第8章

Wealldinedtogether，andIcouldseethatpoorArtwastryingtomakethebestofthings。VanHelsinghadbeensilentalldinnertime，butwhenwehadlitourcigarshesaid，“Lord……，butArthurinterruptedhim。

“No，no，notthat，forGod\'ssake！Notyetatanyrate。

Forgiveme，sir。Ididnotmeantospeakoffensively。

Itisonlybecausemylossissorecent。“

TheProfessoransweredverysweetly，“IonlyusedthatnamebecauseIwasindoubt。Imustnotcallyou`Mr。\'andIhavegrowntoloveyou，yes，mydearboy，toloveyou，asArthur。“

Arthurheldouthishand，andtooktheoldman\'swarmly。

“Callmewhatyouwill，“hesaid。“IhopeImayalwayshavethetitleofafriend。AndletmesaythatIamatalossforwordstothankyouforyourgoodnesstomypoordear。“

Hepausedamoment，andwenton，“IknowthatsheunderstoodyourgoodnessevenbetterthanIdo。AndifIwasrudeorinanywaywantingatthattimeyouactedso，youremember，“——

theProfessornodded——“Youmustforgiveme。“

Heansweredwithagravekindness，“Iknowitwashardforyoutoquitetrustmethen，fortotrustsuchviolenceneedstounderstand，andItakeitthatyoudonot，thatyoucannot，trustmenow，foryoudonotyetunderstand。AndtheremaybemoretimeswhenIshallwantyoutotrustwhenyoucannot，andmaynot，andmustnotyetunderstand。

Butthetimewillcomewhenyourtrustshallbewholeandcompleteinme，andwhenyoushallunderstandasthoughthesunlighthimselfshonethrough。

Thenyoushallblessmefromfirsttolastforyourownsake，andforthesakeofothers，andforherdearsaketowhomIsworetoprotect。“

“Andindeed，indeed，sir，“saidArthurwarmly。“Ishallinallwaystrustyou。Iknowandbelieveyouhaveaverynobleheart，andyouareJack\'sfriend，andyouwerehers。

Youshalldowhatyoulike。“

TheProfessorclearedhisthroatacoupleoftimes，asthoughabouttospeak，andfinallysaid，“MayIaskyousomethingnow？”

“Certainly。“

“YouknowthatMrs。Westenraleftyouallherproperty？”

“No，poordear。Ineverthoughtofit。“

“Andasitisallyours，youhavearighttodealwithitasyouwill。

IwantyoutogivemepermissiontoreadallMissLucy\'spapersandletters。

Believeme，itisnoidlecuriosity。Ihaveamotiveofwhich，besure，shewouldhaveapproved。Ihavethemallhere。Itookthembeforeweknewthatallwasyours，sothatnostrangehandmighttouchthem，nostrangeeyelookthroughwordsintohersoul。Ishallkeepthem，ifImay。Evenyoumaynotseethemyet，butIshallkeepthemsafe。

Nowordshallbelost，andinthegoodtimeIshallgivethembacktoyou。

ItisahardthingthatIask，butyouwilldoit，willyounot，forLucy\'ssake？”

Arthurspokeoutheartily，likehisoldself，“Dr。VanHelsing，youmaydowhatyouwill。IfeelthatinsayingthisIamdoingwhatmydearonewouldhaveapproved。Ishallnottroubleyouwithquestionstillthetimecomes。“

TheoldProfessorstoodupashesaidsolemnly，“Andyouareright。

Therewillbepainforusall，butitwillnotbeallpain，norwillthispainbethelast。Weandyoutoo，youmostofall，dearboy，willhavetopassthroughthebitterwaterbeforewereachthesweet。

Butwemustbebraveofheartandunselfish，anddoourduty，andallwillbewell！”

IsleptonasofainArthur\'sroomthatnight。VanHelsingdidnotgotobedatall。Hewenttoandfro，asifpatrolingthehouse，andwasneveroutofsightoftheroomwhereLucylayinhercoffin，strewnwiththewildgarlicflowers，whichsentthroughtheodoroflilyandrose，aheavy，overpoweringsmellintothenight。

MINAHARKER\'SJOURNAL

22September——InthetraintoExeter。Jonathansleeping。

Itseemsonlyyesterdaythatthelastentrywasmade，andyethowmuchbetweenthen，inWhitbyandalltheworldbeforeme，Jonathanawayandnonewsofhim，andnow，marriedtoJonathan，Jonathanasolicitor，apartner，rich，masterofhisbusiness，Mr。Hawkinsdeadandburied，andJonathanwithanotherattackthatmayharmhim。Somedayhemayaskmeaboutit。

Downitallgoes。Iamrustyinmyshorthand，seewhatunexpectedprosperitydoesforus，soitmaybeaswelltofreshenitupagainwithanexerciseanyhow。

Theservicewasverysimpleandverysolemn。Therewereonlyourselvesandtheservantsthere，oneortwooldfriendsofhisfromExeter，hisLondonagent，andagentlemanrepresentingSirJohnPaxton，thePresidentoftheIncorporatedLawSociety。

JonathanandIstoodhandinhand，andwefeltthatourbestanddearestfriendwasgonefromus。

Wecamebacktotownquietly，takingabustoHydeParkCorner。

JonathanthoughtitwouldinterestmetogointotheRowforawhile，sowesatdown。Buttherewereveryfewpeoplethere，anditwassad-lookinganddesolatetoseesomanyemptychairs。

Itmadeusthinkoftheemptychairathome。SowegotupandwalkeddownPiccadilly。Jonathanwasholdingmebythearm，thewayheusedtointheolddaysbeforeIwenttoschool。

Ifeltitveryimproper，foryoucan\'tgoonforsomeyearsteachingetiquetteanddecorumtoothergirlswithoutthepedantryofitbitingintoyourselfabit。ButitwasJonathan，andhewasmyhusband，andwedidn\'tknowanybodywhosawus，andwedidn\'tcareiftheydid，soonwewalked。

Iwaslookingataverybeautifulgirl，inabigcart-wheelhat，sittinginavictoriaoutsideGuiliano\'s，whenIfeltJonathanclutchmyarmsotightthathehurtme，andhesaidunderhisbreath，“MyGod！”

IamalwaysanxiousaboutJonathan，forIfearthatsomenervousfitmayupsethimagain。SoIturnedtohimquickly，andaskedhimwhatitwasthatdisturbedhim。

Hewasverypale，andhiseyesseemedbulgingoutas，halfinterrorandhalfinamazement，hegazedatatall，thinman，withabeakynoseandblackmoustacheandpointedbeard，whowasalsoobservingtheprettygirl。Hewaslookingathersohardthathedidnotseeeitherofus，andsoIhadagoodviewofhim。

Hisfacewasnotagoodface。Itwashard，andcruel，andsensual，andbigwhiteteeth，thatlookedallthewhiterbecausehislipsweresored，werepointedlikeananimal\'s。

Jonathankeptstaringathim，tillIwasafraidhewouldnotice。

Ifearedhemighttakeitill，helookedsofierceandnasty。

IaskedJonathanwhyhewasdisturbed，andheanswered，evidentlythinkingthatIknewasmuchaboutitashedid，“Doyouseewhoitis？”

