第7章

Didyounotgetmytelegram？”

IansweredasquicklyandcoherentlyasIcouldthatIhadonlygothistelegramearlyinthemorning，andhadnotaminuteincominghere，andthatIcouldnotmakeanyoneinthehousehearme。Hepausedandraisedhishatashesaidsolemnly，“ThenIfearwearetoolate。

God\'swillbedone！”

Withhisusualrecuperativeenergy，hewenton，“Come。

Iftherebenowayopentogetin，wemustmakeone。

Timeisallinalltousnow。“

Wewentroundtothebackofthehouse，wheretherewasakitchenwindow。

TheProfessortookasmallsurgicalsawfromhiscase，andhandingittome，pointedtotheironbarswhichguardedthewindow。

Iattackedthematonceandhadverysooncutthroughthreeofthem。

Thenwithalong，thinknifewepushedbackthefasteningofthesashesandopenedthewindow。IhelpedtheProfessorin，andfollowedhim。

Therewasnooneinthekitchenorintheservants\'rooms，whichwerecloseathand。Wetriedalltheroomsaswewentalong，andinthediningroom，dimlylitbyraysoflightthroughtheshutters，foundfourservantwomenlyingonthefloor。Therewasnoneedtothinkthemdead，fortheirstertorousbreathingandtheacridsmelloflaudanumintheroomleftnodoubtastotheircondition。

VanHelsingandIlookedateachother，andaswemovedawayhesaid，“Wecanattendtothemlater。“ThenweascendedtoLucy\'sroom。

Foraninstantortwowepausedatthedoortolisten，buttherewasnosoundthatwecouldhear。Withwhitefacesandtremblinghands，weopenedthedoorgently，andenteredtheroom。

HowshallIdescribewhatwesaw？Onthebedlaytwowomen，Lucyandhermother。Thelatterlayfarthestin，andshewascoveredwithawhitesheet，theedgeofwhichhadbeenblownbackbythedroughtthroughthebrokenwindow，showingthedrawn，white，face，withalookofterrorfixeduponit。

ByhersidelayLucy，withfacewhiteandstillmoredrawn。

Theflowerswhichhadbeenroundherneckwefounduponhermother\'sbosom，andherthroatwasbare，showingthetwolittlewoundswhichwehadnoticedbefore，butlookinghorriblywhiteandmangled。WithoutawordtheProfessorbentoverthebed，hisheadalmosttouchingpoorLucy\'sbreast。

Thenhegaveaquickturnofhishead，asofonewholistens，andleapingtohisfeet，hecriedouttome，“Itisnotyettoolate！Quick！Quick！Bringthebrandy！”

Iflewdownstairsandreturnedwithit，takingcaretosmellandtasteit，lestit，too，weredruggedlikethedecanterofsherrywhichIfoundonthetable。Themaidswerestillbreathing，butmorerestlessly，andIfanciedthatthenarcoticwaswearingoff。

Ididnotstaytomakesure，butreturnedtoVanHelsing。

Herubbedthebrandy，asonanotheroccasion，onherlipsandgumsandonherwristsandthepalmsofherhands。

Hesaidtome，“Icandothis，allthatcanbeatthepresent。

Yougowakethosemaids。Flicktheminthefacewithawettowel，andflickthemhard。Makethemgetheatandfireandawarmbath。

Thispoorsoulisnearlyascoldasthatbesideher。

Shewillneedbeheatedbeforewecandoanythingmore。“

Iwentatonce，andfoundlittledifficultyinwakingthreeofthewomen。

Thefourthwasonlyayounggirl，andthedrughadevidentlyaffectedhermorestronglysoIliftedheronthesofaandlethersleep。

Theothersweredazedatfirst，butasremembrancecamebacktothemtheycriedandsobbedinahystericalmanner。

Iwassternwiththem，however，andwouldnotletthemtalk。

Itoldthemthatonelifewasbadenoughtolose，andiftheydelayedtheywouldsacrificeMissLucy。So，sobbingandcryingtheywentabouttheirway，halfcladastheywere，andpreparedfireandwater。Fortunately，thekitchenandboilerfireswerestillalive，andtherewasnolackofhotwater。

WegotabathandcarriedLucyoutasshewasandplacedherinit。

Whilstwewerebusychafingherlimbstherewasaknockatthehalldoor。

Oneofthemaidsranoff，hurriedonsomemoreclothes，andopenedit。

ThenshereturnedandwhisperedtousthattherewasagentlemanwhohadcomewithamessagefromMr。Holmwood。Ibadehersimplytellhimthathemustwait，forwecouldseenoonenow。

Shewentawaywiththemessage，and，engrossedwithourwork，Icleanforgotallabouthim。

IneversawinallmyexperiencetheProfessorworkinsuchdeadlyearnest。

Iknew，asheknew，thatitwasastand-upfightwithdeath，andinapausetoldhimso。HeansweredmeinawaythatIdidnotunderstand，butwiththesternestlookthathisfacecouldwear。

“Ifthatwereall，Iwouldstopherewherewearenow，andletherfadeawayintopeace，forIseenolightinlifeoverherhorizon。“

Hewentonwithhisworkwith，ifpossible，renewedandmorefrenziedvigour。

Presentlywebothbegantobeconsciousthattheheatwasbeginningtobeofsomeeffect。Lucy\'sheartbeatatriflemoreaudiblytothestethoscope，andherlungshadaperceptiblemovement。

VanHelsing\'sfacealmostbeamed，andasweliftedherfromthebathandrolledherinahotsheettodryherhesaidtome，“Thefirstgainisours！ChecktotheKing！”

WetookLucyintoanotherroom，whichhadbynowbeenprepared，andlaidherinbedandforcedafewdropsofbrandydownherthroat。

InoticedthatVanHelsingtiedasoftsilkhandkerchiefroundherthroat。

Shewasstillunconscious，andwasquiteasbadas，ifnotworsethan，wehadeverseenher。

VanHelsingcalledinoneofthewomen，andtoldhertostaywithherandnottotakehereyesoffhertillwereturned，andthenbeckonedmeoutoftheroom。

“Wemustconsultastowhatistobedone，“hesaidaswedescendedthestairs。Inthehallheopenedthediningroomdoor，andwepassedin，heclosingthedoorcarefullybehindhim。

Theshuttershadbeenopened，buttheblindswerealreadydown，withthatobediencetotheetiquetteofdeathwhichtheBritishwomanofthelowerclassesalwaysrigidlyobserves。Theroomwas，therefore，dimlydark。Itwas，however，lightenoughforourpurposes。

VanHelsing\'ssternnesswassomewhatrelievedbyalookofperplexity。

Hewasevidentlytorturinghismindaboutsomething，soIwaitedforaninstant，andhespoke。

“Whatarewetodonow？Wherearewetoturnforhelp？

Wemusthaveanothertransfusionofblood，andthatsoon，orthatpoorgirl\'slifewon\'tbeworthanhour\'spurchase。

