.
ful

DEAD

SECRET.

But, as it was, the waiting,the doubting,the

story of the past, which

had

mourn

filled up the

emptinessof the
last day of suspense, all had their depressingeffect on Rosa
mond's
a
impulsivedisposition.Without
thought in her
and true toward
heart which was
not
tender, compassionate,
her mother, she now
of em
felt,nevertheless, a vague
sense
uneasiness the nearer
barrassment,which increased to positive
As
she and the old man
drew to their short journey'send.
they stopped at last at the house door, she was shocked to
find herself thinkingbeforehand
of what first words
it would
be best to say, of what first thingsit would be best to do, as
if she had

been

about

ble

opinionshe wished
ceive her cordially
was
The

was

first person

the

whom

He

doctor.
the

visit

to

total stranger, whose

favora
readiness to re
secure, and whose

to

of doubt.

matter

after the door

they saw
advanced

end

toward

them

of the hall,and

asked

opened

was

from

little

permissionto
for a few minutes.
Leaving Ros
speak with Mrs. Frankland
with the doctor, Uncle Joseph gayly
amond
to her interview
ascended
the stairs to tell his niece of her arrival,
with an
activitywhich might well have been envied by many a man

empty

at

room

of half his years.

"Is she worse?

Is there any danger in my

seeingher?"
asked Rosamond, as the doctor led her into the empty room.
better
"Quite the contrary,"he replied. "She is much

improvement, I find,is mainly due to

of a mes
the
and cheeringinfluence on her mind
sage which she received from you last night. It is the dis
anxious to speak to you now
of this which makes
me
covery
of her mental con
the subjectof one
on
particular
symptom
this

morning;
composing

dition which

and

the

and alarmed
surprised
which
has perplexedme

me

when

I first discover

much
since.
ever
it,and
very
at
She is suffering not to detain you, and to put the matter
under
hallucination of
in the plainest
terms
a mental
once
a very
extraordinarykind,which, so far as I have observed
the close of the day, when
toward
it,affects her, generally,
At such times,there is an expres
the light gets obscure.
ed

"

"

sion

in her

eyes

suddenly into

as

the

if she
room.

She

some

looks and

might look or talk at

The
to us.
reallystandingand listening
cancy,

as

you

or

fancied

had

person

talks

at

some

one

old man,

walked

perfectva
who
her

was

uncle,

THE

tells

this when

lie first observed

that

me

333

SECRET.

DEAD

she

to

came

see

(inCornwall,I think he said)a short time since. She

was
speakingto him then on privateaffairs of her own, when
she suddenly stopped,just as the evening was
closingin,
him
the
startled
old superstitious
by a questionon
subject
of the re-appearance of the dead, and then,lookingaway at a
shadowed
of the room,
corner
began to talk at it exactly
him

"

I have

her talk up stairs. Wheth

she fancies that she is pursuedby an apparition,
wheth
or

as
er

she

er

at
imagines that some
livingperson enters her room
than
and
I
the old man
can
times,is more
gives
say ;
help in guessing at the truth. Can you throw any

certain
me

no

the matter?"

lighton
"

her look and heard

seen

I hear

of it

lookingat the

for the first time,"answered

now

doctor

in amazement

"she
"Perhaps,"he rejoined,
with

than

you
her bedside

by

she is with

me.

and
may be
If you

communicative

more

could

dusk

to

manage

to-dayor to-morrow, and

likelyto be frightenedby it,I should
at

Rosamond,

alarm.

if you

be

think

you are not

very much
wish you to -see and hear her,when
she is under the influence
I have tried in vain to draw her attention
of her delusion.
away

from
You

ward.
and you
of
state
mind

of

it,at
have

the

time,or

to

get her

evidentlyconsiderable

to

speak of

influence

it after

over

her,

might therefore succeed where I have failed. In her

health,I attach great importance to clearingher
every thing that clouds and oppresses it,and espe

ciallyof such a serious hallucination as that which I have

been describing.If you could succeed in combating it,you
and would
be ma
would
be doing her the greatest service,
terially
helpingmy efforts to improve her health. Do you
mind
tryingthe experiment?"
Rosamond
promised to devote herself unreservedlyto this
other which
for the patient's
to any
or
was
service,
good.
and
The doctor thanked
led the way back into the hall
her,
again. Uncle Joseph was descendingthe stairs as they came
"She is ready and longingto see you,"he
out of the room.
ear.
whisperedin Rosamond's
I need not impresson you again the very seri
I am
sure
ous
necessityof keeping her composed," said the doctor,
It is,I assure
taking his leave.
exaggerationto
you, no
say that her life depends on it."
"

"

"

P2

334

THE

Rosamond
the old
At

DEAD

to him

bowed

in

up the stairs.
door of a back

man

the

SECRET.

in silence followed

and
silence,

room

the

on

second

floor Uncle

Joseph stopped.
there,"he whispered eagerly. "I leave you

is

"She

to go

for
by yourself,

in
her

it is best that you should be alone

first. I shall walk about the streets in the fine

at

sunshine,and think of you both, and

in ; and

Go

hand

lifted her

He

scended

As

at it.

its

fell

tones

door

which

her

on

little.

with you !"

quickly de

momentary

she stretched

as

voice that

her

out

she had last

her

answered

now.

of her

child stole
thought
stilled its quick throbbing. She
a

ear,

and

furniture ;

door.

Winston

in.

went

none

caught

the view

nor
inside,

room

its characteristic

have

would

go
and
softly

sweet

at West

at once

; neither

piecesof

nent

of God

the

foot

to

same

the look of the

Neither
window

The

heart,and

her

quietlyinto

opened the

head

bedroom

in her

before

alone

her from

to knock

heard

to

stood

shook

tremor

the mercy
his lips,
and

after

warm

again.

the stairs

Rosamond

hand

blessingand

the

back

come

with

ornaments,

from

its promi

nor

objectsin it or
quick observation

of the
her

the

about

it,

other

at

she opened
From
the moment
when
times, struck it now.
the door, she saw
nothing but the pillowsof the bed, the

restingon them, and the face turned toward hers. As

the threshold,
that face changed ; the eye
she steppedacross
and the pale cheeks were
lids drooped a little,
tingedsudden
ly with burning red.
head

Was

her mother

The

bare doubt

ashamed

to look

freed Rosamond

at her?

in

an

instant from

all the

all the embarrassment,all the hesitation about

self-distrust,

choosingher

words

and

directingher

actions which

tered her generous

impulsesup to this time.
bed, raised the worn, shrinkingfigurein her
the
"

poor

I have

said.

from

"Don't
"

I have

at

come

you," she
came

head

weary

gently

last,mother,
Her

heart

her eyes overflowed

the
cry!" murmured

no

Don't, don't

"

cry !"

take

to

swelled

it

rightto

her

on

bring you

"

as

my

laid

bosom.

nursing
simple words

turn

she could

and

and

young

those

fet

to the

ran

arms,

warm,

sweet
faint,

here

She

had

at

say
voice

make

no

more.

timidly.

you

sorry.

THE

"

to

I shall do

nothing but
"

like that !" said Rosamond.

me

have

parted

been

ever

"

speak

I shall

as

! hush

Oh, hush

to

my

eall
own

335

SECRET.