“No，dear，“Isaid。“Idon\'tknowhim，whoisit？”

Hisanswerseemedtoshockandthrillme，foritwassaidasifhedidnotknowthatitwasme，Mina，towhomhewasspeaking。

“Itisthemanhimself！”

Thepoordearwasevidentlyterrifiedatsomething，verygreatlyterrified。

Idobelievethatifhehadnothadmetoleanonandtosupporthimhewouldhavesunkdown。Hekeptstaring。Amancameoutoftheshopwithasmallparcel，andgaveittothelady，whothendroveoff。

Thedarkmankepthiseyesfixedonher，andwhenthecarriagemovedupPiccadillyhefollowedinthesamedirection，andhailedahansom。

Jonathankeptlookingafterhim，andsaid，asiftohimself，“IbelieveitistheCount，buthehasgrownyoung。MyGod，ifthisbeso！Oh，myGod！MyGod！IfonlyIknew！IfonlyIknew！”

HewasdistressinghimselfsomuchthatIfearedtokeephismindonthesubjectbyaskinghimanyquestions，soIremainedsilent。

Idrewawayquietly，andhe，holdingmyarm，cameeasily。

Wewalkedalittlefurther，andthenwentinandsatforawhileintheGreenPark。Itwasahotdayforautumn，andtherewasacomfortableseatinashadyplace。

Afterafewminutes\'staringatnothing，Jonathan\'seyesclosed，andhewentquicklyintoasleep，withhisheadonmyshoulder。

Ithoughtitwasthebestthingforhim，sodidnotdisturbhim。

Inabouttwentyminuteshewokeup，andsaidtomequitecheerfully，“Why，Mina，haveIbeenasleep！Oh，doforgivemeforbeingsorude。

Come，andwe\'llhaveacupofteasomewhere。“

Hehadevidentlyforgottenallaboutthedarkstranger，asinhisillnesshehadforgottenallthatthisepisodehadremindedhimof。Idon\'tlikethislapsingintoforgetfulness。

Itmaymakeorcontinuesomeinjurytothebrain。

Imustnotaskhim，forfearIshalldomoreharmthangood，butImustsomehowlearnthefactsofhisjourneyabroad。

Thetimeiscome，Ifear，whenImustopentheparcel，andknowwhatiswritten。Oh，Jonathan，youwill，Iknow，forgivemeifIdowrong，butitisforyourowndearsake。

Later——Asadhomecomingineveryway，thehouseemptyofthedearsoulwhowassogoodtous。Jonathanstillpaleanddizzyunderaslightrelapseofhismalady，andnowatelegramfromVanHelsing，whoeverhemaybe。

“YouwillbegrievedtohearthatMrs。Westenradiedfivedaysago，andthatLucydiedthedaybeforeyesterday。

Theywerebothburiedtoday。“

Oh，whatawealthofsorrowinafewwords！PoorMrs。Westenra！

PoorLucy！Gone，gone，nevertoreturntous！Andpoor，poorArthur，tohavelostsuchasweetnessoutofhislife！

Godhelpusalltobearourtroubles。

DR。SEWARD\'SDIARY-CONT。

22September——Itisallover。ArthurhasgonebacktoRing，andhastakenQuinceyMorriswithhim。WhatafinefellowisQuincey！IbelieveinmyheartofheartsthathesufferedasmuchaboutLucy\'sdeathasanyofus，butheborehimselfthroughitlikeamoralViking。IfAmericacangoonbreedingmenlikethat，shewillbeapowerintheworldindeed。

VanHelsingislyingdown，havingarestpreparatorytohisjourney。

HegoestoAmsterdamtonight，butsayshereturnstomorrownight，thatheonlywantstomakesomearrangementswhichcanonlybemadepersonally。Heistostopwithmethen，ifhecan。

HesayshehasworktodoinLondonwhichmaytakehimsometime。

Pooroldfellow！Ifearthatthestrainofthepastweekhasbrokendownevenhisironstrength。Allthetimeoftheburialhewas，Icouldsee，puttingsometerriblerestraintonhimself。

Whenitwasallover，wewerestandingbesideArthur，who，poorfellow，wasspeakingofhispartintheoperationwherehisbloodhadbeentransfusedtohisLucy\'sveins。

IcouldseeVanHelsing\'sfacegrowwhiteandpurplebyturns。

Arthurwassayingthathefeltsincethenasiftheytwohadbeenreallymarried，andthatshewashiswifeinthesightofGod。

Noneofussaidawordoftheotheroperations，andnoneofusevershall。ArthurandQuinceywentawaytogethertothestation，andVanHelsingandIcameonhere。

Themomentwewerealoneinthecarriagehegavewaytoaregularfitofhysterics。Hehasdeniedtomesincethatitwashysterics，andinsistedthatitwasonlyhissenseofhumorassertingitselfunderveryterribleconditions。

Helaughedtillhecried，andIhadtodrawdowntheblindslestanyoneshouldseeusandmisjudge。Andthenhecried，tillhelaughedagain，andlaughedandcriedtogether，justasawomandoes。Itriedtobesternwithhim，asoneistoawomanunderthecircumstances，butithadnoeffect。

Menandwomenaresodifferentinmanifestationsofnervousstrengthorweakness！ThenwhenhisfacegrewgraveandsternagainIaskedhimwhyhismirth，andwhyatsuchatime。

Hisreplywasinawaycharacteristicofhim，foritwaslogicalandforcefulandmysterious。Hesaid，“Ah，youdon\'tcomprehend，friendJohn。DonotthinkthatIamnotsad，thoughIlaugh。See，Ihavecriedevenwhenthelaughdidchokeme。ButnomorethinkthatIamallsorrywhenIcry，forthelaughhecomejustthesame。Keepitalwayswithyouthatlaughterwhoknockatyourdoorandsay，`MayIcomein？\'

isnottruelaughter。No！Heisaking，andhecomewhenandhowhelike。Heasknoperson，hechoosenotimeofsuitability。

Hesay，`Iamhere。\'Behold，inexampleIgrievemyheartoutforthatsosweetyounggirl。Igivemybloodforher，thoughIamoldandworn。Igivemytime，myskill，mysleep。

Iletmyothersuffererswantthatshemayhaveall。

AndyetIcanlaughatherverygrave，laughwhentheclayfromthespadeofthesextondropuponhercoffinandsay`Thud，thud！\'

tomyheart，tillitsendbackthebloodfrommycheek。

Myheartbleedforthatpoorboy，thatdearboy，sooftheageofmineownboyhadIbeensoblessedthathelive，andwithhishairandeyesthesame。

“There，youknownowwhyIlovehimso。Andyetwhenhesaythingsthattouchmyhusband-hearttothequick，andmakemyfather-heartyearntohimastonootherman，notevenyou，friendJohn，forwearemorelevelinexperiencesthanfatherandson，yetevenatsuchamomentKingLaughhecometomeandshoutandbellowinmyear，`HereIam！

HereIam！\'tillthebloodcomedancebackandbringsomeofthesunshinethathecarrywithhimtomycheek。

Oh，friendJohn，itisastrangeworld，asadworld，aworldfullofmiseries，andwoes，andtroubles。AndyetwhenKingLaughcome，hemakethemalldancetothetuneheplay。

