下载辰思小说免费APP
"Yes。AssoonashehearsofthisgoodfortunetopoorlittleJean，hewillhastentomarit。Heismyfate;Icannotescapehim，andwhereverhegoesmyfriendsdesertme;forhehasthepowerandusesitformydestruction。Letmegoawayandhidebeforehecomes，for，havingsharedyourconfidence，itwillbreakmyhearttoseeyoudistrustandturnfromme，insteadoflovingandprotecting。"
"Mypoorchild，youaresuperstitious。Beeasy。Noonecanharmyounow，noonewoulddareattemptit。Andasformydesertingyou，thatwillsoonbeoutofmypower，ifIhavemyway。"
"How，dearSirJohn？"askedJean，withaflutterofintensereliefatherheart，forthewayseemedsmoothingbeforeher。
"Iwillmakeyoumywifeatonce，ifImay。ThiswillfreeyoufromGerald’slove，protectyoufromSydney’spersecution，giveyouasafehome，andmetherighttocherishanddefendwithheartandhand。Shallitbeso，mychild？"
"Yes;butoh，rememberthatIhavenofriendbutyou！Promisemetobefaithfultothelast——tobelieveinme，totrustme，protectandloveme，inspiteofallmisfortunes，faults，andfollies。
Iwillbetrueassteeltoyou，andmakeyourlifeashappyasitdeservestobe。Letuspromisethesethingsnow，andkeepthepromisesunbrokentotheend。"
HersolemnairtouchedSirJohn。Toohonorableanduprighthimselftosuspectfalsehoodinothers，hesawonlythenaturalimpulseofalovelygirlinJean’swords，and，takingthehandshegavehiminbothofhis，hepromisedallsheasked，andkeptthatpromisetotheend。Shepausedaninstant，withapale，absentexpression，asifshesearchedherself，thenlookedupclearlyintheconfidingfaceaboveher，andpromisedwhatshefaithfullyperformedinafteryears。
"Whenshallitbe，littlesweetheart？Ileavealltoyou，onlyletitbesoon，elsesomegayyoungloverwillappear，andtakeyoufromme，"saidSirJohn，playfully，anxioustochaseawaythedarkexpressionwhichhadstolenoverJean’sface。
"Canyoukeepasecret？"askedthegirl，smilingupathim，allhercharmingselfagain。
"Tryme。"
"Iwill。Edwardiscominghomeinthreedays。Imustbegonebeforehecomes。Tellnooneofthis;hewishestosurprisethem。
Andifyouloveme，tellnobodyofyourapproachingmarriage。DonotbetraythatyoucareformeuntilIamreallyyours。Therewillbesuchastir，suchremonstrances，explanations，andreproachesthatIshallbewornout，andrunawayfromyoualltoescapethetrial。IfIcouldhavemywish，Iwouldgotosomequietplacetomorrowandwaittillyoucomeforme。
Iknowsolittleofsuchthings，Icannottellhowsoonwemaybemarried;
notforsomeweeks，Ithink。"
"Tomorrow，ifwelike。Aspeciallicensepermitspeopletomarrywhenandwheretheyplease。Myplanisbetterthanyours。
Listen，andtellmeifitcanbecarriedout。Iwillgototowntomorrow，getthelicense，invitemyfriend，theReverendPaulFairfax，toreturnwithme，andtomorroweveningyoucomeatyourusualtime，and，inthepresenceofmydiscreetoldservants，makemethehappiestmaninEngland。
Howdoesthissuityou，mylittleLadyCoventry？"
Theplanwhichseemedmadetomeetherends，thenamewhichwastheheightofherambition，andtheblessedsenseofsafetywhichcametoherfilledJeanMuirwithsuchintensesatisfactionthattearsofrealfeelingstoodinhereyes，andthegladassentshegavewasthetruestwordthathadpassedherlipsformonths。