DEAD

Let

us

cry if you talk

forgetthat we

by my name
speak to
child,if God spares me to
me

"

me
see

'

tell
oh, pray, pray
Say Rosamond,' and
me
something for you !" She tore asunder passionate
ly the stringsof her bonnet,"and threw it from her on the
Look ! here is your glass of lemonade
chair.
on
nearest
the table.
Say Rosamond, bring me my lemonade !' say it
that I was
bound
mother I say it as if you knew
familiarly,
to obey you !"
after her daughter,but still not
She repeated the words
in steady tones
repeatedthem with a sad,wondering smile,
of Rosamond,
of the voice on the name
and with a lingering
it.
if it was
a luxury to her to utter
as
You
made
me
so
happy with that message and with the
from your child,"she said,when Rosamond
kiss you sent me
seated quietlyby the
had given her the lemonade, and was
such a kind way of saying that you
It was
bedside again.
pardoned me ! It gave me all the courage I wanted to speak
to
Perhaps my illness has
speaking now.
you as I am
but I don't feel frightenedand strange with
changed me
first meeting after you
you, as I thought I should,at our
I think I shall soon
knew
the Secret.
get well enough to
him

up.

grow
to do

"

"

"

'

"

"

"

"

see

child.

your

Is he like what

you

'

She
be very, very"
of that," she added, after waiting a

he

is,he

must

talk of

not

with

it,or

stopped.
"but
little,

I shall cry too ; and

want

his age ? If
I may
think

"

I had
to

have

better
done

now."

sorrow

While

at

were

she

spoke those words, while

fixed
eyes were
her daughter'sface,
the whole in

with

her

wistful eagerness on
stillmechanicallyat work
stinct of neatness
was

in her

weak,
tossed her gloves from
wasted
fingers. Rosamond
her on
the bed but the minute
before; and already her
had
taken them
mother
smoothing them out
up, and was
all the while she
and foldingthem neatlytogether,
carefully
spoke.
took the
Call me
mother
again,"she said,as Rosamond
glovesfrom her and thanked her with a kiss for foldingthem
had

'

"

up.
never,

"I

have

never

'

never

tillnow,

heard
from

you
the

call

day

me

when

mother'
you

were

till now

"

born !"

336

THE

Rosamond

checked

DEAD

SECRET.

the tears

that

again,and repeatedthe word.

It is all the happinessI want,
"

and

hear

Is there

say that !
love,who has

you

world, my

to

face

so

risingin

were

lie here

and

her eyes

look

any other woman

beautiful and

at yon,

in the
so

kind

as

She

paused and smiled faintly. "I can't look at

those sweet
thinkinghow
rosy lipsnow," she said,"without
kisses they owe
!"
me
many
If you had only let me
pay the debt before !" said Rosa
accustomed
mond, taking her mother's hand, as she was
to
If you had
take her child's,and placing it on her neck.
to nurse
only spoken the first time we met, when you came
! How
me
sorrowfullyI have thought of that since ! Oh,
in my
mother, did I distress you much
ignorance? Did it
make
after that ?"
you cry when
you thought of me
All my
"Distress
me!
distress,
Rosamond, has been of
making, not of yours. My kind,thoughtfullove !
my own
do you remember
? When
you said, Don't be hard on her'
I was
being sent away, deservedlysent away, dear,for fright
ening you, you said to your husband, Don't be hard on her!'
Only five words
but,oh, what a comfort it was to me after
yours?"

"

"

"

'

"

ward

think

to

that

you had
I
when

so, Rosamond,
such a hard fightof it to

you

heard

behind

you,

good-night. My
my

I took

time.

that

mistress

I could
and

have

looked

contradicted

tressed

My

me.

before I

years

I did want

to kiss

brushing your hair. I had

keep from crying out loud* when I
the bed-curtains,
wishing your little child
in my
heart
all
was
mouth, choking me
when
I went
back to
your part afterward,

I wouldn't

"

said them

hear

hundred

of you.
say a harsh word
mistresses in the face then,

all.

! you

them

to

her

Oh, no, no, no

griefat going away

worst

came

was

nurse

you

at

West

dis

never

years and
Winston.
It was
Avas

I stole into
I left my placeat Porthgenna ; when
your
and
I
dreadful
that
when
on
saw
morning,
nursery
you with
The doll you
both your little arms
round my master's neck.

when

had

taken

to

your

head

was

rests

now

the last
young
cry any

bed

with

you

was

in

of your

hands, and
Captain'sbosom, just as mine
one

restingon the
oh, so happily,Rosamond
words he was
speaking to you

"

to

remember.

more

for poor

'

Hush

mamma.

"

"

on

yours.
words
you

I heard
too

were
'

Rosie, dear,'he said, don't

Think

of poor

papa, and

try

338

THE

with

him

basket

DEAD

SECRET.

of flowers

and

basket

of

which
fruit,

he

held up in triumph at the foot of his niece's bed.

"
I have been
walking about, my child,in the fine

bright
plenty of

"

sunshine,"he said, and waitingto give your face

time to look happy, so that I might gee it again as I want
to
it always,for the rest of my life. Aha, Sarah ! it is I who
see
have brought the rightdoctor to cure
you !" he added gayly,
She has made
looking at Rosamond.
you better already.
Wait
but a littlewhile longer,and she shall get you up from
cheeks as red,and your heart
your bed again,with your two
See
as
light,and your tongue as fast to chatter as mine.
the fine flowers and the fruit I have bought that is nice to
"

eyes, and nice to your nose, and

! It is festival-time with
mouth

your
your

make

the

nicest of all

to-day,and

us

bright,bright,bright,all

room

to

put into
must

we

And

over.

then,

it on the dish
there is your dinner to come
soon
seen
; I have
cherub
chicken-ftnvls ! And, after that,there is
a
among

"

your fine sound

and with me
to

with
sleep,
sit for

Mozart

watch,

and

to

sing the

full of

up

go
cup of tea.

room.

dered,all the while

with both

to

this

his hands

wan
brought, her attention had never
he had been speaking,
from her daughter's

face ; and her first words, when

dressed to Rosamond
alone.
While

ing you
part you
to

last

at

come

child,

from his niece to begin deco

away
for
Except when she thanked the old man

presents he had

"

Ah, my

flowers,he turned

ratingthe
the

song,
stairs when

down

to

again,and fetch your

what a fine thing it is to have
my child,
!"
festival-day
With
a bright look at Rosamond, and
wake

you

cradle

your

he

was

silent

again,were
"

she said, I am
happy with my child,"
keep
of
all
be
the
last
to
to
I,
persons, ought
yours.
each other too long. Go back now, my love,

am

from
from

ad

husband

and

ful

child ; and leave me

dreams
of better times."
your

thoughts and my
"If you please,
answer
said Uncle Joseph,before

Yes

to

to my

grate

that,for

Rosamond

your mother's sake,"

could reply. " The doc

take her repose in the day as well as her

says she must
how
shall I get her to close her
repose in the night. And
tor

eyes,

so

long

upon you
Rosamond

as

she

has the

temptation to keep

them

open

.?"
felt the truth of those last

words, and

consented

THE

back

to go

that she

for

to

was

After

few hours

to the

her

resume

339

SECRET.