Bleedinghearts，anddrybonesofthechurchyard，andtearsthatburnastheyfall，alldancetogethertothemusicthathemakewiththatsmilelessmouthofhim。Andbelieveme，friendJohn，thatheisgoodtocome，andkind。Ah，wemenandwomenarelikeropesdrawntightwithstrainthatpullusdifferentways。

Thentearscome，andliketherainontheropes，theybraceusup，untilperhapsthestrainbecometoogreat，andwebreak。

ButKingLaughhecomelikethesunshine，andheeaseoffthestrainagain，andwebeartogoonwithourlabor，whatitmaybe。“

Ididnotliketowoundhimbypretendingnottoseehisidea，butasIdidnotyetunderstandthecauseofhislaughter，Iaskedhim。

Asheansweredmehisfacegrewstern，andhesaidinquiteadifferenttone，“Oh，itwasthegrimironyofitall，thissolovelyladygarlandedwithflowers，thatlookedsofairaslife，tillonebyonewewonderedifsheweretrulydead，shelaidinthatsofinemarblehouseinthatlonelychurchyard，whererestsomanyofherkin，laidtherewiththemotherwholovedher，andwhomsheloved，andthatsacredbellgoing“Toll！Toll！Toll！\'sosadandslow，andthoseholymen，withthewhitegarmentsoftheangel，pretendingtoreadbooks，andyetallthetimetheireyesneveronthepage，andallofuswiththebowedhead。Andallforwhat？

Sheisdead，so！Isitnot？”

“Well，forthelifeofme，Professor，“Isaid，“Ican\'tseeanythingtolaughatinallthat。Why，yourexpressionmakesitaharderpuzzlethanbefore。Buteveniftheburialservicewascomic，whataboutpoorArtandhistrouble？

Whyhisheartwassimplybreaking。“

“Justso。Saidhenotthatthetransfusionofhisbloodtoherveinshadmadehertrulyhisbride？”

“Yes，anditwasasweetandcomfortingideaforhim。“

“Quiteso。Buttherewasadifficulty，friendJohn。

Ifsothat，thenwhatabouttheothers？Ho，ho！Thenthissosweetmaidisapolyandrist，andme，withmypoorwifedeadtome，butalivebyChurch\'slaw，thoughnowits，allgone，evenI，whoamfaithfulhusbandtothisnow-no-wife，ambigamist。“

“Idon\'tseewherethejokecomesinthereeither！”Isaid，andI

didnotfeelparticularlypleasedwithhimforsayingsuchthings。

Helaidhishandonmyarm，andsaid，“FriendJohn，forgivemeifIpain。Ishowednotmyfeelingtootherswhenitwouldwound，butonlytoyou，myoldfriend，whomIcantrust。

IfyoucouldhavelookedintomyheartthenwhenIwanttolaugh，ifyoucouldhavedonesowhenthelaugharrived，ifyoucoulddosonow，whenKingLaughhavepackuphiscrown，andallthatistohim，forhegofar，farawayfromme，andforalong，longtime，maybeyouwouldperhapspitymethemostofall。“

Iwastouchedbythetendernessofhistone，andaskedwhy。

“BecauseIknow！”

Andnowweareallscattered，andformanyalongdaylonelinesswillsitoverourroofswithbroodingwings。Lucyliesinthetombofherkin，alordlydeathhouseinalonelychurchyard，awayfromteemingLondon，wheretheairisfresh，andthesunrisesoverHampsteadHill，andwherewildflowersgrowoftheirownaccord。

SoIcanfinishthisdiary，andGodonlyknowsifIshalleverbeginanother。

IfIdo，orifIevenopenthisagain，itwillbetodealwithdifferentpeopleanddifferentthemes，forhereattheend，wheretheromanceofmylifeistold，ereIgobacktotakeupthethreadofmylife-work，Isaysadlyandwithouthope，“FINIS“。

THEWESTMINSTERGAZETTE，25SEPTEMBERAHAMPSTEADMYSTERY

TheneighborhoodofHampsteadisjustatpresentexercisedwithaseriesofeventswhichseemtorunonlinesparalleltothoseofwhatwasknowntothewritersofheadlinesand“TheKensingtonHorror，“or“TheStabbingWoman，“

or“TheWomaninBlack。“DuringthepasttwoorthreedaysseveralcaseshaveoccurredofyoungchildrenstrayingfromhomeorneglectingtoreturnfromtheirplayingontheHeath。

Inallthesecasesthechildrenweretooyoungtogiveanyproperlyintelligibleaccountofthemselves，buttheconsensusoftheirexcusesisthattheyhadbeenwitha“blooferlady。“

Ithasalwaysbeenlateintheeveningwhentheyhavebeenmissed，andontwooccasionsthechildrenhavenotbeenfounduntilearlyinthefollowingmorning。

Itisgenerallysupposedintheneighborhoodthat，asthefirstchildmissedgaveashisreasonforbeingawaythata“blooferlady“hadaskedhimtocomeforawalk，theothershadpickedupthephraseanduseditasoccasionserved。

Thisisthemorenaturalasthefavoritegameofthelittleonesatpresentisluringeachotherawaybywiles。

Acorrespondentwritesusthattoseesomeofthetinytotspretendingtobethe“blooferlady“issupremelyfunny。

Someofourcaricaturistsmight，hesays，takealessonintheironyofgrotesquebycomparingtherealityandthepicture。

Itisonlyinaccordancewithgeneralprinciplesofhumannaturethatthe“blooferlady“shouldbethepopularroleatthesealfrescoperformances。OurcorrespondentnaivelysaysthatevenEllenTerrycouldnotbesowinninglyattractiveassomeofthesegrubby-facedlittlechildrenpretend，andevenimaginethemselves，tobe。

Thereis，however，possiblyaserioussidetothequestion，forsomeofthechildren，indeedallwhohavebeenmissedatnight，havebeenslightlytornorwoundedinthethroat。

Thewoundsseemsuchasmightbemadebyaratorasmalldog，andalthoughofnotmuchimportanceindividually，wouldtendtoshowthatwhateveranimalinflictsthemhasasystemormethodofitsown。Thepoliceofthedivisionhavebeeninstructedtokeepasharplookoutforstrayingchildren，especiallywhenveryyoung，inandaroundHampsteadHeath，andforanystraydogwhichmaybeabout。

THEWESTMINSTERGAZETTE，25SEPTEMBEREXTRASPECIAL

THEHAMPSTEADHORROR

ANOTHERCHILDINJURED

THE“BLOOFERLADY“

Wehavejustreceivedintelligencethatanotherchild，missedlastnight，wasonlydiscoveredlateinthemorningunderafurzebushattheShooter\'sHillsideofHampsteadHeath，whichisperhaps，lessfrequentedthantheotherparts。

Ithasthesametinywoundinthethroatashasbeennoticedinothercases。Itwasterriblyweak，andlookedquiteemaciated。

Ittoo，whenpartiallyrestored，hadthecommonstorytotellofbeingluredawaybythe“blooferlady“。