"WewillgoabroadortoScotlandforourhoneymoon，tillthestormblowsover，"saidSirJohn，wellknowingthatthishastymarriagewouldsurpriseoroffendallhisrelations，andfeelingasgladasJeantoescapethefirstexcitement。
"ToScotland，please。Ilongtoseemyfather’shome，"
saidJean，whodreadedtomeetSydneyonthecontinent。
Theytalkedalittlelonger，arrangingallthings，SirJohnsointentonhurryingtheeventthatJeanhadnothingtodobutgiveareadyassenttoallhissuggestions。Onefearalonedisturbedher。
IfSirJohnwenttotown，hemightmeetEdward，mighthearandbelievehisstatements。Thenallwouldbelost。Yetthisriskmustbeincurred，ifthemarriagewastobespeedilyandsafelyaccomplished;andtoguardagainstthemeetingwasJean’ssolecare。Astheywentthroughthepark——forSirJohninsistedupontakingherhome——shesaid，clingingtohisarm：
"Dearfriend，bearonethinginmind，elseweshallbemuchannoyed，andallourplansdisarranged。Avoidyournephews;youaresofrankyourfacewillbetrayyou。Theybothloveme，arebothhot-tempered，andinthefirstexcitementofthediscoverymightbeviolent。Youmustincurnodanger，nodisrespectformysake;soshunthembothtillwearesafe——particularlyEdward。Hewillfeelthathisbrotherhaswrongedhim，andthatyouhavesucceededwherehefailed。Thiswillirritatehim，andIfearastormyscene。Promisetoavoidbothforadayortwo;donotlistentothem，donotseethem，donotwritetoorreceivelettersfromthem。Itisfoolish，Iknow;butyouareallIhave，andIamhauntedbyastrangeforebodingthatIamtoloseyou。"
Touchedandflatteredbyhertendersolicitude，SirJohnpromisedeverything，evenwhilehelaughedatherfears。Loveblindedthegoodgentlemantothepeculiarityoftherequest;thenovelty，romance，andsecrecyoftheaffairratherbewilderedthoughitcharmedhim;andtheknowledgethathehadoutrivaledthreeyoungandardentloversgratifiedhisvanitymorethanhewouldconfess。Partingfromhegirlatthegardengate，heturnedhomeward，feelinglikeaboyagain，andloiteredback，hummingalovelay，quiteforgetfulofeveningdamps，gout，andthefive-and-fiftyyearswhichlaysolightlyonhisshoulderssinceJean’sarmshadrestedthere。Shehurriedtowardthehouse，anxioustoescapeCoventry;buthewaswaitingforher，andshewasforcedtomeethim。
"Howcouldyoulingersolong，andkeepmeinsuspense？"
hesaidreproachfully，ashetookherhandandtriedtocatchaglimpseofherfaceintheshadowofherhatbrim。"Comeandrestinthegrotto。
Ihavesomuchtosay，tohearandenjoy。"
"Notnow;Iamtootired。Letmegoinandsleep。
Tomorrowwewilltalk。Itisdampandchilly，andmyheadacheswithallthisworry。"Jeanspokewearily，yetwithatouchofpetulance，andCoventry，fancyingthatshewaspiquedathisnotcomingforher，hastenedtoexplainwitheagertenderness。
"MypoorlittleJean，youdoneedrest。Wewearyouout，amongus，andyounevercomplain。Ishouldhavecometobringyouhome，butLuciadetainedme，andwhenIgotawayIsawmyunclehadforestalledme。Ishallbejealousoftheoldgentleman，ifheissodevoted。Jean，tellmeonethingbeforewepart;Iamfreeasair，now，andhavearighttospeak。Doyouloveme？AmIthehappymanwhohaswonyourheart？I
daretothinkso，tobelievethatthistelltalefaceofyourshasbetrayedyou，andtohopethatIhavegainedwhatpoorNedandwildSydneyhavelost。"
"BeforeIanswer，tellmeofyourinterviewwithLucia。Ihavearighttoknow，"saidJean。