DEAD

the

hotel,on

place

at

understanding

the bedside

in the

even

this arrangement, she waited long enough

in the room
the meal brought up which Uncle Joseph
to see
had announced, and to aid the old man
in encouragingher

ing.

mother

and

making

partake of it.
the pillows of

to

when

ranged by

her

When

the tray had

the bed had been

hands, she

own

at

last

been

removed,

comfortablyar
herself

on
prevailed

to

take leave.
Her

mother's

cheek

nestled

lingeredround
fondly againsthers.

I shall get too

hours," murmured

selfish

or

"

tones.

My

the

to

Rosamond

own

"

Go,

part with

sweet

neck ; her mother's

her

arms

dear, go

my

you

voice,in

the

I have

words

no

for

even

now,
a

few

lowest,softest
to

bless you

good enough ; no words to thank you that will speak

as
as
gratefullyfor me
they ought ! Happiness has been
it has come
at
but, oh,how mercifully
long in reachingme
that

are

"

last !"
Before

she

passed the door,Rosamond

stoppedand looked
back into the room.
The table,the mantel-piece,
the little
framed printson the wall were
brightwith flowers; the mu
sical box was
just playing the first sweet notes of the air
from Mozart ; Uncle Joseph was
seated alreadyin his accus
tomed placeby the bed, with the basket of fruit on his knees ;
face on the pillowwas
the pale,
worn
tenderlylightedup by
and repose, all mingled together
and comfort
a smile ; peace
all joined in leading
happilyin the pictureof the sick-room,
Rosamond's
thoughts to dwell quietlyon the hope of a hap
piertime.
Three

hours

ing

the

long

She

day

summer

Rosamond

when

The

passed.
returned

entered the

room

last

gloryof

to its rest

sun

was

in the western

to her mother's

softly.The

the

one

light
heaven,

bedside.
in it looked

window

toward

the west, and on that side of the bed the chair

placed which Uncle Joseph had occupiedwhen she left
and

in which

He

raised his

she

now

found

him

still seated

on

her

was

him,

return.

and looked toward

the bed,
fingersto his lips,
she opened the door.
Her mother
with her
as
was
asleep,
hand restingin the hand of the old man.
As Rosamond
noiselessly
advanced,she saw that Uncle Jo-

340

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

seph'seyes looked dim and weary.

that he occupied,
which made
position
to

without

move

the risk of

The

constraint

it

awakening

of the

impossiblefor

his

him

niece,seemed

to

removed
her bon
beginning to fatiguehim. Rosamond
and shawl,and made
net
a
sign to him to rise and let her
take his place.
Yes, yes !" she whispered,seeing him reply by a shake

be

"

"

head.

of the

little and

Let

take

me

cool

enjoy the

her ; her hand is

let me
steal mine

waking
in it
"

my

turn, while

you

go

out

evening air. There is no fear of

not
claspingyours, but only resting
into its place gently,and we
shall

disturb her."

not

slippedher hand under her mother's while she spoke.

Uncle Joseph smiled as he rose
from his chair,
and resigned
You will have your way," he said ; "you
his placeto her.
like me."
too
are
quick and sharp for an old man
Has she been long asleep?" asked Rosamond.
But it has
Nearly two hours,"answered Uncle Joseph.
been the good sleepI wanted
for her
not
a dreaming,talk
ing,restless sleep. It is only ten littleminutes since she has
been so quietas you see her now."
Surelyyou let in too much light?" whisperedRosamond,
lookinground at the window, through which the glow of the
evening sky poured warmly into the room.
"No, no !" he hastilyrejoined. "Asleep or awake, she al
the light. If I go away
for a littlewhile,as you
wants
ways
tell me, and if it gets on to be dusk before I come
back, light
She

"

"

"

"

"

"

both
here
me,
and
room

those

candles

on

the

again before that ;

and if it so happens
looks

much

away
remember
there,
the

chimney-piece.I shall try to

but if the time slips
by too fast
that she

from
that

wakes

and

talks

into that far

you
the matches

and

be

for

strangely,

corner

of the

the candles

are

and that the sooner

chimney-piece,
you light
the better it will be."
them
after the dim twilight-time,
With
those words he stole on tiptoeto the door and went
out.
His partingdirections recalled Rosamond
to a remembrance
had
the doctor and herself that
of what
passed between
morning. She looked round again anxiouslyto the window.
The sun
was
just sinkingbeyond the distant house-tops;
far off.
the close of day was
not
toward
As she turned her head once
the bed, a momore

togetheron

DEAD

THE

341

SECRET.

chill crept over

her.
She trembled
the sensation itself,
partlyat the recollection

mcntary
at

chill which

other

that

Stirred

by

her in the

solitude

mysterioussympathiesof touch,her

the

the

at

moved

instant

same

of
pcacefulness
trouble

it aroused

of

of the

Room.

Myrtle
hand

struck

had

little,
partly

in

face there

the weary
the flyingshadow

of

hers,and

over

fluttered

dream.

mother's
the sad

momentary

The

pale,partedlips
opened, closed,quivered,opened again; the toilingbreath
and went
came
quickly and more
quickly; the head moved
uneasilyon the pillow; the eyelidshalf unclosed themselves ;
low, faint,moaning sounds poured rapidlyfrom the lips
"

"

changed

lone: to half-articulated

ere

intelligible
speech,and

softlyinto
"

merged

with

away

these words

paper ! Swear that

you if you leave the

!"

house

that followed

words

The
and

then

"

uttered

destroythis

that you will not

will not take this paper

Swear

you

sentences

these

low that Rosamond's

so

followed

failed

ear

silence.

short

whisperedso rapidly

were

catch

to

Then

the

by a
spoke again suddenly,and spoke louder.

were

"Where?

table-drawer?

In the

it said.

where:"

where?

They

dreaming

voice

book-case?

the

In the

Stop! stop!

"

"In

them.

pictureof

the

ghost""
The

last words
back

drew

herself

the

again.

But

faint

cry

cold

Rosamond's

on

suddenly with a movement

instant after,
and bent
it

was

with

"

too

late.

back,and

she drew

when

struck

her

Her

heart.

of alarm
down

hand

mother

back.

come

pillow
abruptly

moved

awoke

with

start

vacant, terror-stricken eyes, and

standingthick on her forehead.

perspiration
her on
"Mother
!" cried Rosamond, raising
have

checked

"

the

over

had

Don't

you

know

me

She

the

and

with

the

pillow."I

?"

tones
repeated,in mournful,questioning
"Mother?"
At the second repetition
of the word a bright
flush of delightand surprisebroke out on
her face,and she
claspedboth arms
suddenlyround her daughter'sneck. "Oh,

"Mother?"

my

she

"

Rosamond

own

waking
have

up
known

wake

me,

my

and

you

!" she said.

seeing your
sooner,

love ?

or

in

did I

dear

"

If I had
face

ever

been

used

to

me, I should
dream ! Did you

look

spiteof my
wake
myself?"

at

342

THE

"

"

Don't

that
'

DEAD

SECRET.