CHAPTER14

MINAHARKER\'SJOURNAL

23September——Jonathanisbetterafterabadnight。

Iamsogladthathehasplentyofworktodo，forthatkeepshismindofftheterriblethings，andoh，Iamrejoicedthatheisnotnowweigheddownwiththeresponsibilityofhisnewposition。

Iknewhewouldbetruetohimself，andnowhowproudIamtoseemyJonathanrisingtotheheightofhisadvancementandkeepingpaceinallwayswiththedutiesthatcomeuponhim。Hewillbeawayalldaytilllate，forhesaidhecouldnotlunchathome。

Myhouseholdworkisdone，soIshalltakehisforeignjournal，andlockmyselfupinmyroomandreadit。

24September——Ihadn\'tthehearttowritelastnight，thatterriblerecordofJonathan\'supsetmeso。Poordear！

Howhemusthavesuffered，whetheritbetrueoronlyimagination。

Iwonderifthereisanytruthinitatall。Didhegethisbrainfever，andthenwriteallthoseterriblethings，orhadhesomecauseforitall？IsupposeIshallneverknow，forIdarenotopenthesubjecttohim。Andyetthatmanwesawyesterday！Heseemedquitecertainofhim，poorfellow！

Isupposeitwasthefuneralupsethimandsenthismindbackonsometrainofthought。

Hebelievesitallhimself。Irememberhowonourweddingdayhesaid“Unlesssomesolemndutycomeuponmetogobacktothebitterhours，asleeporawake，madorsane……“Thereseemstobethroughitallsomethreadofcontinuity。

ThatfearfulCountwascomingtoLondon。Ifitshouldbe，andhecametoLondon，withitsteemingmillions……Theremaybeasolemnduty，andifitcomewemustnotshrinkfromit。

Ishallbeprepared。Ishallgetmytypewriterthisveryhourandbegintranscribing。Thenweshallbereadyforothereyesifrequired。Andifitbewanted，then，perhaps，ifIamready，poorJonathanmaynotbeupset，forIcanspeakforhimandneverlethimbetroubledorworriedwithitatall。

IfeverJonathanquitegetsoverthenervousnesshemaywanttotellmeofitall，andIcanaskhimquestionsandfindoutthings，andseehowImaycomforthim。

LETTER，VANHELSINGTOMRS。HARKER

24September(Confidence)

“DearMadam，“Iprayyoutopardonmywriting，inthatIamsofarfriendasthatIsenttoyousadnewsofMissLucyWestenra\'sdeath。

BythekindnessofLordGodalming，Iamempoweredtoreadherlettersandpapers，forIamdeeplyconcernedaboutcertainmattersvitallyimportant。InthemIfindsomelettersfromyou，whichshowhowgreatfriendsyouwereandhowyouloveher。

Oh，MadamMina，bythatlove，Iimploreyou，helpme。

Itisforothers\'goodthatIask，toredressgreatwrong，andtoliftmuchandterribletroubles，thatmaybemoregreatthanyoucanknow。MayitbethatIseeyou？Youcantrustme。

IamfriendofDr。JohnSewardandofLordGodalming(thatwasArthurofMissLucy)。Imustkeepitprivateforthepresentfromall。IshouldcometoExetertoseeyouatonceifyoutellmeIamprivilegetocome，andwhereandwhen。

Iimploreyourpardon，Madam。IhavereadyourletterstopoorLucy，andknowhowgoodyouareandhowyourhusbandsuffer。

SoIprayyou，ifitmaybe，enlightenhimnot，leastitmayharm。

Againyourpardon，andforgiveme。

“VANHELSING“

TELEGRAM，MRS。HARKERTOVANHELSING

25September——Cometodaybyquarterpasttentrainifyoucancatchit。

Canseeyouanytimeyoucall。“WILHELMINAHARKER“

MINAHARKER\'SJOURNAL

25September——IcannothelpfeelingterriblyexcitedasthetimedrawsnearforthevisitofDr。VanHelsing，forsomehowIexpectthatitwillthrowsomelightuponJonathan\'ssadexperience，andasheattendedpoordearLucyinherlastillness，hecantellmeallabouther。Thatisthereasonofhiscoming。

ItisconcerningLucyandhersleep-walking，andnotaboutJonathan。

ThenIshallneverknowtherealtruthnow！HowsillyIam。

Thatawfuljournalgetsholdofmyimaginationandtingeseverythingwithsomethingofitsowncolor。OfcourseitisaboutLucy。Thathabitcamebacktothepoordear，andthatawfulnightonthecliffmusthavemadeherill。

Ihadalmostforgotteninmyownaffairshowillshewasafterwards。

Shemusthavetoldhimofhersleep-walkingadventureonthecliff，andthatIknewallaboutit，andnowhewantsmetotellhimwhatIknow，sothathemayunderstand。

IhopeIdidrightinnotsayinganythingofittoMrs。Westenra。

Ishouldneverforgivemyselfifanyactofmine，wereitevenanegativeone，broughtharmonpoordearLucy。

Ihopetoo，Dr。VanHelsingwillnotblameme。

IhavehadsomuchtroubleandanxietyoflatethatIfeelI

cannotbearmorejustatpresent。

Isupposeacrydoesusallgoodattimes，clearstheairasotherraindoes。Perhapsitwasreadingthejournalyesterdaythatupsetme，andthenJonathanwentawaythismorningtostayawayfrommeawholedayandnight，thefirsttimewehavebeenpartedsinceourmarriage。Idohopethedearfellowwilltakecareofhimself，andthatnothingwilloccurtoupsethim。

Itistwoo\'clock，andthedoctorwillbeheresoonnow。

IshallsaynothingofJonathan\'sjournalunlessheasksme。

IamsogladIhavetypewrittenoutmyownjournal，sothat，incaseheasksaboutLucy，Icanhandittohim。

Itwillsavemuchquestioning。

Later——Hehascomeandgone。Oh，whatastrangemeeting，andhowitallmakesmyheadwhirlround。Ifeellikeoneinadream。Canitbeallpossible，orevenapartofit？

IfIhadnotreadJonathan\'sjournalfirst，Ishouldneverhaveacceptedevenapossibility。Poor，poor，dearJonathan！

Howhemusthavesuffered。PleasethegoodGod，allthismaynotupsethimagain。Ishalltrytosavehimfromit。

Butitmaybeevenaconsolationandahelptohim，terriblethoughitbeandawfulinitsconsequences，toknowforcertainthathiseyesandearsandbraindidnotdeceivehim，andthatitisalltrue。Itmaybethatitisthedoubtwhichhauntshim，thatwhenthedoubtisremoved，nomatterwhich，wakingordreaming，mayprovethetruth，hewillbemoresatisfiedandbetterabletobeartheshock。

Dr。VanHelsingmustbeagoodmanaswellasacleveroneifheisArthur\'sfriendandDr。Seward\'s，andiftheybroughthimallthewayfromHollandtolookafterLucy。Ifeelfromhavingseenhimthatheisgoodandkindandofanoblenature。

WhenhecomestomorrowIshallaskhimaboutJonathan。Andthen，pleaseGod，allthissorrowandanxietymayleadtoagoodend。