Coventryhesitated，forpityandremorsewerebusyathisheartwhenherecalledpoorLucia’sgrief。Jeanwasbentonhearingthehumiliationofherrival。Astheyoungmanpaused，shefrowned，thenliftedupherfacewreathedinsoftestsmiles，andlayingherhandonhisarm，shesaid，withmosteffectiveemphasis，halfshy，halffond，uponhisname，"Pleasetellme，Gerald！"
Hecouldnotresistthelook，thetouch，thetone，andtakingthelittlehandinhis，hesaidrapidly，asifthetaskwasdistastefultohim，"ItoldherthatIdidnot，couldnotloveher;thatIhadsubmittedtomymother’swish，and，foratime，hadfelttacitlyboundtoher，thoughnowordshadpassedbetweenus。ButnowIdemandedmyliberty，regrettingthattheseparationwasnotmutuallydesired。"
"Andshe——whatdidshesay？Howdidshebearit？"
askedJean，feelinginherownwoman’shearthowdeeplyLucia’smusthavebeenwoundedbythatavowal。
"Poorgirl！Itwashardtobear，butherpridesustainedhertotheend。Sheownedthatnopledgetiedme，fullyrelinquishedanyclaimmypastbehaviorhadseemedtohavegivenher，andprayedthatI
mightfindanotherwomantolovemeastruly，tenderlyasshehaddone。
Jean，Ifeltlikeavillain;andyetIneverplightedmywordtoher，neverreallylovedher，andhadaperfectrighttoleaveher，ifIwould。"
"Didshespeakofme？"
"Yes。"
"Whatdidshesay？"
"MustItellyou？"
"Yes，tellmeeverything。IknowshehatesmeandIforgiveher，knowingthatIshouldhateanywomanwhomyouloved。"
"Areyoujealous，dear？"
"Ofyou，Gerald？"Andthefineeyesglancedupathim，fullofabrilliancythatlookedlikethelightoflove。
"Youmakeaslaveofmealready。Howdoyoudoit？
Ineverobeyedawomanbefore。Jean，Ithinkyouareawitch。Scotlandisthehomeofweird，uncannycreatures，whotakelovelyshapesforthebedevilmentofpoorweaksouls。Areyouoneofthosefairdeceivers？"
"Youarecomplimentary，"laughedthegirl。"Iamawitch，andonedaymydisguisewilldropawayandyouwillseemeasIam，old，ugly，badandlost。Bewareofmeintime。I’vewarnedyou。Nowlovemeatyourperil。"
Coventryhadpausedashespoke，andeyedherwithanunquietlook，consciousofsomefascinationwhichconqueredyetbroughtnohappiness。Afeverishyetpleasurableexcitementpossessedhim;arecklessmood，makinghimeagertoobliteratethepastbyanyrashact，anynewexperiencewhichhispassionbrought。Jeanregardedhimwithawistful，almostwoefulface，foroneshortmoment;thenastrangesmilebrokeoverit，asshespokeinatoneofmaliciousmockery，underwhichlurkedthebitternessofasadtruth。Coventrylookedhalfbewildered，andhiseyewentfromthegirl’smysteriousfacetoadimlylightedwindow，behindwhosecurtainspoorLuciahidherachingheart，prayingforhimthetenderprayersthatlovingwomengivetothosewhosesinsareallforgivenforlove’ssake。Hisheartsmotehim，andamomentaryfeelingofrepulsioncameoverhim，ashelookedatJean。Shesawit，feltangry，yetconsciousofasenseofrelief;fornowthatherownsafetywassonearlysecured，shefeltnowishtodomischief，butratheradesiretoundowhatwasalreadydone，andbeatpeacewithalltheworld。Torecallhimtohisallegiance，shesighedandwalkedon，sayinggentlyyetcoldly，"WillyoutellmewhatIaskbeforeIansweryourquestion，Mr。Coventry？"