afraid I awoke

am

'

say

you, mother."
afraid.' I would wake from the sweetest
had

woman

ever

mother'

to

of

to

You

me.

see

have

delivered

of my dreadful dreams.
I should live to be happy in your
of my mind
out
Porthgenna Tower
terror

again

the

and
"

will try and

"Shall we
Rosamond.

hear

you

say
the

love,from

! I think

I could

only get
only never
mistress died,

if I could

"

where

I hid the letter

We

my

Oh,
love,if

the bed-chamber

where

room

me,

to

Rosamond

one

remember

and

face

your

sleep

my

"
"

forgetPorthgenna Tower
now," said
talk about other placeswhere I have

lived,which

Or shall I read to yon,

?
seen
you have never
? Have
you got any book here that you are fond of?"
looked across
the bed at the table on the other side.

mother

She
There

was

of Uncle

long

nothing on it but
Joseph'sflowers in

work-box.

behind

her

Before

she

"

She

there

turned

looked

were

glassof

round
books

no

the bed

toward

aside to the window.

bottles

some

The

was

sun

at

of

medicine,a few

water, and
the

chest

placed on
again,her
lost

of drawers

top of it.

the

wandered

eyes

beyond

little ob

the

distant

house-tops;the close of day was near at hand.

"If I could forget! Oh, me, if I could only forget!"
her mother, sighingwearily,and beating her hand
on

said
the

coverlid of the bed.

"Are
asked

yourselfwith
enough, dear,to amuse
Rosamond, pointing to the little oblong box
you

table,and

well

trying to

lead

the

conversation

asking questionsabout

every-daytopic,
by
do you do ? May I
more

the
are

I had

treasures

shut up
look inside."

me,

at

in that

one

on

the

harmless,

it. "What

work

it ?"

face lost its weary, suffering

look,and
"
is no
There
work
into a smile.

Her

"All

look

to

work?"

brightenedonce
there," she said.

to see
world,till you came
littlebox.
Open it,my love,and

in the

obeyed,placingthe box on the bed where her

could see it easily. The first objectthat she discov
mother
ered inside was
a little book, in dark, worn
binding. It was
Some
withered blades of
old copy of Wesley's Hymns.
an
of its blank leaves
its pages ; and on one
grass lay between
The giftof
this inscription Sarah Leeson, her book.
was
Hugh Polwheal."
Rosamond

"

"

343

SECRET.

DEAD

THE

"

I want
it,my dear," said her mother.
you to
time comes
to leave
know
it again. When
my
you, Rosa
with your own
dear hands, and
mond, lay it on my bosom
put a little morsel of your hair with it,and bury me in the
where
he has been waiting
in Porthgenna church-yard,
grave
"

Look

for

at

to

me

things in

to

come

used

weary

many
to

in the world.

was

alone

when

your brown
like to show
talk about

you
how

so

box, Rosamond, belong to

the

keepsakesthat

stolen

may

him

hair

remind

grow

poor
Don't mind

other

little

they are

of my

me

trifles to

these

me.

you

child,when I
years hence,

and

Perhaps,years
begins to

The

years.

gray

like

your

children

mine, you
when

tellingthem, Rosamond,

al
she suffered
sinned and how
you can
your mother
The
let these little trifles speak for her at the end.
ways
least of them
will show that she always loved you."
"

She

took

of the box

out

paper, which

had

of

morsel

book

the

placed under

been

neatly folded
of

white

Wesley's

her daughter a few faded

Hymns, opened it,and showed
"I took these from your
laburnum
leaves that lay inside.
bed, Rosamond, when I came, as a stranger, to nurse
you at
West

Winston.

I tried

to

take

love,after I had taken the flowers

been

round

your

But

neck.

ribbon

ribbon

"

the

out

doctor

of your trunk,
that I knew had

came

the

at

near

time,and frightenedme."
She
and

the paper up again,laid it aside on

small printwhich
from the box next
a

folded

drew

the illustrations to

taken from

the

table,

had

been

pocket-book. It represented
in gypsy-hat,
and weav
a littlegirl,
sitting
by the water-side,it was
worthless ; as a print,
ing a daisychain. As a design,
it had not even
the mechanical
merit of being a good impres
it a line was
sion. Underneath
written in faintly
pencilled
letters
"

It

"
"

was

stillthere
what

my

She
and

Rosamond

own

put the

took

from

I last

when

her."

saw

pretty enough for you," she said.

never
was

something
love

was

in it that

like when

she

aside

with

engraving

was

the

to

But

remember

little girl."
laburnum

leaves,

copy-book,folded in two,
of which
there dropped a tiny stripof paper, covered
out
with small printedletters. She looked at the stripof paper
first. "The
advertisement
of your
marriage,Rosamond,"
I used to be fond of reading it over
and over
she said.
"

the box

helped me

"

leaf of

344

DEAD

THE

again to myselfwhen

SECRET.

alone,and trying to fancy how

If I had only known
you wore.
married,I would have ventured

was

you looked and what dress

when
going to be
you were
into the church,rny love,to look
But

that

not

was

seeing you

be

to

to

bear

to

remind

at your

perhaps it was best

might only have
way

afterward.

of you,
your first copy-book. The

sake

and

you

and

stolen

in that

trials harder

"

at

I have

had

Rosamond, except

me

nurse-maid

lightthe

at

so, for the

made
my
other

this leaf

keep
out

of

Porthgennatore

I took

and
fire,

no

husband.

up
this leaf when

day
was
looking. See ! you had not got as far as words
Oh
then
you could only do up-strokesand down-strokes.
leaf of
times I have sat lookingat this one
me!
how many
your small child's hand
paper, and tryingto fancy that I saw
travelingoyer it,with the pen held tightin the rosy little
that
over
fingers.I think I have cried oftencr,
my darling,
all my other keepsakesput to
first copy of yours than over
gether."
the

rest

she

to

one

not

"

Rosamond

turned
which

aside her
she could

face toward
restrain

the

window

to

longer.
As she wiped them
away, the first sightof the darkening
sky warned her that the twilightdimness was coming soon.
dull and faint the glow in the west
How
looked now
! how
it was
to the close of day !
near
she turned
toward
the bed again,her mother
When
was
stilllookingat the leaf of the copy-book.
nurse-maid
"That
who
tore
up all the rest of it to light
the fire,"
she said, was
friend to me
in those early
a kind
days at Porthgenna. She used sometimes to let me put you
teased me,
asked questions,
to bed,Rosamond
or
; and never
She risked the loss of her placeby
the rest of them did.
as
being so good to me.
My mistress was afraid of my betray
ing myself and betraying her if I \vas much in the nursery,
and she gave
because it
orders that I was
not to go there,
not
was
were
place. None of the other women-servants
my
and
often stopped from playing with you
so
kissingyou,
hide the

tears

no

"

Rosamond,

as

But

was.

the

nurse-maid

"

God

bless and

prosper her for it ! stood my friend. I often lifted you into

and wished you good-night,
when my
your little cot, my love,
in her room.
Yon
used to
at work
mistress thought I was
"

say you

liked your

nurse

better than

you

liked me, but you

346

THE

I tried to

house.

wanted

only

to take it away
oath."
"

lightthe

to

Her

was

else.

break

to

get up for

me

thought

never

meant

never

Let

soon, mother.