IusedtothinkIwouldliketopracticeinterviewing。

Jonathan\'sfriendon“TheExeterNews“toldhimthatmemoryiseverythinginsuchwork，thatyoumustbeabletoputdownexactlyalmosteverywordspoken，evenifyouhadtorefinesomeofitafterwards。Herewasarareinterview。

Ishalltrytorecorditverbatim。

Itwashalf-pasttwoo\'clockwhentheknockcame。

Itookmycourageadeuxmainsandwaited。InafewminutesMaryopenedthedoor，andannounced“Dr。VanHelsing“。

Iroseandbowed，andhecametowardsme，amanofmediumweight，stronglybuilt，withhisshoulderssetbackoverabroad，deepchestandaneckwellbalancedonthetrunkastheheadisontheneck。

Thepoiseoftheheadstrikesmeatonceasindicativeofthoughtandpower。

Theheadisnoble，well-sized，broad，andlargebehindtheears。

Theface，clean-shaven，showsahard，squarechin，alargeresolute，mobilemouth，agood-sizednose，ratherstraight，butwithquick，sensitivenostrils，thatseemtobroadenasthebigbushybrowscomedownandthemouthtightens。Theforeheadisbroadandfine，risingatfirstalmoststraightandthenslopingbackabovetwobumpsorridgeswideapart，suchaforeheadthatthereddishhaircannotpossiblytumbleoverit，butfallsnaturallybackandtothesides。Big，darkblueeyesaresetwidelyapart，andarequickandtenderorsternwiththeman\'smoods。

Hesaidtome，“Mrs。Harker，isitnot？”Ibowedassent。

“ThatwasMissMinaMurray？”AgainIassented。

“ItisMinaMurraythatIcametoseethatwasfriendofthatpoordearchildLucyWestenra。MadamMina，itisonaccountofthedeadthatIcome。“

“Sir，“Isaid，“youcouldhavenobetterclaimonmethanthatyouwereafriendandhelperofLucyWestenra。“AndIheldoutmyhand。

Hetookitandsaidtenderly，“Oh，MadamMina，Iknowthatthefriendofthatpoorlittlegirlmustbegood，butIhadyettolearn……“Hefinishedhisspeechwithacourtlybow。

Iaskedhimwhatitwasthathewantedtoseemeabout，soheatoncebegan。

“IhavereadyourletterstoMissLucy。Forgiveme，butI

hadtobegintoinquiresomewhere，andtherewasnonetoask。

IknowthatyouwerewithheratWhitby。Shesometimeskeptadiary，youneednotlooksurprised，MadamMina。

Itwasbegunafteryouhadleft，andwasanimitationofyou，andinthatdiaryshetracesbyinferencecertainthingstoasleep-walkinginwhichsheputsdownthatyousavedher。

IngreatperplexitythenIcometoyou，andaskyououtofyoursomuchkindnesstotellmeallofitthatyoucanremember。“

“Icantellyou，Ithink，Dr。VanHelsing，allaboutit。“

“Ah，thenyouhavegoodmemoryforfacts，fordetails？

Itisnotalwayssowithyoungladies。“

“No，doctor，butIwroteitalldownatthetime。

Icanshowittoyouifyoulike。“

“Oh，MadamMina，Iwellbegrateful。Youwilldomemuchfavor。“

Icouldnotresistthetemptationofmystifyinghimabit，Isupposeitissometasteoftheoriginalapplethatremainsstillinourmouths，soIhandedhimtheshorthanddiary。

Hetookitwithagratefulbow，andsaid，“MayIreadit？”

“Ifyouwish，“IansweredasdemurelyasIcould。

Heopenedit，andforaninstanthisfacefell。

Thenhestoodupandbowed。

“Oh，yousocleverwoman！”hesaid。“IknewlongthatMr。Jonathanwasamanofmuchthankfulness，butsee，hiswifehaveallthegoodthings。

Andwillyounotsomuchhonormeandsohelpmeastoreaditforme？Alas！Iknownottheshorthand。“

Bythistimemylittlejokewasover，andIwasalmostashamed。

SoItookthetypewrittencopyfrommyworkbasketandhandedittohim。

“Forgiveme，“Isaid。“Icouldnothelpit，butIhadbeenthinkingthatitwasofdearLucythatyouwishedtoask，andsothatyoumightnothavetimetowait，notonmyaccount，butbecauseIknowyourtimemustbeprecious，Ihavewrittenitoutonthetypewriterforyou。“

Hetookitandhiseyesglistened。“Youaresogood，“hesaid。

“AndmayIreaditnow？ImaywanttoaskyousomethingswhenIhaveread。“

“Byallmeans，“Isaid。“readitoverwhilstIorderlunch，andthenyoucanaskmequestionswhilstweeat。“

Hebowedandsettledhimselfinachairwithhisbacktothelight，andbecamesoabsorbedinthepapers，whilstIwenttoseeafterlunchchieflyinorderthathemightnotbedisturbed。

WhenIcameback，Ifoundhimwalkinghurriedlyupanddowntheroom，hisfaceallablazewithexcitement。

Herusheduptomeandtookmebybothhands。

“Oh，MadamMina，“hesaid，“howcanIsaywhatIowetoyou？Thispaperisassunshine。Itopensthegatetome。Iamdazed，Iamdazzled，withsomuchlight，andyetcloudsrollinbehindthelighteverytime。

Butthatyoudonot，cannotcomprehend。Oh，butIamgratefultoyou，yousocleverwoman。Madame，“hesaidthisverysolemnly，“ifeverAbrahamVanHelsingcandoanythingforyouoryours，Itrustyouwillletmeknow。

ItwillbepleasureanddelightifImayserveyouasafriend，asafriend，butallIhaveeverlearned，allIcaneverdo，shallbeforyouandthoseyoulove。Therearedarknessesinlife，andtherearelights。

Youareoneofthelights。Youwillhaveahappylifeandagoodlife，andyourhusbandwillbeblessedinyou。“

“But，doctor，youpraisemetoomuch，andyoudonotknowme。“

“Notknowyou，I，whoamold，andwhohavestudiedallmylifemenandwomen，Iwhohavemademyspecialtythebrainandallthatbelongstohimandallthatfollowfromhim！

AndIhavereadyourdiarythatyouhavesogoodlywrittenforme，andwhichbreathesouttruthineveryline。I，whohavereadyoursosweetlettertopoorLucyofyourmarriageandyourtrust，notknowyou！Oh，MadamMina，goodwomentellalltheirlives，andbydayandbyhourandbyminute，suchthingsthatangelscanread。Andwemenwhowishtoknowhaveinussomethingofangels\'eyes。Yourhusbandisnoblenature，andyouarenobletoo，foryoutrust，andtrustcannotbewherethereismeannature。

Andyourhusband，tellmeofhim。Ishequitewell？

Isallthatfevergone，andishestrongandhearty？”

IsawhereanopeningtoaskhimaboutJonathan，soIsaid，“Hewasalmostrecovered，buthehasbeengreatlyupsetbyMr。Hawkinsdeath。“

Heinterrupted，“Oh，yes。Iknow。Iknow。Ihavereadyourlasttwoletters。“

Iwenton，“Isupposethisupsethim，forwhenwewereintownonThursdaylasthehadasortofshock。“