"WhatLuciasaidofyou？Well，itwasthis。’BewareofMissMuir。Weinstinctivelydistrustedherwhenwehadnocause。Ibelieveininstincts，andminehaveneverchanged，forshehasnottriedtodeludeme。Herartiswonderful;Ifeelyetcannotexplainordetectit，exceptintheworkingofeventswhichherhandseemstoguide。Shehasbroughtsorrowanddissensionintothishithertohappyfamily。Weareallchanged，andthisgirlhasdoneit。Meshecanharmnofurther;youshewillruin，ifshecan。Bewareofherintime，oryouwillbitterlyrepentyourblindinfatuation！’"
"Andwhatanswerdidyoumake？"askedJean，asthelastwordscamereluctantlyfromCoventry’slips。
"ItoldherthatIlovedyouinspiteofmyself，andwouldmakeyoumywifeinthefaceofallopposition。Now，Jean，youranswer。"
"Givemethreedaystothinkofit。Goodnight。"
Andglidingfromhim，shevanishedintothehouse，leavinghimtoroamabouthalfthenight，tormentedwithremorse，suspense，andtheolddistrustwhichwouldreturnwhenJeanwasnottheretobanishitbyherart。
BehindaMask：or，AWoman’sPower。Chapter8SUSPENSEAllthenextday，Jeanwasinastateofthemostintenseanxiety，aseveryhourbroughtthecrisisnearer，andeveryhourmightbringdefeat，forthesubtlesthumanskillisoftenthwartedbysomeunforeseenaccident。ShelongedtoassureherselfthatSirJohnwasgone，butnoservantscameorwentthatday，andshecoulddevisenopretextforsendingtogleanintelligence。Shedarednotgoherself，lesttheunusualactshouldexcitesuspicion，forsheneverwenttillevening。Evenhadshedeterminedtoventure，therewasnotime，forMrs。Coventrywasinoneofhernervousstates，andnoonebutMissMuircouldamuseher;Luciawasill，andMissMuirmustgiveorders;Bellahadastudiousfit，andJeanmusthelpher。
Coventrylingeredaboutthehouseforseveralhours，butJeandarednotsendhim，lestsomehintofthetruthmightreachhim。HehadriddenawaytohisnewdutieswhenJeandidnotappear，andthedaydraggedonwearisomely。
Nightcameatlast，andasJeandressedforthelatedinner，shehardlyknewherselfwhenshestoodbeforehermirror，excitementlentsuchcolorandbrilliancytohercountenance。Rememberingtheweddingwhichwastotakeplacethatevening，sheputonasimplewhitedressandaddedaclusterofwhiterosesinbosomandhair。Sheoftenworeflowers，butinspiteofherdesiretolookandseemasusual，Bella’sfirstwordsassheenteredthedrawingroomwereassheenteredthedrawingroomwere"Why，Jean，howlikeabrideyoulook;aveilandgloveswouldmakeyouquitecomplete！"
"Youforgetoneothertrifle，Bell，"saidGerald，witheyesthatbrightenedastheyrestedonMissMuir。
"Whatisthat？"askedhissister。
"Abridegroom。"
BellalookedtoseehowJeanreceivedthis，butsheseemedquitecomposedasshesmiledoneofhersuddensmiles，andmerelysaid，"Thattriflewilldoubtlessbefoundwhenthetimecomes。IsMissBeauforttooillfordinner？"
"Shebegstobeexcused，andsaidyouwouldbewillingtotakeherplace，shethought。"
AsinnocentBelladeliveredthismessage，JeanglancedatCoventry，whoevadedhereyeandlookedillatease。
Alittleremorsewilldohimgood，andpreparehimforrepentanceafterthegrandcoup，shesaidtoherself，andwasparticularlygayatdinnertime，thoughCoventrylookedoftenatLucia’semptyseat，asifhemissedher。Assoonastheyleftthetable，MissMuirsentBellatohermother;and，knowingthatCoventrywouldnotlingerlongathiswine，shehurriedawaytotheHall。Aservantwasloungingatthedoor，andofhimsheasked，inatonewhichwaseagerinspiteofalleffortstobecalm，"IsSirJohnathome？"
"No，miss，he’sjustgonetotown。"