Youareexhaustedalready。Iamexhaustedtoo。Ifeartotrustthosewomen，eveniftheywouldhavecouragetosubmit。

Whatarewetodoforsomeonewhowillopenhisveinsforher？”

“What\'sthematterwithme，anyhow？”

Thevoicecamefromthesofaacrosstheroom，anditstonesbroughtreliefandjoytomyheart，fortheywerethoseofQuinceyMorris。

VanHelsingstartedangrilyatthefirstsound，buthisfacesoftenedandagladlookcameintohiseyesasIcriedout，“QuinceyMorris！”

andrushedtowardshimwithoutstretchedhands。

“Whatbroughtyouher？”Icriedasourhandsmet。

“IguessArtisthecause。“

Hehandedmeatelegram——`HavenotheardfromSewardforthreedays，andamterriblyanxious。Cannotleave。

Fatherstillinsamecondition。SendmewordhowLucyis。

Donotdelay——Holmwood。\'

“IthinkIcamejustinthenickoftime。Youknowyouhaveonlytotellmewhattodo。“

VanHelsingstrodeforward，andtookhishand，lookinghimstraightintheeyesashesaid，“Abraveman\'sbloodisthebestthingonthisearthwhenawomanisintrouble。

You\'reamanandnomistake。Well，thedevilmayworkagainstusforallhe\'sworth，butGodsendsusmenwhenwewantthem。“

Onceagainwewentthroughthatghastlyoperation。

Ihavenotthehearttogothroughwiththedetails。

Lucyhadgotaterribleshockandittoldonhermorethanbefore，forthoughplentyofbloodwentintoherveins，herbodydidnotrespondtothetreatmentaswellasontheotheroccasions。

Herstrugglebackintolifewassomethingfrightfultoseeandhear。

However，theactionofbothheartandlungsimproved，andVanHelsingmadeasub-cutaneousinjectionofmorphia，asbefore，andwithgoodeffect。Herfaintbecameaprofoundslumber。

TheProfessorwatchedwhilstIwentdownstairswithQuinceyMorris，andsentoneofthemaidstopayoffoneofthecabmenwhowerewaiting。

IleftQuinceylyingdownafterhavingaglassofwine，andtoldthecooktogetreadyagoodbreakfast。Thenathoughtstruckme，andIwentbacktotheroomwhereLucynowwas。

WhenIcamesoftlyin，IfoundVanHelsingwithasheetortwoofnotepaperinhishand。Hehadevidentlyreadit，andwasthinkingitoverashesatwithhishandtohisbrow。

Therewasalookofgrimsatisfactioninhisface，asofonewhohashadadoubtsolved。Hehandedmethepapersayingonly，“ItdroppedfromLucy\'sbreastwhenwecarriedhertothebath。“

WhenIhadreadit，IstooklookingattheProfessor，andafterapauseaskedhim，“InGod\'sname，whatdoesitallmean？

Wasshe，orisshe，mad，orwhatsortofhorribledangerisit？”

IwassobewilderedthatIdidnotknowwhattosaymore。

VanHelsingputouthishandandtookthepaper，saying，“Donottroubleaboutitnow。Forgetifforthepresent。

Youshallknowandunderstanditallingoodtime，butitwillbelater。Andnowwhatisitthatyoucametometosay？”

Thisbroughtmebacktofact，andIwasallmyselfagain。

“Icametospeakaboutthecertificateofdeath。Ifwedonotactproperlyandwisely，theremaybeaninquest，andthatpaperwouldhavetobeproduced。Iaminhopesthatweneedhavenoinquest，forifwehaditwouldsurelykillpoorLucy，ifnothingelsedid。

Iknow，andyouknow，andtheotherdoctorwhoattendedherknows，thatMrs。Westenrahaddiseaseoftheheart，andwecancertifythatshediedofit。Letusfillupthecertificateatonce，andI

shalltakeitmyselftotheregistrarandgoontotheundertaker。“

“Good，ohmyfriendJohn！Wellthoughtof！TrulyMissLucy，ifshebesadinthefoesthatbesether，isatleasthappyinthefriendsthatloveher。One，two，three，allopentheirveinsforher，besidesoneoldman。Ah，yes，Iknow，friendJohn。Iamnotblind！

Iloveyouallthemoreforit！Nowgo。“

InthehallImetQuinceyMorris，withatelegramforArthurtellinghimthatMrs。Westenrawasdead，thatLucyalsohadbeenill，butwasnowgoingonbetter，andthatVanHelsingandIwerewithher。

ItoldhimwhereIwasgoing，andhehurriedmeout，butasI

wasgoingsaid，“Whenyoucomeback，Jack，mayIhavetwowordswithyoualltoourselves？”

Inoddedinreplyandwentout。Ifoundnodifficultyabouttheregistration，andarrangedwiththelocalundertakertocomeupintheeveningtomeasureforthecoffinandtomakearrangements。

WhenIgotbackQuinceywaswaitingforme。ItoldhimIwouldseehimassoonasIknewaboutLucy，andwentuptoherroom。

Shewasstillsleeping，andtheProfessorseeminglyhadnotmovedfromhisseatatherside。Fromhisputtinghisfingertohislips，Igatheredthatheexpectedhertowakebeforelongandwasafraidoffore-stallingnature。SoIwentdowntoQuinceyandtookhimintothebreakfastroom，wheretheblindswerenotdrawndown，andwhichwasalittlemorecheerful，orratherlesscheerless，thantheotherrooms。

Whenwewerealone，hesaidtome，“JackSeward，Idon\'twanttoshovemyselfinanywherewhereI\'venorighttobe，butthisisnoordinarycase。

YouknowIlovedthatgirlandwantedtomarryher，butalthoughthat\'sallpastandgone，Ican\'thelpfeelinganxiousaboutherallthesame。

Whatisitthat\'swrongwithher？TheDutchman，andafineoldfellowisis，Icanseethat，saidthattimeyoutwocameintotheroom，thatyoumusthaveanothertransfusionofblood，andthatbothyouandhewereexhausted。

NowIknowwellthatyoumedicalmenspeakincamera，andthatamanmustnotexpecttoknowwhattheyconsultaboutinprivate。

Butthisisnocommonmatter，andwhateveritis，Ihavedonemypart。

Isnotthatso？”

“That\'sso，“Isaid，andhewenton。

“ItakeitthatbothyouandVanHelsinghaddonealreadywhatIdidtoday。

Isnotthatso？”

“That\'sso。“

“AndIguessArtwasinittoo。WhenIsawhimfourdaysagodownathisownplacehelookedqueer。IhavenotseenanythingpulleddownsoquicksinceIwasonthePampasandhadamarethatIwasfondofgotograssallinanight。

Oneofthosebigbatsthattheycallvampireshadgotatherinthenight，andwhatwithhisgorgeandtheveinleftopen，therewasn\'tenoughbloodinhertoletherstandup，andI

hadtoputabulletthroughherasshelay。Jack，ifyoumaytellmewithoutbetrayingconfidence，Arthurwasthefirst，isnotthatso？”