“Ashock，andafterbrainfeversosoon！Thatisnotgood。

Whatkindofshockwasit？”

“Hethoughthesawsomeonewhorecalledsomethingterrible，somethingwhichledtohisbrainfever。“Andherethewholethingseemedtooverwhelmmeinarush。ThepityforJonathan，thehorrorwhichheexperienced，thewholefearfulmysteryofhisdiary，andthefearthathasbeenbroodingovermeeversince，allcameinatumult。

IsupposeIwashysterical，forIthrewmyselfonmykneesandheldupmyhandstohim，andimploredhimtomakemyhusbandwellagain。

Hetookmyhandsandraisedmeup，andmademesitonthesofa，andsatbyme。Heheldmyhandinhis，andsaidtomewith，oh，suchinfinitesweetness，“Mylifeisabarrenandlonelyone，andsofullofworkthatI

havenothadmuchtimeforfriendships，butsinceIhavebeensummonedtoherebymyfriendJohnSewardIhaveknownsomanygoodpeopleandseensuchnobilitythatIfeelmorethanever，andithasgrownwithmyadvancingyears，thelonelinessofmylife。

Believeme，then，thatIcomeherefullofrespectforyou，andyouhavegivenmehope，hope，notinwhatIamseekingof，butthattherearegoodwomenstilllefttomakelifehappy，goodwomen，whoselivesandwhosetruthsmaymakegoodlessonforthechildrenthataretobe。Iamglad，glad，thatI

mayherebeofsomeusetoyou。Forifyourhusbandsuffer，hesufferwithintherangeofmystudyandexperience。

IpromiseyouthatIwillgladlydoallforhimthatIcan，alltomakehislifestrongandmanly，andyourlifeahappyone。

Nowyoumusteat。Youareoverwroughtandperhapsover-anxious。

HusbandJonathanwouldnotliketoseeyousopale，andwhathelikenotwherehelove，isnottohisgood。

Thereforeforhissakeyoumusteatandsmile。YouhavetoldmeaboutLucy，andsonowweshallnotspeakofit，lestitdistress。

IshallstayinExetertonight，forIwanttothinkmuchoverwhatyouhavetoldme，andwhenIhavethoughtIwillaskyouquestions，ifImay。Andthentoo，youwilltellmeofhusbandJonathan\'stroublesofarasyoucan，butnotyet。

Youmusteatnow，afterwardsyoushalltellmeall。“

Afterlunch，whenwewentbacktothedrawingroom，hesaidtome，“Andnowtellmeallabouthim。“

Whenitcametospeakingtothisgreatlearnedman，Ibegantofearthathewouldthinkmeaweakfool，andJonathanamadman，thatjournalisallsostrange，andIhesitatedtogoon。

Buthewassosweetandkind，andhehadpromisedtohelp，andItrustedhim，soIsaid，“Dr。VanHelsing，whatIhavetotellyouissoqueerthatyoumustnotlaughatmeoratmyhusband。

Ihavebeensinceyesterdayinasortoffeverofdoubt。

Youmustbekindtome，andnotthinkmefoolishthatIhaveevenhalfbelievedsomeverystrangethings。“

Hereassuredmebyhismanneraswellashiswordswhenhesaid，“Oh，mydear，ifyouonlyknowhowstrangeisthematterregardingwhichIamhere，itisyouwhowouldlaugh。

Ihavelearnednottothinklittleofanyone\'sbelief，nomatterhowstrangeitmaybe。Ihavetriedtokeepanopenmind，anditisnottheordinarythingsoflifethatcouldcloseit，butthestrangethings，theextraordinarythings，thethingsthatmakeonedoubtiftheybemadorsane。“

“Thankyou，thankyouathousandtimes！Youhavetakenaweightoffmymind。

Ifyouwillletme，Ishallgiveyouapapertoread。Itislong，butIhavetypewrittenitout。ItwilltellyoumytroubleandJonathan\'s。

Itisthecopyofhisjournalwhenabroad，andallthathappened。

Idarenotsayanythingofit。Youwillreadforyourselfandjudge。

AndthenwhenIseeyou，perhaps，youwillbeverykindandtellmewhatyouthink。“

“Ipromise，“hesaidasIgavehimthepapers。“Ishallinthemorning，assoonasIcan，cometoseeyouandyourhusband，ifImay。“

“Jonathanwillbehereathalf-pasteleven，andyoumustcometolunchwithusandseehimthen。Youcouldcatchthequick3：34train，whichwillleaveyouatPaddingtonbeforeeight。“

Hewassurprisedatmyknowledgeofthetrainsoffhand，buthedoesnotknowthatIhavemadeupallthetrainstoandfromExeter，sothatImayhelpJonathanincaseheisinahurry。

Sohetookthepaperswithhimandwentaway，andIsitherethinking，thinkingIdon\'tknowwhat。

LETTER(byhand)，VANHELSINGTOMRS。HARKER

25September，6o\'clock“DearMadamMina，“Ihavereadyourhusband\'ssowonderfuldiary。Youmaysleepwithoutdoubt。

Strangeandterribleasitis，itistrue！Iwillpledgemylifeonit。

Itmaybeworseforothers，butforhimandyouthereisnodread。

Heisanoblefellow，andletmetellyoufromexperienceofmen，thatonewhowoulddoashedidingoingdownthatwallandtothatroom，aye，andgoingasecondtime，isnotonetobeinjuredinpermanencebyashock。

Hisbrainandhisheartareallright，thisIswear，beforeIhaveevenseenhim，sobeatrest。Ishallhavemuchtoaskhimofotherthings。

IamblessedthattodayIcometoseeyou，forIhavelearnallatoncesomuchthatagainIamdazzled，dazzledmorethanever，andImustthink。

“Yoursthemostfaithful，“AbrahamVanHelsing。“

LETTER，MRS。HARKERTOVANHELSING

25September，6：30P。M。

“MydearDr。VanHelsing，“Athousandthanksforyourkindletter，whichhastakenagreatweightoffmymind。Andyet，ifitbetrue，whatterriblethingsthereareintheworld，andwhatanawfulthingifthatman，thatmonster，bereallyinLondon！Ifeartothink。

Ihavethismoment，whilstwriting，hadawirefromJonathan，sayingthatheleavesbythe6：25tonightfromLauncestonandwillbehereat10：18，sothatIshallhavenofeartonight。

Willyou，therefore，insteadoflunchingwithus，pleasecometobreakfastateighto\'clock，ifthisbenottooearlyforyou？

Youcangetaway，ifyouareinahurry，bythe10：30train，whichwillbringyoutoPaddingtonby2：35。Donotanswerthis，asIshalltakeitthat，ifIdonothear，youwillcometobreakfast。

“Believeme，“Yourfaithfulandgratefulfriend，“MinaHarker。“

JONATHANHARKER\'SJOURNAL

26September——Ithoughtnevertowriteinthisdiaryagain，butthetimehascome。WhenIgothomelastnightMinahadsupperready，andwhenwehadsuppedshetoldmeofVanHelsing\'svisit，andofherhavinggivenhimthetwodiariescopiedout，andofhowanxiousshehasbeenaboutme。