"Justgone！Whendoyoumean？"criedJean，forgettingthereliefshefeltinhearingofhisabsenceinsurpriseathislatedeparture。
"Hewenthalfanhourago，inthelasttrain，miss。"
"Ithoughthewasgoingearlythismorning;hetoldmeheshouldbebackthisevening。"
"Ibelievehedidmeantogo，butwasdelayedbycompany。Thestewardcameuponbusiness，andaloadofgentlemencalled，soSirJohncouldnotgetofftillnight，whenhewasn’tfittogo，beingwornout，andfarfromwell。"
"Doyouthinkhewillbeill？Didhelookso？"AndasJeanspokeathrilloffearpassedoverher，lestdeathshouldrobherofherprize。
"Well，youknow，miss，hurryofanykindisbadforelderlygentlemeninclinedtoapoplexy。SirJohnwasinaworryallday，andnotlikehimself。Iwantedhimtotakehisman，buthewouldn’t，anddroveofflookingflushedandexcitedlike。I’manxiousabouthim，forIknowsomethingisamisstohurryhimoffinthisway。"
"Whenwillhebeback，Ralph？"
"Tomorrownoon，ifpossible;atnight，certainly，hebidmetellanyonethatcalled。"
"DidheleavenonoteormessageforMissCoventry，orsomeoneofthefamily？"
"No，miss，nothing。"
"Thankyou。"AndJeanwalkedbacktospendarestlessnightandrisetomeetrenewedsuspense。
Themorningseemedendless，butnooncameatlast，andunderthepretenseofseekingcoolnessinthegrotto，JeanstoleawaytoaslopewhencethegatetotheHallparkwasvisible。Fortwolonghoursshewatched，andnoonecame。ShewasjustturningawaywhenahorsemandashedthroughthegateandcamegallopingtowardtheHall。Heedlessofeverythingbuttheuncontrollablelongingtogainsometidings，sherantomeethim，feelingassuredthathebroughtillnews。Itwasayoungmanfromthestation，andashecaughtsightofher，hedrewbridle，lookingagitatedandundecided。
"Hasanythinghappened？"shecriedbreathlessly。
"Adreadfulaccidentontherailroad，justtheothersideofCroydon。Newstelegraphedhalfanhourago，"answeredtheman，wipinghishotface。
"Thenoontrain？WasSirJohninit？Quick，tellmeall！"
"Itwasthattrain，miss，butwhetherSirJohnwasinitornot，wedon’tknow;fortheguardiskilled，andeverythingisinsuchconfusionthatnothingcanbecertain。Theyareatworkgettingoutthedeadandwounded。WeheardthatSirJohnwasexpected，andIcameuptotellMr。Coventry，thinkinghewouldwishtogodown。Atrainleavesinfifteenminutes;whereshallIfindhim？IwastoldhewasattheHall。"
"Rideon，rideon！Andfindhimifheisthere。I’llrunhomeandlookforhim。Losenotime。Ride！Ride！"Andturning，Jeanspedbacklikeadeer，whilethemantoreuptheavenuetorousetheHall。
Coventrywasthere，andwentoffatonce，leavingbothHallandhouseindismay。Fearingtobetraythehorribleanxietythatpossessedher，Jeanshutherselfupinherroomandsuffereduntoldagoniesasthedayworeonandnonewscame。Atdarkasuddencryrangthroughthehouse，andJeanrusheddowntolearnthecause。Bellawasstandinginthehall，holdingaletter，whileagroupofexcitedservantshoverednearher。
"Whatisit？"demandedMissMuir，paleandsteady，thoughherheartdiedwithinherassherecognizedGerald’shandwriting。
Bellagaveherthenote，andhushedhersobbingtohearagaintheheavytidingsthathadcome。
DearBella：
Uncleissafe;hedidnotgointhenoontrain。ButseveralpersonsaresurethatNedwasthere。Notraceofhimasyet，butmanybodiesareintheriver，undertheruinsofthebridge，andIamdoingmybesttofindthepoorlad，ifheisthere。Ihavesenttoallhishauntsintown，andashehasnotbeenseen，Ihopeitisafalsereportandheissafewithhisregiment。Keepthisfrommymothertillwearesure。I