; but

one

my

mo

candles."

to

swore

never

crime

in the

They
na
ghost. Nobody
into the house.
My
Rosamond

had

I lived

at

used
knew

how

mistress

afraid

was

to

the

she
letter,"

said.

it.

You

it in

call it

to

Porthgenna,to

to

Rosa

letter at the back

"

There

picture,
Porthgena

it came
old it wras, or when
hated it,because
the painted
She

first
told me, when
from the wall and de

hers.

take it down
do

found

pictureof the

I hid it away, before

found the
You
Room.

that ;

so

born, in the Myrtle

were

you

give him
hiding of

strange likeness

stroy it. I
ever

the house

Myrtle Room

neck.

no

face

of the

out

crept softlyupward, and clung fast round

hand

mond's

"I

SEC11ET.

it somewhere

from

It will be dark

ment

get it

hide

to

DEAD

of the

Rosamond
picture,
a likely
was
placeto hide it in. Nobody
picture. Why should any body find the

And

had

yet that
found

ever

letter that

was

the

hid

in it ?"
"

Let

to have
"

No

get

me
a

mother
light,

light!"
no
lightnow.
in the

there

down

Give

the

of the

corner

am

sure

darkness

time

Lift

room.

whisper."
you, and let me
The clingingarm
tightenedits grasp
her in the bed.
The fading lightfrom

as

would

you

me

to

up

Rosamond

the window

like

gather
close to

raised
fell full

face,and was reflected dimly in her vacant

eyes.
I am
at dusk,before
waiting for something that comes
the candles are lit,"
she whispered in low, breathless tones.
My mistress ! down there !" And she pointed away to
her

on

"

"

"

the farthest
"

Mother

you so ?"
"That's

corner

of the

! for God's

room

near

is it ! what

sake, what

*
mother.'
say
she hears you call me

the door.
has

changed

If she does come, she can't

mother,'when she sees us
stop when
togetherat last,loving and knowing each other in spiteof
her.
Oh, my kind,tender,pityingchild ! if you can only de
liver me
from her,how long may I live yet ! how happy we

right!

"

may

both

be !"

DEAD

THE

"

Don't

dear
"

me

talk

to

has

kept

Her
She

left

arm.

"

shook

and

Look

said.

!" she

close of

the

me

at

my

guiltyhands

Mistress

day

Rest

air.
the empty
she is as she always

the

asked

Oh,

Her

last ! my
between
us

at

for breath, and

lightdimness
"Gone!!!"
"

tion.

last ! the

is

again !

own

laid her

; and

with

one
a

angel !"
!"

she
As

Rosamond's

lipsof
The

shook

ours

no

Rest, at

hot, throb
"

Call
and

her

in

me

send

every

end

of the

room.

suddenly, with

cried

instant

of fondness

look

lower

Oh, merciful,merciful

next

with

looked

she

that

was

servant.

Secret

that

still gasping heavily

little,
strainingeyes into the quiet twi

forward

the

on,

God

of exulta

scream

! gone

at

last !"

her knees in the bed.

sprang
up on
awful moment
her eyes shone in the gray twilight
radiant,unearthly beauty, as they-fastened their last

The

she

daughter'sface.
how
murmured,
happy we
her

on

"

"

she

said the

neck, and

words, she

pressed

her

Oh, my
shall

twined

her

love ! my

be

together

arms

round

lipsrapturously on

the

her child.
kiss

Rosamond's
came,

dress

like

looked

child is my
!"
no
more

leaned

at

to

comes

the word.

pronounced

mother

of the

the smile that there

if she

me

rest

at

with

"

black

coarse,

her away
from me
forever !"
Rosamond
the terror
mastered

limb,and

neck.

corner

against the cheek of her daughter.

again!" she whispered. "Say it loud;

mother'

now

the far

cheek

bing

For

all my
life since,
there !"

slowly at

last ; and come

She ceased, panting for breath
*

! I have

Rosamond's

round

toward

out

for her

Down

clasped

with

she

! mistress

longer !

Look

There

"

made

her face when

on

hand
"

Rosamond
"

right arm
her

"

kept her promise

still

was

her

"

tell you.
She threatened
her
she said she would

world.

other

promise!

her

stretched

room,

the

she has

and

her

quietly dear,

me

"

from

me

thwarted

me

Tell

so

quietly
Hush
! I am
! hush
going to
her death-bed,if I thwarted
on
tell

mother,

come

she

look

! don't

so

347

SECRET.

and

lingered till her head

bosom
lingered,till
"

the weary

heart

rested

sank
the

forward

time

at last.

gently

of God's

on

mercy

348

DEAD

THE

SECRET.

CHAPTER
FORTY

POUNDS.

THOUSAND

popular saying is

No

V.

commonly accepted than the

which asserts that Time
maxim
is the great consoler;and,
probably,no popular saying more
imperfectly
expresses the
The work
that we
that
truth.
must
do,the responsibilities
must
we
undertake, the example that we must set to others
these are the great consolers,
for these apply the first rem
edies to the malady of grief. Time
possesses nothing but
the negative virtue of helping it to wear
itself out.
Who
has not perceivedthat those among
that has observed
at all,
who
from the shock of a great grieffor
soonest
recover
us
the dead
those who
have the most
duties to perform
are
toward the living? When
of calamity rests on
the shadow
time will
our
houses,the questionwith us is not how much
suffice to bring back the sunshine to us again,but how much
occupationhave wre got to force us forward into the place
is waiting for us to come?
the sunshine
Time
where
may
the
but
claim many
victories, not
victoryover
grief. The
more

"

great consolation
be found

to

loss of the

for the

in the great

who

are

of thinkingof
necessity

gone

the

is

living

remain.

who

The
ness

that
now
dailylife,
historyof Rosamond's
in
of a heavy affliction had fallen on it,was

sufficient illustration of this truth.

of time

which

that
would

helped to

with

wait

not

her remember

and

dead

what

raise her
for time
due

was

her, to the child whose

to

but in
nation
From

rested

It

not

was

the dark
itself the

the slow

lapse
necessity

again,but the
the necessitywhich

up
"

the

to

young

husband
life

was

who
linked

made

sorrowed
to

hers,

helplessgrieffound no support
the comfort she could give,learned no lesson of resig
but from the example she could set.
the first the responsibility
him had
of sustaining
old

the

on

whose

man

her shoulders

been

counted

torn

from

out

by

alone.

Before

the first hour

the bedside

by

the

the close of day had

of the

night,she had been

necessityof meeting him at

door,and preparinghim

the

allyand gently,tillit
under

port him
to

these

He

recognizingit,

to

looked

like

give,and which
its own
on
selfishly

He

past recovery.

man

sit for hours

would

to

sup

help his mind

forbade

at

last

"

her

heart,

grief.

faculties had

whose

him,

all the devotion

claimed

to

sake,to dwell

truth

struck it

had

inevitable blow

had

that Rosamond
for his

of

entering
gradu

was

with

face

to

the sacred duties which

were

that he

know

face

stood

the shock

after the

recover

to

guide the dreadful

To

of death.

the chamber

349

SECRET.