Ashespokethepoorfellowlookedterriblyanxious。Hewasinatortureofsuspenseregardingthewomanheloved，andhisutterignoranceoftheterriblemysterywhichseemedtosurroundherintensifiedhispain。

Hisveryheartwasbleeding，andittookallthemanhoodofhim，andtherewasaroyallotofit，too，tokeephimfrombreakingdown。

Ipausedbeforeanswering，forIfeltthatImustnotbetrayanythingwhichtheProfessorwishedkeptsecret，butalreadyheknewsomuch，andguessedsomuch，thattherecouldbenoreasonfornotanswering，soIansweredinthesamephrase。

“That\'sso。“

“Andhowlonghasthisbeengoingon？”

“Abouttendays。“

“Tendays！ThenIguess，JackSeward，thatthatpoorprettycreaturethatwealllovehashadputintoherveinswithinthattimethebloodoffourstrongmen。Manalive，herwholebodywouldn\'tholdit。“

Thencomingclosetome，hespokeinafiercehalf-whisper。“Whattookitout？”

Ishookmyhead。“That，“Isaid，“isthecrux。VanHelsingissimplyfranticaboutit，andIamatmywits\'end。Ican\'tevenhazardaguess。

TherehasbeenaseriesoflittlecircumstanceswhichhavethrownoutallourcalculationsastoLucybeingproperlywatched。

Buttheseshallnotoccuragain。Herewestayuntilallbewell，orill。“

Quinceyheldouthishand。“Countmein，“hesaid。

“YouandtheDutchmanwilltellmewhattodo，andI\'lldoit。“

Whenshewokelateintheafternoon，Lucy\'sfirstmovementwastofeelinherbreast，andtomysurprise，producedthepaperwhichVanHelsinghadgivenmetoread。ThecarefulProfessorhadreplaceditwhereithadcomefrom，lestonwakingsheshouldbealarmed。

HereyesthenlitonVanHelsingandonmetoo，andgladdened。

Thenshelookedroundtheroom，andseeingwhereshewas，shuddered。

Shegavealoudcry，andputherpoorthinhandsbeforeherpaleface。

Webothunderstoodwhatwasmeant，thatshehadrealizedtothefullhermother\'sdeath。Sowetriedwhatwecouldtocomforther。

Doubtlesssympathyeasedhersomewhat，butshewasverylowinthoughtandspirit，andweptsilentlyandweaklyforalongtime。

Wetoldherthateitherorbothofuswouldnowremainwithherallthetime，andthatseemedtocomforther。

Towardsduskshefellintoadoze。Hereaveryoddthingoccurred。

Whilststillasleepshetookthepaperfromherbreastandtoreitintwo。VanHelsingsteppedoverandtookthepiecesfromher。

Allthesame，however，shewentonwiththeactionoftearing，asthoughthematerialwerestillinherhands。Finallysheliftedherhandsandopenedthemasthoughscatteringthefragments。

VanHelsingseemedsurprised，andhisbrowsgatheredasifinthought，buthesaidnothing。

19September——Alllastnightshesleptfitfully，beingalwaysafraidtosleep，andsomethingweakerwhenshewokefromit。

TheProfessorandItookinturnstowatch，andweneverleftherforamomentunattended。QuinceyMorrissaidnothingabouthisintention，butIknewthatallnightlonghepatrolledroundandroundthehouse。

Whenthedaycame，itssearchinglightshowedtheravagesinpoorLucy\'sstrength。Shewashardlyabletoturnherhead，andthelittlenourishmentwhichshecouldtakeseemedtodohernogood。

Attimessheslept，andbothVanHelsingandInoticedthedifferenceinher，betweensleepingandwaking。Whilstasleepshelookedstronger，althoughmorehaggard，andherbreathingwassofter。

Heropenmouthshowedthepalegumsdrawnbackfromtheteeth，whichlookedpositivelylongerandsharperthanusual。

Whenshewokethesoftnessofhereyesevidentlychangedtheexpression，forshelookedherownself，althoughadyingone。

IntheafternoonsheaskedforArthur，andwetelegraphedforhim。

Quinceywentofftomeethimatthestation。

Whenhearriveditwasnearlysixo\'clock，andthesunwassettingfullandwarm，andtheredlightstreamedinthroughthewindowandgavemorecolortothepalecheeks。Whenhesawher，Arthurwassimplychokingwithemotion，andnoneofuscouldspeak。

Inthehoursthathadpassed，thefitsofsleep，orthecomatoseconditionthatpassedforit，hadgrownmorefrequent，sothatthepauseswhenconversationwaspossiblewereshortened。

Arthur\'spresence，however，seemedtoactasastimulant。

Sheralliedalittle，andspoketohimmorebrightlythanshehaddonesincewearrived。Hetoopulledhimselftogether，andspokeascheerilyashecould，sothatthebestwasmadeofeverything。

Itisnownearlyoneo\'clock，andheandVanHelsingaresittingwithher。

Iamtorelievetheminaquarterofanhour，andIamenteringthisonLucy\'sphonograph。Untilsixo\'clocktheyaretotrytorest。

Ifearthattomorrowwillendourwatching，fortheshockhasbeentoogreat。

Thepoorchildcannotrally。Godhelpusall。

LETTERMINAHARKERTOLUCYWESTENRA

(Unopenedbyher)

17SeptemberMydearestLucy，“ItseemsanagesinceIheardfromyou，orindeedsinceIwrote。

Youwillpardonme，Iknow，forallmyfaultswhenyouhavereadallmybudgetofnews。Well，Igotmyhusbandbackallright。

WhenwearrivedatExetertherewasacarriagewaitingforus，andinit，thoughhehadanattackofgout，Mr。Hawkins。

Hetookustohishouse，wheretherewereroomsforusallniceandcomfortable，andwedinedtogether。

AfterdinnerMr。Hawkinssaid，“`Mydears，Iwanttodrinkyourhealthandprosperity，andmayeveryblessingattendyouboth。Iknowyoubothfromchildren，andhave，withloveandpride，seenyougrowup。NowIwantyoutomakeyourhomeherewithme。Ihavelefttomeneitherchicknorchild。

Allaregone，andinmywillIhaveleftyoueverything。\'

Icried，Lucydear，asJonathanandtheoldmanclaspedhands。

Oureveningwasavery，veryhappyone。

“Sohereweare，installedinthisbeautifuloldhouse，andfrombothmybedroomandthedrawingroomIcanseethegreatelmsofthecathedralclose，withtheirgreatblackstemsstandingoutagainsttheoldyellowstoneofthecathedral，andIcanheartherooksoverheadcawingandcawingandchatteringandchatteringandgossipingallday，afterthemannerofrooks——andhumans。

Iambusy，Ineednottellyou，arrangingthingsandhousekeeping。

JonathanandMr。Hawkinsarebusyallday，fornowthatJonathanisapartner，Mr。Hawkinswantstotellhimallabouttheclients。