writeyou，becauseLuciaisill。MissMuirwillcomfortandsustainyou。
Hopeforthebest，dear。
Yours，G。C。
ThosewhowatchedMissMuirasshereadthesewordswonderedatthestrangeexpressionswhichpassedoverherface，forthejoywhichappearedthereasSirJohn’ssafetywasmadeknowndidnotchangetogrieforhorroratpoorEdward’spossiblefate。Thesmilediedonherlips，buthervoicedidnotfalter，andinherdowncasteyesshoneaninexplicablelookofsomethingliketriumph。Nowonder，forifthiswastrue，thedangerwhichmenacedherwasavertedforatime，andthemarriagemightbeconsummatedwithoutsuchdesperatehaste。Thissadandsuddeneventseemedtoherthemysteriousfulfilmentofasecretwish;andthoughstartledshewasnotdauntedbutinspirited，forfateseemedtofavorherdesigns。ShedidcomfortBella，controltheexcitedhousehold，andkeeptherumorsfromMrs。Coventryallthatdreadfulnight。
AtdawnGeraldcamehomeexhausted，andbringingnotidingofthemissingman。Hehadtelegraphedtotheheadquartersoftheregimentandreceivedareply，statingthatEdwardhadleftforLondonthepreviousday，meaningtogohomebeforereturning。ThefactofhishavingbeenattheLondonstationwasalsoestablished，butwhetherheleftbythetrainornotwasstilluncertain。Theruinswerestillbeingsearched，andthebodymightyetappear。
"IsSirJohncomingatnoon？"askedJean，asthethreesattogetherintherosyhushofdawn，tryingtohopeagainsthope。
"No，hehadbeenill，IlearnedfromyoungGower，whoisjustfromtown，andsohadnotcompletedhisbusiness。Isenthimwordtowaittillnight，forthebridgewon’tbepassabletillthen。NowImusttryandrestanhour;I’veworkedallnightandhavenostrengthleft。Callmetheinstantanymessengerarrives。"
WiththatCoventrywenttohisroom，Bellafollowedtowaitonhim，andJeanroamedthroughhouseandgrounds，unabletorest。
Themorningwasfarspentwhenthemessengerarrived。Jeanwenttoreceivehistidings，withthewickedhopestilllurkingatherheart。
"Ishefound？"sheaskedcalmly，asthemanhesitatedtospeak。
"Yes，ma’am。"
"Youaresure？"
"Iamcertain，ma’am，thoughsomewon’tsaytillMr。Coventrycomestolook。"
"Ishealive？"AndJean’swhitelipstrembledassheputthequestion。
"Ohno，ma’am，thatwarn’tpossible，underallthemstonesandwater。Thepooryounggentlemanissowet，andcrushed，andtorn，noonewouldknowhim，exceptfortheuniform，andthewhitehandwiththeringonit。"
Jeansatdown，verypale，andthemandescribedthefindingofthepoorshatteredbody。Ashefinished，Coventryappeared，andwithonelookofmingledremorse，shame，andsorrow，theelderbrotherwentaway，tofindandbringtheyoungerhome。Jeancreptintothegardenlikeaguiltything，tryingtohidethesatisfactionwhichstruggledwithawoman’snaturalpity，forsosadanendforthisbraveyounglife。
"WhywastetearsorfeignsorrowwhenImustbeglad？"
shemuttered，asshepacedtoandfroalongtheterrace。"Thepoorboyisoutofpain，andIamoutofdanger。"