Sheshowedmeinthedoctor\'sletterthatallIwrotedownwastrue。

Itseemstohavemadeanewmanofme。Itwasthedoubtastotherealityofthewholethingthatknockedmeover。

Ifeltimpotent，andinthedark，anddistrustful。

But，nowthatIknow，Iamnotafraid，evenoftheCount。

Hehassucceededafterall，then，inhisdesigningettingtoLondon，anditwasheIsaw。Hehasgotyounger，andhow？

VanHelsingisthemantounmaskhimandhunthimout，ifheisanythinglikewhatMinasays。Wesatlate，andtalkeditover。

Minaisdressing，andIshallcallatthehotelinafewminutesandbringhimover。

Hewas，Ithink，surprisedtoseeme。WhenIcameintotheroomwheehewas，andintroducedmyself，hetookmebytheshoulder，andturnedmyfaceroundtothelight，andsaid，afterasharpscrutiny，“ButMadamMinatoldmeyouwereill，thatyouhadhadashock。“

Itwassofunnytohearmywifecalled`MadamMina\'bythiskindly，strong-facedoldman。Ismiled，andsaid，“Iwasill，Ihavehadashock，butyouhavecuredmealready。“

“Andhow？”

“ByyourlettertoMinalastnight。Iwasindoubt，andtheneverythingtookahueofunreality，andIdidnotknowwhattotrust，eventheevidenceofmyownsenses。Notknowingwhattotrust，Ididnotknowwhattodo，andsohadonlytokeeponworkinginwhathadhithertobeenthegrooveofmylife。Thegrooveceasedtoavailme，andImistrustedmyself。

Doctor，youdon\'tknowwhatitistodoubteverything，evenyourself。

No，youdon\'t，youcouldn\'twitheyebrowslikeyours。“

Heseemedpleased，andlaughedashesaid，“So！Youareaphysiognomist。

Ilearnmoreherewitheachhour。Iamwithsomuchpleasurecomingtoyoutobreakfast，and，oh，sir，youwillpardonpraisefromanoldman，butyouareblessedinyourwife。“

IwouldlistentohimgoonpraisingMinaforaday，soIsimplynoddedandstoodsilent。

“SheisoneofGod\'swomen，fashionedbyHisownhandtoshowusmenandotherwomenthatthereisaheavenwherewecanenter，andthatitslightcanbehereonearth。

Sotrue，sosweet，sonoble，solittleanegoist，andthat，letmetellyou，ismuchinthisage，soscepticalandselfish。

Andyou，sir……IhavereadalltheletterstopoorMissLucy，andsomeofthemspeakofyou，soIknowyousincesomedaysfromtheknowingofothers，butIhaveseenyourtrueselfsincelastnight。Youwillgivemeyourhand，willyounot？

Andletusbefriendsforallourlives。“

Weshookhands，andhewassoearnestandsokindthatitmademequitechoky。

“andnow，“hesaid，“mayIaskyouforsomemorehelp？

Ihaveagreattasktodo，andatthebeginningitistoknow。

Youcanhelpmehere。CanyoutellmewhatwentbeforeyourgoingtoTransylvania？LateronImayaskmorehelp，andofadifferentkind，butatfirstthiswilldo。“

“Lookhere，Sir，“Isaid，“doeswhatyouhavetodoconcerntheCount？”

“Itdoes，“hesaidsolemnly。“

“ThenIamwithyouheartandsoul。Asyougobythe10：30train，youwillnothavetimetoreadthem，butIshallgetthebundleofpapers。

Youcantakethemwithyouandreadtheminthetrain。“

AfterbreakfastIsawhimtothestation。Whenwewerepartinghesaid，“PerhapsyouwillcometotownifIsendforyou，andtakeMadamMinatoo。“

“Weshallbothcomewhenyouwill，“Isaid。

IhadgothimthemorningpapersandtheLondonpapersofthepreviousnight，andwhileweweretalkingatthecarriagewindow，waitingforthetraintostart，hewasturningthemover。

Hiseyessuddenlyseemedtocatchsomethinginoneofthem，“TheWestminsterGazette“，Iknewitbythecolor，andhegrewquitewhite。Hereadsomethingintently，groaningtohimself，“MeinGott！MeinGott！Sosoon！

Sosoon！”Idonotthinkherememberedmeatthemoment。

Justthenthewhistleblew，andthetrainmovedoff。

Thisrecalledhimtohimself，andheleanedoutofthewindowandwavedhishand，callingout，“LovetoMadamMina。

IshallwritesosoonaseverIcan。“

DR。SEWARD\'SDIARY

26September——Trulythereisnosuchthingasfinality。

NotaweeksinceIsaid“Finis，“andyethereIamstartingfreshagain，orrathergoingonwiththerecord。

UntilthisafternoonIhadnocausetothinkofwhatisdone。

Renfieldhadbecome，toallintents，assaneasheeverwas。

Hewasalreadywellaheadwithhisflybusiness，andhehadjuststartedinthespiderlinealso，sohehadnotbeenofanytroubletome。IhadaletterfromArthur，writtenonSunday，andfromitIgatherthatheisbearingupwonderfullywell。

QuinceyMorrisiswithhim，andthatismuchofahelp，forhehimselfisabubblingwellofgoodspirits。

Quinceywrotemealinetoo，andfromhimIhearthatArthurisbeginningtorecoversomethingofhisoldbuoyancy，soastothemallmymindisatrest。Asformyself，IwassettlingdowntomyworkwiththeenthusiasmwhichIusedtohaveforit，sothatImightfairlyhavesaidthatthewoundwhichpoorLucyleftonmewasbecomingcicatrised。

Everythingis，however，nowreopened，andwhatistobetheendGodonlyknows。IhaveanideathatVanHelsingthinksheknows，too，buthewillonlyletoutenoughatatimetowhetcuriosity。

HewenttoExeteryesterday，andstayedthereallnight。

Todayhecameback，andalmostboundedintotheroomatabouthalf-pastfiveo\'clock，andthrustlastnight\'s“WestminsterGazette“

intomyhand。

“Whatdoyouthinkofthat？”heaskedashestoodbackandfoldedhisarms。

Ilookedoverthepaper，forIreallydidnotknowwhathemeant，buthetookitfrommeandpointedoutaparagraphaboutchildrenbeingdecoyedawayatHampstead。Itdidnotconveymuchtome，untilIreachedapassagewhereitdescribedsmallpuncturewoundsontheirthroats。

Anideastruckme，andIlookedup。

“Well？”hesaid。

“ItislikepoorLucy\'s。“

“Andwhatdoyoumakeofit？”

“Simplythatthereissomecauseincommon。Whateveritwasthatinjuredherhasinjuredthem。“Ididnotquiteunderstandhisanswer。

“Thatistrueindirectly，butnotdirectly。“

“Howdoyoumean，Professor？”Iasked。Iwasalittleinclinedtotakehisseriousnesslightly，for，afterall，fourdaysofrestandfreedomfromburning，harrowing，anxietydoeshelptorestoreone\'sspirits，butwhenIsawhisface，itsoberedme。

Never，eveninthemidstofourdespairaboutpoorLucy，hadhelookedmorestern。

“Tellme！”Isaid。“Icanhazardnoopinion。Idonotknowwhattothink，andIhavenodataonwhichtofoundaconjecture。“