“Howisyourdearmothergettingon？IwishIcouldrunuptotownforadayortwotoseeyou，dear，butI，darenotgoyet，withsomuchonmyshoulders，andJonathanwantslookingafterstill。

Heisbeginningtoputsomefleshonhisbonesagain，buthewasterriblyweakenedbythelongillness。EvennowhesometimesstartsoutofhissleepinasuddenwayandawakesalltremblinguntilIcancoaxhimbacktohisusualplacidity。

However，thankGod，theseoccasionsgrowlessfrequentasthedaysgoon，andtheywillintimepassawayaltogether，Itrust。

AndnowIhavetoldyoumynews，letmeaskyours。Whenareyoutobemarried，andwhere，andwhoistoperformtheceremony，andwhatareyoutowear，andisittobeapublicorprivatewedding？

Tellmeallaboutit，dear，tellmeallabouteverything，forthereisnothingwhichinterestsyouwhichwillnotbedeartome。

Jonathanasksmetosendhis`respectfulduty\'，butIdonotthinkthatisgoodenoughfromthejuniorpartneroftheimportantfirmHawkins&Harker。Andso，asyouloveme，andhelovesme，andIloveyouwithallthemoodsandtensesoftheverb，Isendyousimplyhis`love\'instead。Goodbye，mydearestLucy，andblessingsonyou。“Yours，MinaHarkerREPORTFROMPATRICKHENNESSEY，MD，MRCSLK，QCPI，ETC，ETC，TOJOHNSEWARD，MD

20SeptemberMydearSir：

“Inaccordancewithyourwishes，Ienclosereportoftheconditionsofeverythingleftinmycharge。

Withregardtopatient，Renfield，thereismoretosay。

Hehashadanotheroutbreak，whichmighthavehadadreadfulending，butwhich，asitfortunatelyhappened，wasunattendedwithanyunhappyresults。Thisafternoonacarrier\'scartwithtwomenmadeacallattheemptyhousewhosegroundsabutonours，thehousetowhich，youwillremember，thepatienttwiceranaway。

Themenstoppedatourgatetoasktheportertheirway，astheywerestrangers。

“Iwasmyselflookingoutofthestudywindow，havingasmokeafterdinner，andsawoneofthemcomeuptothehouse。

AshepassedthewindowofRenfield\'sroom，thepatientbegantoratehimfromwithin，andcalledhimallthefoulnameshecouldlayhistongueto。Theman，whoseemedadecentfellowenough，contentedhimselfbytellinghimto`shutupforafoul-mouthedbeggar\'，whereonourmanaccusedhimofrobbinghimandwantingtomurderhimandsaidthathewouldhinderhimifheweretoswingforit。

Iopenedthewindowandsignedtothemannottonotice，sohecontentedhimselfafterlookingtheplaceoverandmakinguphismindastowhatkindofplacehehadgottobysaying，`Lor\'blessyer，sir，Iwouldn\'tmindwhatwassaidtomeinabloomin\'madhouse。Ipityyeandtheguv\'norforhavin\'

toliveinthehousewithawildbeastlikethat。\'

“Thenheaskedhiswaycivillyenough，andItoldhimwherethegateoftheemptyhousewas。Hewentawayfollowedbythreatsandcursesandrevilingsfromourman。

IwentdowntoseeifIcouldmakeoutanycauseforhisanger，sinceheisusuallysuchawell-behavedman，andexcepthisviolentfitsnothingofthekindhadeveroccurred。

Ifoundhim，tomyastonishment，quitecomposedandmostgenialinhismanner。Itriedtogethimtotalkoftheincident，butheblandlyaskedmequestionsastowhatImeant，andledmetobelievethathewascompletelyobliviousoftheaffair。

Itwas，Iamsorrytosay，however，onlyanotherinstanceofhiscunning，forwithinhalfanhourIheardofhimagain。

Thistimehehadbrokenoutthroughthewindowofhisroom，andwasrunningdowntheavenue。Icalledtotheattendantstofollowme，andranafterhim，forIfearedhewasintentonsomemischief。MyfearwasjustifiedwhenIsawthesamecartwhichhadpassedbeforecomingdowntheroad，havingonitsomegreatwoodenboxes。Themenwerewipingtheirforeheads，andwereflushedintheface，asifwithviolentexercise。

BeforeIcouldgetuptohim，thepatientrushedatthem，andpullingoneofthemoffthecart，begantoknockhisheadagainsttheground。IfIhadnotseizedhimjustatthemoment，Ibelievehewouldhavekilledthemanthereandthen。

Theotherfellowjumpeddownandstruckhimovertheheadwiththebuttendofhisheavywhip。Itwasahorribleblow，buthedidnotseemtomindit，butseizedhimalso，andstruggledwiththethreeofus，pullingustoandfroasifwewerekittens。

YouknowIamnolightweight，andtheotherswerebothburlymen。

Atfirsthewassilentinhisfighting，butaswebegantomasterhim，andtheattendantswereputtingastraitwaistcoatonhim，hebegantoshout，`I\'llfrustratethem！Theyshan\'trobme！

Theyshan\'tmurdermebyinches！I\'llfightformyLordandMaster！\'andallsortsofsimilarincoherentravings。

Itwaswithveryconsiderabledifficultythattheygothimbacktothehouseandputhiminthepaddedroom。

Oneoftheattendants，Hardy，hadafingerbroken。

However，Isetitallright，andheisgoingonwell。

“Thetwocarrierswereatfirstloudintheirthreatsofactionsfordamages，andpromisedtorainallthepenaltiesofthelawonus。

Theirthreatswere，however，mingledwithsomesortofindirectapologyforthedefeatofthetwoofthembyafeeblemadman。

Theysaidthatifithadnotbeenforthewaytheirstrengthhadbeenspentincarryingandraisingtheheavyboxestothecarttheywouldhavemadeshortworkofhim。

Theygaveasanotherreasonfortheirdefeattheextraordinarystateofdrouthtowhichtheyhadbeenreducedbythedustynatureoftheiroccupationandthereprehensibledistancefromthesceneoftheirlaborsofanyplaceofpublicentertainment。

Iquiteunderstoodtheirdrift，andafterastiffglassofstronggrog，orrathermoreofthesame，andwitheachasovereigninhand，theymadelightoftheattack，andsworethattheywouldencounteraworsemadmananydayforthepleasureofmeetingso`bloomin\'goodabloke\'asyourcorrespondent。

Itooktheirnamesandaddresses，incasetheymightbeneeded。

Theyareasfollows：JackSmollet，ofDudding\'sRents，KingGeorge\'sRoad，GreatWalworth，andThomasSnelling，PeterFarley\'sRow，GuideCourt，BethnalGreen。TheyarebothintheemploymentofHarris&Sons，MovingandShipmentCompany，OrangeMaster\'sYard，Soho。

“Ishallreporttoyouanymatterofinterestoccurringhere，andshallwireyouatonceifthereisanythingofimportance。

“Believeme，dearSir，“Yoursfaithfully，“PatrickHennessey。“

LETTER，MINAHARKERTOLUCYWESTENRA(Unopenedbyher)