Shegotnofurther，for，turningasshespoke，shestoodfacetofacewithEdward！Bearingnomarkofperilondressorperson，butstalwartandstrongasever，hestoodtherelookingather，withcontemptandcompassionstrugglinginhisface。Asifturnedtostone，sheremainedmotionless，withdilatedeyes，arrestedbreath，andpalingcheek。Hedidnotspeakbutwatchedhersilentlytillsheputoutatremblinghand，asiftoassureherselfbytouchthatitwasreallyhe。Thenhedrewback，andasiftheactconvincedasfullyaswords，shesaidslowly，"Theytoldmeyouweredead。"
"Andyouweregladtobelieveit。No，itwasmycomrade，youngCourtney，whounconsciouslydeceivedyouall，andlosthislife，asIshouldhavedone，ifIhadnotgonetoAscotafterseeinghimoffyesterday。"
"ToAscot？"echoedJean，shrinkingback，forEdward’seyewasonher，andhisvoicewassternandcold。
"Yes;youknowtheplace。Iwenttheretomakeinquiriesconcerningyouandwaswellsatisfied。Whyareyoustillhere？"
"Thethreedaysarenotoveryet。Iholdyoutoyourpromise。BeforenightIshallbegone;tillthenyouwillbesilent，ifyouhavehonorenoughtokeepyourword。"
"Ihave。"Edwardtookouthiswatchand，asheputitback，saidwithcoolprecision，"Itisnowtwo，thetrainleavesforLondonathalf-pastsix;acarriagewillwaitforyouatthesidedoor。
Allowmetoadviseyoutogothen，fortheinstantdinnerisoverIshallspeak。"Andwithabowhewentintothehouse，leavingJeannearlysuffocatedwithathrongofcontendingemotions。
Forafewminutessheseemedparalyzed;butthenativeenergyofthewomanforbadeutterdespair，tillthelasthopewasgone。
Frailasthatnowwas，shestillclungtoittenaciously，resolvingtowinthegameindefianceofeverything。Springingup，shewenttoherroompackedherfewvaluables，dressedherselfwithcare，andthensatdowntowait。Sheheardajoyfulstirbelow，sawCoventrycomehurryingback，andfromagarrulousmaidlearnedthatthebodywasthatofyoungCourtney。
TheuniformbeingthesameasEdward’sandthering，agiftfromhim，hadcausedthementobelievethedisfiguredcorpsetobethatoftheyoungerCoventry。Noonebutthemaidcamenearher;onceBella’svoicecalledher，butsomeonecheckedthegirl，andthecallwasnotrepeated。Atfiveanenvelopewasbroughther，directedinEdward’shand，andcontainingacheckwhichmorethanpaidayear’ssalary。Nowordaccompaniedthegift，yetthegenerosityofittouchedher，forJeanMuirhadtherelicsofaoncehonestnature，anddespiteherfalsehoodcouldstilladmirenoblenessandrespectvirtue。Atearofgenuineshamedroppedonthepaper，andrealgratitudefilledherheart，asshethoughtthatevenifallelsefailed，shewasnotthrustoutpennilessintotheworld，whichhadnopityforpoverty。
Astheclockstrucksix，sheheardacarriagedrivearoundandwentdowntomeetit。Aservantputonhertrunk，gavetheorder，"Tothestation，James，"andshedroveawaywithoutmeetinganyone，speakingtoanyone，orapparentlybeingseenbyanyone。Asenseofutterwearinesscameoverher，andshelongedtoliedownandforget。Butthelastchancestillremained，andtillthatfailed，shewouldnotgiveup。Dismissingthecarriage，sheseatedherselftowatchforthequarter-past-sixtrainfromLondon，forinthatSirJohnwouldcomeifhecameatallthatnight。
ShewashauntedbythefearthatEdwardhadmetandtoldhim。ThefirstglimpseofSirJohn’sfrankfacewouldbetraythetruth。Ifheknewall，therewasnohope，andshewouldgoherwayalone。Ifheknewnothing，therewasyettimeforthemarriage;andoncehiswife，sheknewshewassafe，becauseforthehonorofhisnamehewouldscreenandprotecther。