DEAD

THE

been

stunned

with the musical box

pattingit absentlyfrom time to time,and whis

by his side,
attemptingto
peringto himself as he looked at it,but never
left that reminded
memorial
the one
set it playing. It was
him
the simplefamilyinterests
of all the joys and sorrows,
Rosamond
first sat by
and affections of his past life. When
his side and

took

his hand

comfort

to

him, he looked back

with forlorn eyes from her compassionate

face to the musical box,and vacantlyrepeated
to himself the
ward

and

same

words

forward

and

over

"

all gone
my
sister Agatha,

again: They are

little Joseph,my

over

Max,

"

my wife,my
and Sarah, my
niece ! I and my
little bit of box are
Mozart can singno more.
alone togetherin the world.
brother

has sung to the last of them now

second day there was
The

old

followed

man

her

was

away

with

no

change in him. On the

of Hymns reverentlyon
and
hair round it,
her own
last time.

her at that silent

it

when

He

!"

third,Rosamond
placed the book
her mother's bosom, laid a lock of
kissed the sad,peacefulface for the
The

left

was

By

over.

and
leave-taking,
the side of the

and afterward,
when
she took him back with her to
coffin,
her husband, he was
stillsunk in the same
apathy of grief
which

had

overwhelmed

him

from

the first. But

when

they
day

began to speak of the removal of the remains the next

to Porthgenna church-yard,
they noticed that his dim eyes
brightenedsuddenly,and that his wandering attention fol
lowed every word
they said. After a while he rose from his
chair,approached Rosamond, and looked anxiouslyin her
face.

"

go with
Cornwall

back

I think

I could

her,"he said.

bear
"

We

it better if you
should have
two

if she had lived.

together,
that she has died
togethernow
Q

Will
?"

you

would

let

me

gone back to
let us stillgo

350

THE

Rosamond
that

it

was

DEAD

SECRET.

and
gentlyremonstrated,
best

leave

to

tried to make

the remains

him

to be removed

sec

under

could be
charge of her husband's servant, whose fidelity
depended on, and whose positionmade him the fittestperson
and responsibilities
which near
to be charged with cares
re
of
lations were
not
with
sufficient
com
capable undertaking

the

She

posure.

told him

that her

husband

intended

to

stop in

she ab
which
day of rest and quiet,
that they then proposed to return
to
Cornwall in time to be at Porthgenna before the funeral took
place; and she begged earnestlythat he would not think of
separatinghis lot from theirs at a time of trouble and trial,
when
they ought to be all three most closelyunited by the
ties of mutual
sympathy and mutual sorrow.
listened
He
silentlyand submissivelywhile Rosamond
was
speaking,but he only repeatedhis simplepetitionwhen

give her
solutelyneeded,and

London,

to

she had

done.

of

going back

The
to

one

idea in his mind

one

Cornwall
Leonard

his sister's child.

with

all that

and

Rosamond

now

was

the idea

was

left on
both

earth

saw

of

that it

both felt that it would be cru

oppose it,
eltyto keep him with them, and kindness to let him go away.
After privately
all trouble
to spare him
charging the servant
would

be useless

to

him by acceding to any wishes that

to humor
difficulty,
he might express, and to give him all possible
protectionand
his attention,
on
help without obtruding either officiously
they left him free to follow the one purpose of his heart
and

which

stillconnected

him

with

the

interests and

events

of

"

I shall thank
passing day.
you better soon," he said
"for lettingme
out of this din of
at leave-taking,
go away
London
of Sarah,my niece. I will
with all that is left to me
cour
dry up my tears as well as I can, and try to have more

the

again."
age wThen we meet
On the next
day, when they

and
alone,Rosamond
her husband
sought refuge from the oppressionof the pres
in speaking together of the future,
and of the influence
ent
the change in their fortunes ought to be allowed
which
to
exercise on
their plans and projectsfor the time to come.
turned next
the conversation
After exhaustingthis topic,
on
and on the necessity
of communi
the subjectof their friends,
of the oldest of their associates the events
catingto some
which had followed the discoveryin the Myrtle Room.
were

DEAD

THE

first name

The

their

on

351

SECRET.

lipswhile they were

considering
of Doctor
Chennery; and Rosa

questionwas the name

of allowingher mind
mond, dreadingthe effect on her spirits
to remain
unoccupied,volunteered to write to the vicar at
had happened since they had
to what
briefly
once, referring
with him, and askinghim to fulfillthat
last communicated
of long standing,
which he had made
year an engagement
and herself,
to spend his autumn
with her husband
holiday
Rosamond's
heart yearned
with them at Porthgenna Tower.
for a sightof her old friend ; and. she knew him well enough
this

to

that

be assured

her, and
be

more

Doctor

hint

at

the

afflictionwhich

trial which

befallen

had

undergone,would
than enough to bring them
togetherthe moment
Chennery could make his arrangements for leaving
the hard

at

she had

home.

suggested recollections which

another friend,
whose
intimacywith Leonard
of recent
was
date,but whose connection

writing of

The

called to mind
Rosamond

and

this letter

the train of circumstances

the earlier among
led to the discoveryof the Secret entitled him

which

with

doctor

West

at

him

she

had

made

on

to

Rosamond
and

was

to

her bedside.

the
To

discoveryof

which

were

now

very sad
numbered
with
some

not necessary
of the past. More than this it was
such a position
toward them
friend who occupied

that held

as

mother

in the

family nature,

the events

Orridge,the

acknowledging the promise which she

the re
to communicate
leavingWest Winston
him
search for the Myrtle Room
; and informing
terminated

it had

events, of

Mr.

certain

been
accidentally

had

Winston, who

was

wrote,

now

sult of their

to say

friend

bringingRosamond's

of

means

that

This

in their confidence.

share

to

had

by

Mr.

had

Orridge.

written

the address

absentlydrawing lines

on

of this second

the

letter,

with
blotting-paper

she was
startled by hearing a contention of
her pen, when
before she had
Almost
angry voices in the passage outside.
violent
what the noise meant, the door was
time to wonder

ly pushed open, and a tall,shabbilydressed,elderlyman,

with
a
peevish,haggard face,and a ragged gray beard,
stalked in,followed indignantly
by the head waiter of the
hotel.
"

I have

three times told this

person,"began

the

waiter,

352

THE

with

"

at

not

finishingthe

home,"

sentence

I told you
mankind
for the

that ; and

by
quentlyI
Mr. and
and

With

"

"

words,

Leonard's

speaking,but
say

announce

those

chair.

that Mr. and

in the

both

You
at

have

Rosamond

talk with

name
my own
he took his seat

cheeks

told

home.

five minutes'

have

unasked,and

broke

you.

Mrs. Frankland
to

"

person,"

shabbilydressed man,
for the waiter.
"Yes, you told me
that the giftof speech was
only used
of telling
and that conse
lies,
purpose

didn't believe

mean

"

"

Frankland"
Were

SECRET.

the word

strong emphasison

Mrs.

DEAD

reddened

lie. Here

come

on

are

business,
I sit down

them.

Andrew

Treverton."

coollyon

the nearest

"

with

anger while he was

interposedbefore her husband could

word.