18September“MydearestLucy，“Suchasadblowhasbefallenus。Mr。Hawkinshasdiedverysuddenly。

Somemaynotthinkitsosadforus，butwehadbothcometosolovehimthatitreallyseemsasthoughwehadlostafather。

Ineverkneweitherfatherormother，sothatthedearoldman\'sdeathisarealblowtome。Jonathanisgreatlydistressed。

Itisnotonlythathefeelssorrow，deepsorrow，forthedear，goodmanwhohasbefriendedhimallhislife，andnowattheendhastreatedhimlikehisownsonandlefthimafortunewhichtopeopleofourmodestbringingupiswealthbeyondthedreamofavarice，butJonathanfeelsitonanotheraccount。

Hesaystheamountofresponsibilitywhichitputsuponhimmakeshimnervous。Hebeginstodoubthimself。Itrytocheerhimup，andmybeliefinhimhelpshimtohaveabeliefinhimself。

Butitisherethatthegraveshockthatheexperiencedtellsuponhimthemost。Oh，itistoohardthatasweet，simple，noble，strongnaturesuchashis，anaturewhichenabledhimbyourdear，goodfriend\'saidtorisefromclerktomasterinafewyears，shouldbesoinjuredthattheveryessenceofitsstrengthisgone。

Forgiveme，dear，ifIworryyouwithmytroublesinthemidstofyourownhappiness，butLucydear，Imusttellsomeone，forthestrainofkeepingupabraveandcheerfulappearancetoJonathantriesme，andIhavenooneherethatIcanconfidein。IdreadcominguptoLondon，aswemustdothatdayaftertomorrow，forpoorMr。Hawkinsleftinhiswillthathewastobeburiedinthegravewithhisfather。

Astherearenorelationsatall，Jonathanwillhavetobechiefmourner。

Ishalltrytorunovertoseeyou，dearest，ifonlyforafewminutes。

Forgivemefortroublingyou。Withallblessings，“YourlovingMinaHarker“

DR。SEWARD\'DIARY

20September——Onlyresolutionandhabitcanletmemakeanentrytonight。

Iamtoomiserable，toolowspirited，toosickoftheworldandallinit，includinglifeitself，thatIwouldnotcareifI

heardthismomenttheflappingofthewingsoftheangelofdeath。

Andhehasbeenflappingthosegrimwingstosomepurposeoflate，Lucy\'smotherandArthur\'sfather，andnow……Letmegetonwithmywork。

IdulyrelievedVanHelsinginhiswatchoverLucy。

WewantedArthurtogotorestalso，butherefusedatfirst。

ItwasonlywhenItoldhimthatweshouldwanthimtohelpusduringtheday，andthatwemustnotallbreakdownforwantofrest，lestLucyshouldsuffer，thatheagreedtogo。

VanHelsingwasverykindtohim。“Come，mychild，“hesaid。

“Comewithme。Youaresickandweak，andhavehadmuchsorrowandmuchmentalpain，aswellasthattaxonyourstrengththatweknowof。

Youmustnotbealone，fortobealoneistobefulloffearsandalarms。

Cometothedrawingroom，wherethereisabigfire，andtherearetwosofas。

Youshalllieonone，andIontheother，andoursympathywillbecomforttoeachother，eventhoughwedonotspeak，andevenifwesleep。“

Arthurwentoffwithhim，castingbackalonginglookonLucy\'sface，whichlayinherpillow，almostwhiterthanthelawn。

Shelayquitestill，andIlookedaroundtheroomtoseethatallwasasitshouldbe。IcouldseethattheProfessorhadcarriedoutinthisroom，asintheother，hispurposeofusingthegarlic。

Thewholeofthewindowsashesreekedwithit，androundLucy\'sneck，overthesilkhandkerchiefwhichVanHelsingmadeherkeepon，wasaroughchapletofthesameodorousflowers。

Lucywasbreathingsomewhatstertorously，andherfacewasatitsworst，fortheopenmouthshowedthepalegums。Herteeth，inthedim，uncertainlight，seemedlongerandsharperthantheyhadbeeninthemorning。

Inparticular，bysometrickofthelight，thecanineteethlookedlongerandsharperthantherest。

Isatdownbesideher，andpresentlyshemoveduneasily。Atthesamemomenttherecameasortofdullflappingorbuffetingatthewindow。

Iwentovertoitsoftly，andpeepedoutbythecorneroftheblind。

Therewasafullmoonlight，andIcouldseethatthenoisewasmadebyagreatbat，whichwheeledaround，doubtlessattractedbythelight，althoughsodim，andeverynowandagainstruckthewindowwithitswings。

WhenIcamebacktomyseat，IfoundthatLucyhadmovedslightly，andhadtornawaythegarlicflowersfromherthroat。IreplacedthemaswellasIcould，andsatwatchingher。

Presentlyshewoke，andIgaveherfood，asVanHelsinghadprescribed。Shetookbutalittle，andthatlanguidly。

Theredidnotseemtobewithhernowtheunconsciousstruggleforlifeandstrengththathadhithertosomarkedherillness。

Itstruckmeascuriousthatthemomentshebecameconsciousshepressedthegarlicflowersclosetoher。

Itwascertainlyoddthatwhenevershegotintothatlethargicstate，withthestertorousbreathing，sheputtheflowersfromher，butthatwhenshewakedsheclutchedthemclose，Therewasnopossibilityofmakingamymistakeaboutthis，forinthelonghoursthatfollowed，shehadmanyspellsofsleepingandwakingandrepeatedbothactionsmanytimes。

Atsixo\'clockVanHelsingcametorelieveme。Arthurhadthenfallenintoadoze，andhemercifullylethimsleepon。

WhenhesawLucy\'sfaceIcouldhearthesissingindrawofbreath，andhesaidtomeinasharpwhisper。“Drawuptheblind。

Iwantlight！”Thenhebentdown，and，withhisfacealmosttouchingLucy\'s，examinedhercarefully。Heremovedtheflowersandliftedthesilkhandkerchieffromherthroat。

AshedidsohestartedbackandIcouldhearhisejaculation，“MeinGott！”asitwassmotheredinhisthroat。Ibentoverandlooked，too，andasInoticedsomequeerchillcameoverme。

Thewoundsonthethroathadabsolutelydisappeared。

ForfullyfiveminutesVanHelsingstoodlookingather，withhisfaceatitssternest。Thenheturnedtomeandsaidcalmly，“Sheisdying。Itwillnotbelongnow。Itwillbemuchdifference，markme，whethershediesconsciousorinhersleep。

Wakethatpoorboy，andlethimcomeandseethelast。

Hetrustsus，andwehavepromisedhim。“

Iwenttothediningroomandwakedhim。Hewasdazedforamoment，butwhenhesawthesunlightstreaminginthroughtheedgesoftheshuttershethoughthewaslate，andexpressedhisfear。

IassuredhimthatLucywasstillasleep，buttoldhimasgentlyasicouldthatbothVanHelsingandIfearedthattheendwasnear。