“Doyoumeantotellme，friendJohn，thatyouhavenosuspicionastowhatpoorLucydiedof，notafterallthehintsgiven，notonlybyevents，butbyme？”

“Ofnervousprostrationfollowingagreatlossorwasteofblood。“

“Andhowwasthebloodlostorwasted？”Ishookmyhead。

Hesteppedoverandsatdownbesideme，andwenton，“Youareacleverman，friendJohn。Youreasonwell，andyourwitisbold，butyouaretooprejudiced。Youdonotletyoureyesseenoryourearshear，andthatwhichisoutsideyourdailylifeisnotofaccounttoyou。

Doyounotthinkthattherearethingswhichyoucannotunderstand，andyetwhichare，thatsomepeopleseethingsthatotherscannot？

Buttherearethingsoldandnewwhichmustnotbecontemplatedbymen\'seyes，becausetheyknow，orthinktheyknow，somethingswhichothermenhavetoldthem。Ah，itisthefaultofoursciencethatitwantstoexplainall，andifitexplainnot，thenitsaysthereisnothingtoexplain。

Butyetweseearounduseverydaythegrowthofnewbeliefs，whichthinkthemselvesnew，andwhichareyetbuttheold，whichpretendtobeyoung，likethefineladiesattheopera。Isupposenowyoudonotbelieveincorporealtransference。No？Norinmaterialization。No？Norinastralbodies。No？Norinthereadingofthought。No？Norinhypnotism……“

“Yes，“Isaid。“Charcothasprovedthatprettywell。“

Hesmiledashewenton，“Thenyouaresatisfiedastoit。Yes？Andofcoursethenyouunderstandhowitact，andcanfollowthemindofthegreatCharcot，alasthatheisnomore，intotheverysoulofthepatientthatheinfluence。No？Then，friendJohn，amItotakeitthatyousimplyacceptfact，andaresatisfiedtoletfrompremisetoconclusionbeablank？No？Thentellme，forIamastudentofthebrain，howyouaccepthypnotismandrejectthethoughtreading。Letmetellyou，myfriend，thattherearethingsdonetodayinelectricalsciencewhichwouldhavebeendeemedunholybytheverymanwhodiscoveredelectricity，whowouldthemselvesnotsolongbeforebeenburnedaswizards。

Therearealwaysmysteriesinlife。WhywasitthatMethuselahlivedninehundredyears，and`OldParr\'onehundredandsixty-nine，andyetthatpoorLucy，withfourmen\'sbloodinherpoorveins，couldnotliveevenoneday？For，hadsheliveonemoreday，wecouldsaveher。Doyouknowallthemysteryoflifeanddeath？

Doyouknowthealtogetherofcomparativeanatomyandcansaywhereforethequalitiesofbrutesareinsomemen，andnotinothers？

Canyoutellmewhy，whenotherspidersdiesmallandsoon，thatonegreatspiderlivedforcenturiesinthetoweroftheoldSpanishchurchandgrewandgrew，till，ondescending，hecoulddrinktheoilofallthechurchlamps？CanyoutellmewhyinthePampas，ayandelsewhere，therearebatsthatcomeoutatnightandopentheveinsofcattleandhorsesandsuckdrytheirveins，howinsomeislandsoftheWesternseastherearebatswhichhangonthetreesallday，andthosewhohaveseendescribeaslikegiantnutsorpods，andthatwhenthesailorssleeponthedeck，becausethatitishot，flitdownonthemandthen，andtheninthemorningarefounddeadmen，whiteasevenMissLucywas？”

“GoodGod，Professor！”Isaid，startingup。“DoyoumeantotellmethatLucywasbittenbysuchabat，andthatsuchathingishereinLondoninthenineteenthcentury？”

Hewavedhishandforsilence，andwenton，“Canyoutellmewhythetortoiselivesmorelongthangenerationsofmen，whytheelephantgoesonandontillhehaveseesdynasties，andwhytheparrotneverdieonlyofbiteofcatofdogorothercomplaint？Canyoutellmewhymenbelieveinallagesandplacesthattherearemenandwomenwhocannotdie？

Weallknow，becausesciencehasvouchedforthefact，thattherehavebeentoadsshutupinrocksforthousandsofyears，shutinonesosmallholethatonlyholdhimsincetheyouthoftheworld。

CanyoutellmehowtheIndianfakircanmakehimselftodieandhavebeenburied，andhisgravesealedandcornsowedonit，andthecornreapedandbecutandsownandreapedandcutagain，andthenmencomeandtakeawaytheunbrokensealandthattherelietheIndianfakir，notdead，butthatriseupandwalkamongstthemasbefore？”

HereIinterruptedhim。Iwasgettingbewildered。

Hesocrowdedonmymindhislistofnature\'seccentricitiesandpossibleimpossibilitiesthatmyimaginationwasgettingfired。

Ihadadimideathathewasteachingmesomelesson，aslongagoheusedtodoinhisstudyatAmsterdam。

Butheusedthemtotellmethething，sothatIcouldhavetheobjectofthoughtinmindallthetime。

ButnowIwaswithouthishelp，yetIwantedtofollowhim，soIsaid，“Professor，letmebeyourpetstudentagain。Tellmethethesis，sothatImayapplyyourknowledgeasyougoon。

AtpresentIamgoinginmymindfrompointtopointasamadman，andnotasaneone，followsanidea。

Ifeellikeanovicelumberingthroughaboginamidst，jumpingfromonetussocktoanotherinthemereblindefforttomoveonwithoutknowingwhereIamgoing。“

“Thatisagoodimage，“hesaid。“Well，Ishalltellyou。

Mythesisisthis，Iwantyoutobelieve。“

“Tobelievewhat？”

“Tobelieveinthingsthatyoucannot。Letmeillustrate。

IheardonceofanAmericanwhosodefinedfaith，`thatfacultywhichenablesustobelievethingswhichweknowtobeuntrue。\'

Forone，Ifollowthatman。Hemeantthatweshallhaveanopenmind，andnotletalittlebitoftruthchecktherushofthebigtruth，likeasmallrockdoesarailwaytruck。

Wegetthesmalltruthfirst。Good！Wekeephim，andwevaluehim，butallthesamewemustnotlethimthinkhimselfallthetruthintheuniverse。“

“Thenyouwantmenottoletsomepreviousconvictioninurethereceptivityofmymindwithregardtosomestrangematter。

DoIreadyourlessonaright？”

“Ah，youaremyfavoritepupilstill。Itisworthtoteachyou。Nowthatyouarewillingtounderstand，youhavetakenthefirststeptounderstand。

Youthinkthenthatthosesosmallholesinthechildren\'sthroatsweremadebythesamethatmadetheholesinMissLucy？”

“Isupposeso。“

Hestoodupandsaidsolemnly，“Thenyouarewrong。Oh，woulditwereso！

Butalas！No。Itisworse，far，farworse。“

“InGod\'sname，ProfessorVanHelsing，whatdoyoumean？”Icried。

Hethrewhimselfwithadespairinggestureintoachair，andplacedhiselbowsonthetable，coveringhisfacewithhishandsashespoke。

“TheyweremadebyMissLucy！”