It is

useless,
love,to be angry with him," she whispered.
like that."
She
quietway is the best way with a man
a
sign to the waiter,which gave him permissionto

The

made

leave the

room

"

then turned

to Mr.

"

Treverton.

You

have

"

forced your presence on us, Sir,"she said quietly, at a time

when
a
us
quite unfit for conten
very sad affliction makes
tions of any kind.
We
considera
are
willingto show more
tion for your age than you have shown
for our grief.If you
have any thing to say to my husband, he is ready to control
himself and
"And

to hear

you

for
quietly,

I shall be short with

him

sake."

my

and

with

you, for my

own

"

No woman
has ever
sake,"rejoinedMr. Treverton.
yet had
the chance of sharpeningher tongue long on me, or ever
shall.
I have come
here to say three things. First,
your lawyer has
told me
all about the discoveryin the MyrtleRoom, and how
it. Secondly,I have got your money.
I
Thirdly,
you made
do you think of that?"
to keep it. What
mean
"I think you need not give yourselfthe trouble of remain
ing in the room
any longer,if your only object in coming
know
here is to tell us what
we
already,"repliedLeonard.
"

We

know

that you
"
You

you

meant
are

"Quite

have
to

got the money

keep

we

never

doubted

it."
of

quite sure

; and

that,I suppose ?" said Mr. Trever

hope that any future

you have no lingering
twists and turns
of the law will take the money
of my
out
pocket again and put it back into yours ? It is only fair to
ton.

tell you

sure

that there is

not

the shadow

of

chance

of any such

354

DEAD

THE

SECRET.

"

again to Rosamond, arc, to all outward appearance, human

beings. They walk on their hind legs,they express ideas
readilyby utteringarticulate sounds, they have the usual al
and in respect of weight,height,and size,
lowance of features,
of
creatures
they appear to me to be mere
average human
And
the regular civilized sort.
taking
yet, there they sit,
the loss of a fortune of fortythousand
pounds as easilyas
King of Lydia,might have taken the loss of a half
Crcesus,
penny !"
He rose, put on
arm, and advanced
"

hat, tucked

his

few

going now,"

am

the thick

"

his

Rosamond.

steps toward

he said.

stick under

Would

like to

you

shake

hands?"
her back

turned

Rosamond

chuckled

Mr. Treverton

him

on

with

contemptuously.
air of supreme

an

satisfac

tion.
Meanwhile
color

Leonard, who

risingangrilyonce

was

and
bell-rope,
"Don't
his

ring,Lenny,"

into the

his face,as

"I

had

in

and whose
fire-place,

been

feelingfor

gettingit

the

into his hand

door.

said Rosamond.

steppedout

have

seen

himself.

"

with

room

"He

is

going

of

some

I have

an

into the passage

then glanced
expressionof puzzled curiosity
"

lookinginto a cage which contained

heard of before.
speciesthat he had never
strange sightsin my time," he said to

if he
of

animals

two

more,

approachedthe

Mr. Treverton

on

the

accord."

own

back

near

just succeeded

had

Mr. Treverton

as

sat

was

had

and
ery little planet,

some

queer

of
experience

of the creatures

who

this trump
inhabit it but I
"

phenomenon as I am
staggeredyet by any human
He shut the door without
by those two."
staggered now
heard him chuckle to
saying another word, and Rosamond
himself again as he walked
along the passage.
away
afterward the waiter brought up a sealed let
Ten minutes
It had been written,he
to Mrs. Frankland.
ter addressed
said,in the coffee-room, of the hotel by the "person" who
never

had

was

intruded

himself into Mr. and Mrs. Frankland's

presence.
he had gone away
in
After giving it to the waiter to deliver,
and laughing
a hurry,swinginghis thick stick complacently,
to himself.

Rosamond

opened

the letter.

THE

On
for

side of it

one

Forty

"Take

your
husband

your
who

in her name,

check, drawn

crossed

Pounds.

Thousand

the other side

On

was

355

SECRET.

DEAD

were

money
the
are

these lines of

back

:
explanation

again. First,because
have

peopleI

only two

you

with

met

ever

and

by being made rich.

Secondly,because you have told the truth,when lettingit
out
meant
losingmoney, and keeping it in,saving aTortune.
Thirdly,because you are not the child of the player-woman.
Fourthly,because you can't help yourself for I shall leave
it to you at my death,if you won't have it now.
Good-by.
Don't come
and see me, don't write gratefulletters to me,
into the country, don't praisemy generosity,
don't invite me
to do with
and, above all things,don't have any thing more
not

are

likelyto

be

made

rascals

"

Shrowl.

The
had

first thing Rosamond

little recovered

obey

ANDREW

injunctionwhich

the

ful letters
with
and

her

to

to

go

his head

did,when she and her

their astonishment,
was
forbade

Mr. Treverton.
to

note

with

away

her to address

The

messenger,

Bayswater, returned

reportedthat he had

ble man,

and

from

TREVERTON."

gruffvoice,to

an

throw

it

over

unless
immediatelyafter,

the

dis

grate
sent

was

directions from

received

to

any

who

without

husband

answer,
an

invisi

garden wall,

he wanted

to have

broken.

Mr.

Leonard
Nixon, to whom
what had happened,volunteered
evening,and make an attempt

to

and

He

Mrs. Frankland's

behalf.

immediatelysent
to go to
see

Bayswater

Mr.

found

Treverton
Tirnon

word
the
on

of
same

Mr.

of London

approachable than he had anticipated.The misan

in a good humor.
This ex
thrope was, for once in his life,
traordinarychange in him had been produced by the sense
of satisfaction which
he experiencedin having just turned
Shrowl
of his situation,
out
the ground that his master
on
such
not fit company
for him
after having committed
was
act of follyas giving Mrs. Frankland
back her fortythou
an
sand pounds.
I told him," said Mr. Treverton,chucklingover
his recol
lection of the partingscene
and himself
between
his servant
I told him that I could not possiblyexpect to merit his
more

"

"

"

35G

THE

DEAD

SECRET.

continued

approval after what I had done, and that I could

think of detaininghim
in his place under the circum
not
I begged him
conduct
stances.
to view
as
lenientlyas
my
he could,because
that led to it was, after all,
the first cause
his copying the plan of Porthgenna,which guided Mrs. FrankI congratulated
land to the discoveryin the Myrtle Room.
him
on
having got a reward of five pounds for being the
I bow
of restoringa fortune of forty thousand
means
; and
ed him
with a politehumility that half drove him mad.
out
and I have had a good many
Shrowl
tussles in our
time ; he
I've thrown
with me
till to-day,and now
was
always even
him

his back

on

Although
and

dismissal

him, he

was

willingto talk of the defeat

of Shrowl
as
long as the lawyer would listen to
perfectlyunmanageable on the subjectof Mrs.