Hecoveredhisfacewithhishands，andsliddownonhiskneesbythesofa，whereheremained，perhapsaminute，withhisheadburied，praying，whilsthisshouldersshookwithgrief。Itookhimbythehandandraisedhimup。

“Come，“Isaid，“mydearoldfellow，summonallyourfortitude。

Itwillbebestandeasiestforher。“

WhenwecameintoLucy\'sroomIcouldseethatVanHelsinghad，withhisusualforethought，beenputtingmattersstraightandmakingeverythinglookaspleasingaspossible。HehadevenbrushedLucy\'shair，sothatitlayonthepillowinitsusualsunnyripples。

Whenwecameintotheroomsheopenedhereyes，andseeinghim，whisperedsoftly，“Arthur！Oh，mylove，Iamsogladyouhavecome！”

Hewasstoopingtokissher，whenVanHelsingmotionedhimback。

“No，“hewhispered，“notyet！Holdherhand，itwillcomforthermore。“

SoArthurtookherhandandkneltbesideher，andshelookedherbest，withallthesoftlinesmatchingtheangelicbeautyofhereyes。

Thengraduallyhereyesclosed，andshesanktosleep。

Foralittlebitherbreastheavedsoftly，andherbreathcameandwentlikeatiredchild\'s。

AndtheninsensiblytherecamethestrangechangewhichIhadnoticedinthenight。Herbreathinggrewstertorous，themouthopened，andthepalegums，drawnback，madetheteethlooklongerandsharperthanever。

Inasortofsleep-waking，vague，unconsciouswaysheopenedhereyes，whichwerenowdullandhardatonce，andsaidinasoft，voluptuousvoice，suchasIhadneverheardfromherlips，“Arthur！Oh，mylove，Iamsogladyouhavecome！Kissme！”

Arthurbenteagerlyovertokissher，butatthatinstantVanHelsing，who，likeme，hadbeenstartledbyhervoice，swoopeduponhim，andcatchinghimbytheneckwithbothhands，draggedhimbackwithafuryofstrengthwhichIneverthoughthecouldhavepossessed，andactuallyhurledhimalmostacrosstheroom。

“Notonyourlife！”hesaid，“notforyourlivingsoulandhers！”

Andhestoodbetweenthemlikealionatbay。

Arthurwassotakenabackthathedidnotforamomentknowwhattodoorsay，andbeforeanyimpulseofviolencecouldseizehimherealizedtheplaceandtheoccasion，andstoodsilent，waiting。

IkeptmyeyesfixedonLucy，asdidVanHelsing，andwesawaspasmasofrageflitlikeashadowoverherface。

Thesharpteethclampedtogether。Thenhereyesclosed，andshebreathedheavily。

Veryshortlyaftersheopenedhereyesinalltheirsoftness，andputtingoutherpoor，pale，thinhand，tookVanHelsing\'sgreatbrownone，drawingitclosetoher，shekissedit。

“Mytruefriend，“shesaid，inafaintvoice，butwithuntellablepathos，“Mytruefriend，andhis！Oh，guardhim，andgivemepeace！”

“Iswearit！”hesaidsolemnly，kneelingbesideherandholdinguphishand，asonewhoregistersanoath。ThenheturnedtoArthur，andsaidtohim，“Come，mychild，takeherhandinyours，andkissherontheforehead，andonlyonce。“

Theireyesmetinsteadoftheirlips，andsotheyparted。

Lucy\'seyesclosed，andVanHelsing，whohadbeenwatchingclosely，tookArthur\'sarm，anddrewhimaway。

AndthenLucy\'sbreathingbecamestertorousagain，andallatonceitceased。

“Itisallover，“saidVanHelsing。“Sheisdead！”

ItookArthurbythearm，andledhimawaytothedrawingroom，wherehesatdown，andcoveredhisfacewithhishands，sobbinginawaythatnearlybrokemedowntosee。

Iwentbacktotheroom，andfoundVanHelsinglookingatpoorLucy，andhisfacewassternerthaneve。Somechangehadcomeoverherbody。

Deathhadgivenbackpartofherbeauty，forherbrowandcheekshadrecoveredsomeoftheirflowinglines。Eventhelipshadlosttheirdeadlypallor。

Itwasasiftheblood，nolongerneededfortheworkingoftheheart，hadgonetomaketheharshnessofdeathaslittlerudeasmightbe。

“Wethoughtherdyingwhilstsheslept，Andsleepingwhenshedied。“

IstoodbesideVanHelsing，andsaid，“Ahwell，poorgirl，thereispeaceforheratlast。Itistheend！”

Heturnedtome，andsaidwithgravesolemnity，“Notso，alas！Notso。

Itisonlythebeginning！”

WhenIaskedhimwhathemeant，heonlyshookhisheadandanswered，“Wecandonothingasyet。Waitandsee。“

CHAPTER13

DR。SEWARD\'SDIARY——cont。

Thefuneralwasarrangedforthenextsucceedingday，sothatLucyandhermothermightbeburiedtogether。

Iattendedtoalltheghastlyformalities，andtheurbaneundertakerprovedthathisstaffwasafflicted，orblessed，withsomethingofhisownobsequioussuavity。Eventhewomanwhoperformedthelastofficesforthedeadremarkedtome，inaconfidential，brother-professionalway，whenshehadcomeoutfromthedeathchamber，“Shemakesaverybeautifulcorpse，sir。It\'squiteaprivilegetoattendonher。It\'snottoomuchtosaythatshewilldocredittoourestablishment！”

InoticedthatVanHelsingneverkeptfaraway。Thiswaspossiblefromthedisorderedstateofthingsinthehousehold。

Therewerenorelativesathand，andasArthurhadtobebackthenextdaytoattendathisfather\'sfuneral，wewereunabletonotifyanyonewhoshouldhavebeenbidden。Underthecircumstances，VanHelsingandItookituponourselvestoexaminepapers，etc。

HeinsisteduponlookingoverLucy\'spapershimself。

Iaskedhimwhy，forIfearedthathe，beingaforeigner，mightnotbequiteawareofEnglishlegalrequirements，andsomightinignorancemakesomeunnecessarytrouble。

Heansweredme，“Iknow，Iknow。YouforgetthatIamalawyeraswellasadoctor。Butthisisnotaltogetherforthelaw。Youknewthat，whenyouavoidedthecoroner。

Ihavemorethanhimtoavoid。Theremaybepapersmore，suchasthis。“

AshespokehetookfromhispocketbookthememorandumwhichhadbeeninLucy\'sbreast，andwhichshehadtorninhersleep。

“WhenyoufindanythingofthesolicitorwhoisforthelateMrs。Westenra，sealallherpapers，andwritehimtonight。Forme，IwatchhereintheroomandinMissLucy\'soldroomallnight，andImyselfsearchforwhatmaybe。

Itisnotwellthatherverythoughtsgointothehandsofstrangers。“

Iwentonwithmypartofthework，andinanotherhalfhourhadfoundthenameandaddressofMrs。Westenra\'ssolicitorandhadwrittentohim。Allthepoorlady\'spaperswereinorder。

Explicitdirectionsregardingtheplaceofburialweregiven。

Ihadhardlysealedtheletter，when，tomysurprise，VanHelsingwalkedintotheroom，saying，“CanIhelpyoufriendJohn？Iamfree，andifImay，myserviceistoyou。“

“Haveyougotwhatyoulookedfor？”Iasked。

Towhichhereplied，“Ididnotlookforanyspecificthing。

Ionlyhopedtofind，andfindIhave，allthattherewas，onlysomelettersandafewmemoranda，andadiarynewbegun。

ButIhavethemhere，andweshallforthepresentsaynothingofthem。

Ishallseethatpoorladtomorrowevening，and，withhissanction，Ishallusesome。“

Whenwehadfinishedtheworkinhand，hesaidtome，“Andnow，friendJohn，Ithinkwemaytobed。Wewantsleep，bothyouandI，andresttorecuperate。Tomorrowweshallhavemuchtodo，butforthetonightthereisnoneedofus。Alas！”

BeforeturninginwewenttolookatpoorLucy。Theundertakerhadcertainlydonehisworkwell，fortheroomwasturnedintoasmallchapelleardente。Therewasawildernessofbeautifulwhiteflowers，anddeathwasmadeaslittlerepulsiveasmightbe。

Theendofthewindingsheetwaslaidovertheface。

WhentheProfessorbentoverandturneditgentlyback，webothstartedatthebeautybeforeus。Thetallwaxcandlesshowingasufficientlighttonoteitwell。

AllLucy\'slovelinesshadcomebacktoherindeath，andthehoursthathadpassed，insteadofleavingtracesof`decay\'seffacingfingers\'，hadbutrestoredthebeautyoflife，tillpositivelyIcouldnotbelievemyeyesthatIwaslookingatacorpse。

TheProfessorlookedsternlygrave。HehadnotlovedherasIhad，andtherewasnoneedfortearsinhiseyes。

Hesaidtome，“RemaintillIreturn，“andlefttheroom。

Hecamebackwithahandfulofwildgarlicfromtheboxwaitinginthehall，butwhichhadnotbeenopened，andplacedtheflowersamongsttheothersonandaroundthebed。Thenhetookfromhisneck，insidehiscollar，alittlegoldcrucifix，andplaceditoverthemouth。

Herestoredthesheettoitsplace，andwecameaway。

Iwasundressinginmyownroom，when，withapremonitorytapatthedoor，heentered，andatoncebegantospeak。

“TomorrowIwantyoutobringme，beforenight，asetofpost-mortemknives。“

“Mustwemakeanautopsy？”Iasked。

“Yesandno。Iwanttooperate，butnotwhatyouthink。

Letmetellyounow，butnotawordtoanother。Iwanttocutoffherheadandtakeoutherheart。Ah！Youasurgeon，andsoshocked！You，whomIhaveseenwithnotrembleofhandorheart，dooperationsoflifeanddeaththatmaketherestshudder。Oh，butImustnotforget，mydearfriendJohn，thatyoulovedher，andIhavenotforgottenitforisIthatshalloperate，andyoumustnothelp。

Iwouldliketodoittonight，butforArthurImustnot。

Hewillbefreeafterhisfather\'sfuneraltomorrow，andhewillwanttoseeher，toseeit。Then，whensheiscoffinedreadyforthenextday，youandIshallcomewhenallsleep。

Weshallunscrewthecoffinlid，andshalldoouroperation，andthenreplaceall，sothatnoneknow，savewealone。“

“Butwhydoitatall？Thegirlisdead。Whymutilateherpoorbodywithoutneed？Andifthereisnonecessityforapost-mortemandnothingtogainbyit，nogoodtoher，tous，toscience，tohumanknowledge，whydoit？

Withoutsuchitismonstrous。“

Foranswerheputhishandonmyshoulder，andsaid，withinfinitetenderness，“FriendJohn，Ipityyourpoorbleedingheart，andIloveyouthemorebecauseitdoessobleed。

IfIcould，Iwouldtakeonmyselftheburdenthatyoudobear。

Buttherearethingsthatyouknownot，butthatyoushallknow，andblessmeforknowing，thoughtheyarenotpleasantthings。

John，mychild，youhavebeenmyfriendnowmanyyears，andyetdidyoueverknowmetodoanywithoutgoodcause？

Imayerr，Iambutman，butIbelieveinallIdo。

Wasitnotforthesecausesthatyousendformewhenthegreattroublecame？Yes！Wereyounotamazed，nayhorrified，whenIwouldnotletArthurkisshislove，thoughshewasdying，andsnatchedhimawaybyallmystrength？Yes！Andyetyousawhowshethankedme，withhersobeautifuldyingeyes，hervoice，too，soweak，andshekissmyrougholdhandandblessme？Yes！Anddidyounothearmeswearpromisetoher，thatsosheclosedhereyesgrateful？Yes！

“Well，IhavegoodreasonnowforallIwanttodo。

Youhaveformanyyearstrustme。Youhavebelievemeweekspast，whentherebethingssostrangethatyoumighthavewelldoubt。

Believemeyetalittle，friendJohn。Ifyoutrustmenot，thenImusttellwhatIthink，andthatisnotperhapswell。

AndifIwork，asworkIshall，nomattertrustornotrust，withoutmyfriendtrustinme，Iworkwithheavyheartandfeel，ohsolonelywhenIwantallhelpandcouragethatmaybe！”

Hepausedamomentandwentonsolemnly，“FriendJohn，therearestrangeandterribledaysbeforeus。

Letusnotbetwo，butone，thatsoweworktoagoodend。

Willyounothavefaithinme？”

Itookhishand，andpromisedhim。Iheldmydooropenashewentaway，andwatchedhimgotohisroomandclosethedoor。

AsIstoodwithoutmoving，Isawoneofthemaidspasssilentlyalongthepassage，shehadherbacktome，sodidnotseeme，andgointotheroomwhereLucylay。Thesighttouchedme。

Devotionissorare，andwearesogratefultothosewhoshowitunaskedtothosewelove。Herewasapoorgirlputtingasidetheterrorswhichshenaturallyhadofdeathtogowatchalonebythebierofthemistresswhomsheloved，sothatthepoorclaymightnotbelonelytilllaidtoeternalrest。

Imusthavesleptlongandsoundly，foritwasbroaddaylightwhenVanHelsingwakedmebycomingintomyroom。Hecameovertomybedsideandsaid，“Youneednottroubleabouttheknives。

Weshallnotdoit。“

“Whynot？”Iasked。Forhissolemnityofthenightbeforehadgreatlyimpressedme。

“Because，“hesaidsternly，“itistoolate，ortooearly。See！”Hereheheldupthelittlegoldencrucifix。

“Thiswasstoleninthenight。“

“Howstolen，“Iaskedinwonder，“sinceyouhaveitnow？”