Mr. Treverton

Frankland,when
that topic. He

promiseof
vailed

he intended

again for

hear

the

turn

conversation

"

and his

the house

give up

of

at

he had

not

to

give no
be pre

projectswas
Bayswater, and to

that

own

studying human

plan that

to

no

himself

the purpose

countries,on

tried

he would
messages
for the future.
All that he could

would

say about
to

was

Mr. Nixon

sort

any

to

on

at last !"

travel

nature, in different

tried yet

"

the

plan of

endeavoring to find out the good that there might be in peo

ple as well as the bad. He said the idea had been suggest
ed to his mind
by his anxiety to ascertain whether Mr. and
Mrs. Frankland
were
perfectlyexceptionalhuman
beings or
At present, he was
not.
disposed to think that they were,
and that his travels were
not
likelyto lead to any thing at
in the shape of a satisfactory
Mr.
all remarkable
result.
Nixon
pleaded hard for something in the shape of a friendly
the news
of his intended
to take back, along with
message
departure. The request produced nothing but a sardonic
chuckle,followed by this parting speech,delivered to the
lawyer at the garden gate.
of Lon
"Tell those two
superhuman people,"said Timon
don, that I may give up my travels in disgustW7hen they
"

least
at

them
but

"

out

that I may
possiblycome
I don't personallycare
about

expect it ; and

again
"

I should

like to

of the lamentable

get

one

back

to

look

cither of them

sensation
satisfactory

of humanity before
spectacle

more

I die."

DEAD

THE

CHAPTER
THE

genna.
The earth to which

miner's grave
her few memorial

in secret

of the surf

placeof

the open

moor

watched

over

had

Leeson

closed

had

from which

she had

stilled to

was

her

; and

rest

myrtle hedge

the wind

mound, and

the

over

it had

epitaphon

The

before it reached

that swept joyouslyover

it met the old trees that

raised

once

with

while

she

miner's

the

in its former

more

Rosamond
of the grave.
at
Uncle
to her husband.
softly
scription
littleapart from them

of the burial

heaped already

was

old head-stone

the

been

fresh turf

The

the head

its

onward
softlythrough
graves, and wound
alike in its
which held them all embraced

read.

been

the

Her:

known.

circle of lustrous green.

hours had passedsince the last words
Some
service had

of Porth-

quietend
twice plucked
had given her

never

murmur

littlewhen

paused a
the

low

grass

Uncle

and

over

to

come

fragments of
she had
death,which,in life,

home, in

the

Sarah

The

at last.

Leonard

and

all return

we

of
pilgrimage

weary

the

LIFE.

NEW

the cemetery of the church

togetherin

Josephmet

roar

Rosamond
days afterward,

FOUR

the

VI.

OF

DAWN

357

SECRET.

place

reading the in

was

Joseph had walked

thus engaged,and had

was

He was
by himself at the foot of the mound.
fondlysmoothing and pattingthe newly laid turf as he had
Sarah's hair in the long-past days of her
often smoothed
youth as he had often pattedher hand in the after-time,

knelt down

"

"

her heart

when
"

Shall

add

we

they stand now

to
inscription
stone.
name,

Shall
and

and

weary

any new
?" said

we

So let it

seems

and

her hair

was

Rosamond,

gray.
letters

old,worn

to the

words

when

she had

read

as

the

space left on the

fillit,love,with the initialsof my mother's

the end.

"There

is

of her death ?

the date

heart which
"

was

to

tell me

be,Rosamond,"

is the
simpleinscription

to

do

blank

I feel

something in

that,and

said her husband.

fittest and

Q2

to

do
"

the best."

no

That

my
more."
short

358

THE

She

looked

away,
left him

grave, and
"
Take
my

DEAD

SECRET.

he gave that answer, to the foot of the

for a moment
to approach the old man.

as

hand, Uncle

Joseph,"she said,and

him

touched

"

Take my hand, and let us go back

gentlyon the shoulder.
togetherto the house."
she spoke,and looked at her doubtfully. The
He rose
as
musical box, inclosed in its well-worn
leather case, lay on
the grave near
the placewhere he had been kneeling. Rosa
mond
took it up from the grass, and slung it in the old place
it had always occupiedwhen he was
at his side,which
away
he
from home.
He sighed a little as
thanked her. "Mozart
can
sing no more," he said. "He has sung to the last of
them

!"

now

yet,"said Rosamond
say 'to the last,'
alive.
the last,'
Uncle Joseph,while I am

"Don't
'

to

will

sing to

A smile

"

trembled

"

sake ?"

me, for my mother's

the first she had seen

faintlyround

that," he said

"

there

his

"don't

say
Mozart
Surely
"

since the time of their

lips.

is comfort

"There

is comfort

for Uncle

hearingthat."
Take
my hand," she repeatedsoftly.

"

"

grief
in

in
Joseph still,
Come

home

with

now."

us

He

looked

down

you," he said,"if
Rosamond

at
wistfully

will go on
took her husband's
you

the

"I will follow

grave.
before me
to the gate."
arm,

and

guided him to the

they passed from

path that led out of the church-yard. As

Uncle Joseph knelt down
at the foot of the
once
more
sight,
grave, and pressedhis lipson the fresh turf.
Good-by, my child,"he whispered,and laid his cheek for
a moment
againstthe grass before he rose again.
At the gate, Rosamond
Her right
was
waitingfor him.
hand
was
restingon her husband's arm ; her left hand was
held out for Uncle Joseph to take.
cool the breeze is !" said Leonard.
How
How
pleasant
ly the sea sounds ! Surely this is a fine summer
day ?"
The calmest and loveliest of the year,"said Rosamond.
The only clouds on the sky are
clouds of shiningwhite ;
lie lightas down
the only shadows
the moor
the
on
over
heather.
Oh, Lenny,it is such a different day from that day
and misty heat when
found the letter
of dull oppression
we
in the Myrtle Room
! Even the dark tower
of our
old house,
"

"

"

"

"

THE

life

happy

to

has
"I

can

own

to

never

repent

my

forget

the

lesson,

Lenny

of

can

never

"

What

"

An

old

one,

often.

no

accident

by

LOVE

my

The
can

and

her

that

if

as

life.

new

if

Joseph,

have

marriage,

will

can

make

has

it

happy

"

shall

re

wife

who

name."
I

because
me."

taught

?"

dear,

which

some

the
"

TRUTH."

THE

us

Rosamond,

honors,
away

of

END.

honors

that

learn

can

never

are

those
are

as

never

family

wel

to

Rosamond,
wife

my

waited

married
of

honors

that

it

You

now.

you

the

lesson

highest
take

in

walking
it,

can

best,

Uncle

help

if

claim

no

of
to

are

we

love,

pent,

and

359

SECRET.

and

beginning

you,

sunshine

the

brightest

the

to

us

come

too

its

looks

yonder,

DEAD

which

conferred

Wilkie

Of

Collinses

Novels.

all the

stands

the

livingwriters of English fiction,no

art of story-telling
than Wilkie
Collins.

better

one

He

has

under

faculty

of

coloring the mystery of a plot, exciting terror, pity,curiosity,

and
other
passions, such as belongs to few if any of his confreres,however
much

they may

excel

larlyappropriate
ern

novelist.

THE

"

NEW

him

less

"

Boston

in other

forced

His

respects.

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artificial than

style,too,
the

MAGDALEN.

POOR

MISS

HIDE-AND-SEEK.

MAN

NAME.

THE

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THE

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DEAD

SECRET.

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Edward
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In a vivid wit?
Lytton Bulwer
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of
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in profundity and
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style" in a calm cerin industry" and, above
of purpose"
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