“BecauseIgetitbackfromtheworthlesswretchwhostoleit，fromthewomanwhorobbedthedeadandtheliving。

Herpunishmentwillsurelycome，butnotthroughme。

Sheknewnotaltogetherwhatshedid，andthusunknowing，sheonlystole。Nowwemustwait。“Hewentawayontheword，leavingmewithanewmysterytothinkof，anewpuzzletograpplewith。

Theforenoonwasadrearytime，butatnoonthesolicitorcame，Mr。Marquand，ofWholeman，Sons，Marquand&Lidderdale。

Hewasverygenialandveryappreciativeofwhatwehaddone，andtookoffourhandsallcaresastodetails。DuringlunchhetoldusthatMrs。Westenrahadforsometimeexpectedsuddendeathfromherheart，andhadputheraffairsinabsoluteorder。

Heinformedusthat，withtheexceptionofacertainentailedpropertyofLucy\'sfatherwhichnow，indefaultofdirectissue，wentbacktoadistantbranchofthefamily，thewholeestate，realandpersonal，wasleftabsolutelytoArthurHolmwood。

Whenhehadtoldussomuchhewenton，“Franklywedidourbesttopreventsuchatestamentarydisposition，andpointedoutcertaincontingenciesthatmightleaveherdaughtereitherpennilessornotsofreeassheshouldbetoactregardingamatrimonialalliance。Indeed，wepressedthemattersofarthatwealmostcameintocollision，forsheaskedusifwewereorwerenotpreparedtocarryoutherwishes。

Ofcourse，wehadthennoalternativebuttoaccept。

Wewererightinprinciple，andninety-ninetimesoutofahundredweshouldhaveproved，bythelogicofevents，theaccuracyofourjudgment。

“Frankly，however，Imustadmitthatinthiscaseanyotherformofdispositionwouldhaverenderedimpossiblethecarryingoutofherwishes。

Forbyherpredeceasingherdaughterthelatterwouldhavecomeintopossessionoftheproperty，and，evenhadsheonlysurvivedhermotherbyfiveminutes，herpropertywould，incasetherewerenowill，andawillwasapracticalimpossibilityinsuchacase，havebeentreatedatherdeceaseasunderintestacy。InwhichcaseLordGodalming，thoughsodearafriend，wouldhavehadnoclaimintheworld。

Andtheinheritors，beingremote，wouldnotbelikelytoabandontheirjustrights，forsentimentalreasonsregardinganentirestranger。

Iassureyou，mydearsirs，Iamrejoicedattheresult，perfectlyrejoiced。“

Hewasagoodfellow，buthisrejoicingattheonelittlepart，inwhichhewasofficiallyinterested，ofsogreatatragedy，wasanobject-lessoninthelimitationsofsympatheticunderstanding。

Hedidnotremainlong，butsaidhewouldlookinlaterinthedayandseeLordGodalming。Hiscoming，however，hadbeenacertaincomforttous，sinceitassuredusthatweshouldnothavetodreadhostilecriticismastoanyofouracts。Arthurwasexpectedatfiveo\'clock，soalittlebeforethattimewevisitedthedeathchamber。

Itwassoinverytruth，fornowbothmotheranddaughterlayinit。

Theundertaker，truetohiscraft，hadmadethebestdisplayhecouldofhisgoods，andtherewasamortuaryairabouttheplacethatloweredourspiritsatonce。

VanHelsingorderedtheformerarrangementtobeadheredto，explainingthat，asLordGodalmingwascomingverysoon，itwouldbelessharrowingtohisfeelingstoseeallthatwasleftofhisfianceequitealone。

Theundertakerseemedshockedathisownstupidityandexertedhimselftorestorethingstotheconditioninwhichweleftthemthenightbefore，sothatwhenArthurcamesuchshockstohisfeelingsaswecouldavoidweresaved。

Poorfellow！Helookeddesperatelysadandbroken。Evenhisstalwartmanhoodseemedtohaveshrunksomewhatunderthestrainofhismuch-triedemotions。

Hehad，Iknew，beenverygenuinelyanddevotedlyattachedtohisfather，andtolosehim，andatsuchatime，wasabitterblowtohim。

Withmehewaswarmasever，andtoVanHelsinghewassweetlycourteous。

ButIcouldnothelpseeingthattherewassomeconstraintwithhim。

Theprofessornoticedittoo，andmotionedmetobringhimupstairs。

Ididso，andlefthimatthedooroftheroom，asIfelthewouldliketobequitealonewithher，buthetookmyarmandledmein，sayinghuskily，“Youlovedhertoo，oldfellow。Shetoldmeallaboutit，andtherewasnofriendhadacloserplaceinherheartthanyou。

Idon\'tknowhowtothankyouforallyouhavedoneforher。

Ican\'tthinkyet……“

Herehesuddenlybrokedown，andthrewhisarmsroundmyshouldersandlaidhisheadonmybreast，crying，“Oh，Jack！Jack！WhatshallIdo？

Thewholeoflifeseemsgonefrommeallatonce，andthereisnothinginthewideworldformetolivefor。“

IcomfortedhimaswellasIcould。Insuchcasesmendonotneedmuchexpression。Agripofthehand，thetighteningofanarmovertheshoulder，asobinunison，areexpressionsofsympathydeartoaman\'sheart。Istoodstillandsilenttillhissobsdiedaway，andthenIsaidsoftlytohim，“Comeandlookather。“

Togetherwemovedovertothebed，andIliftedthelawnfromherface。God！Howbeautifulshewas。

Everyhourseemedtobeenhancingherloveliness。

Itfrightenedandamazedmesomewhat。AndasforArthur，hefelltotrembling，andfinallywasshakenwithdoubtaswithanague。

Atlast，afteralongpause，hesaidtomeinafaintwhisper，“Jack，isshereallydead？”

Iassuredhimsadlythatitwasso，andwentontosuggest，forIfeltthatsuchahorribledoubtshouldnothavelifeforamomentlongerthanI

couldhelp，thatitoftenhappenedthatafterdeathfacesbecomesoftenedandevenresolvedintotheiryouthfulbeauty，thatthiswasespeciallysowhendeathhadbeenprecededbyanyacuteorprolongedsuffering。

Iseemedtoquitedoawaywithanydoubt，andafterkneelingbesidethecouchforawhileandlookingatherlovinglyandlong，heturnedaside。

Itoldhimthatthatmustbegoodbye，asthecoffinhadtobeprepared，sohewentbackandtookherdeadhandinhisandkissedit，andbentoverandkissedherforehead。Hecameaway，fondlylookingbackoverhisshoulderatherashecame。

Ilefthiminthedrawingroom，andtoldVanHelsingthathehadsaidgoodbye，sothelatterwenttothekitchentotelltheundertaker\'smentoproceedwiththepreperationsandtoscrewupthecoffin。WhenhecameoutoftheroomagainItoldhimofArthur\'squestion，andhereplied，“Iamnotsurprised。

JustnowIdoubtedforamomentmyself！”