Uprushedthetrain，outsteppedSirJohn，andJean’sheartdiedwithinher。Grave，andpale，andwornhelooked，andleanedheavilyonthearmofaportlygentlemaninblack。TheReverendMr。Fairfax，whyhashecome，ifthesecretisout？thoughtJean，slowlyadvancingtomeetthemandfearingtoreadherfateinSirJohn’sface。Hesawher，droppedhisfriend’sarm，andhurriedforwardwiththeardorofayoungman，exclaiming，asheseizedherhandwithabeamingface，agladvoice，"Mylittlegirl！DidyouthinkIwouldnevercome？"
Shecouldnotanswer，thereactionwastoostrong，butsheclungtohim，regardlessoftimeorplace，andfeltthatherlasthopehadnotfailed。Mr。Fairfaxprovedhimselfequaltotheoccasion。
Askingnoquestions，hehurriedSirJohnandJeanintoacarriageandsteppedinafterthemwithablandapology。Jeanwassoonherselfagain，and，havingtoldherfearsathisdelay，listenedeagerlywhileherelatedthevariousmishapswhichhaddetainedhim。
"HaveyouseenEdward？"washerfirstquestion。
"Notyet，butIknowhehascome，andhaveheardofhisnarrowescape。Ishouldhavebeeninthattrain，ifIhadnotbeendelayedbytheindispositionwhichIthencursed，butnowbless。Areyouready，Jean？Doyourepentyourchoice，mychild？"
"No，no！Iamready，Iamonlytoohappytobecomeyourwife，dear，generousSirJohn，"criedJean，withagladalacrity，whichtouchedtheoldmantotheheart，andcharmedtheReverendMr。Fairfax，whoconcealedtheromanceofaboyunderhisclericalsuit。
TheyreachedtheHall。SirJohngaveorderstoadmitnooneandafterahastydinnersentforhisoldhousekeeperandhissteward，toldthemofhispurpose，anddesiredthemtowitnesshismarriage。Obediencehadbeenthelawoftheirlives，andMastercoulddonothingwrongintheireyes，sotheyplayedtheirpartswillingly，forJeanwasafavoriteattheHall。Paleashergown，butcalmandsteady，shestoodbesideSirJohn，utteringhervowsinacleartoneandtakinguponherselfthevowsofawifewithmorethanabride’susualdocility。Whentheringwasfairlyon，asmilebrokeoverherface。WhenSirJohnkissedandcalledherhis"littlewife，"sheshedatearortwoofsincerehappiness;andwhenMr。
Fairfaxaddressedheras"mylady，"shelaughedhermusicallaugh，andglancedupatapictureofGeraldwitheyesfullofexultation。Astheservantslefttheroom，amessagewasbroughtfromMrs。Coventry，beggingSirJohntocometoheratonce。
"Youwillnotgoandleavemesosoon？"pleadedJean，wellknowingwhyhewassentfor。
"Mydarling，Imust。"Andinspiteofitstenderness，SirJohn’smannerwastoodecidedtobewithstood。
"ThenIshallgowithyou，"criedJean，resolvingthatnoearthlypowershouldpartthem。
BehindaMask：or，AWoman’sPower。Chapter9LADYCOVENTRYWhenthefirstexcitementofEdward’sreturnhadsubsided，andbeforetheycouldquestionhimastothecauseofthisunexpectedvisit，hetoldthemthatafterdinnertheircuriosityshouldbegratified，andmeantimehebeggedthemtoleaveMissMuiralone，forshehadreceivedbadnewsandmustnotbedisturbed。Thefamilywithdifficultyrestrainedtheirtonguesandwaitedimpatiently。GeraldconfessedhisloveforJeanandaskedhisbrother’spardonforbetrayinghistrust。Hehadexpectedanoutbreak，butEdwardonlylookedathimwithpityingeyes，andsaidsadly，"Youtoo！Ihavenoreproachestomake，forIknowwhatyouwillsufferwhenthetruthisknown。"
"Whatdoyoumean？"demandedCoventry。
"Youwillsoonknow，mypoorGerald，andwewillcomfortoneanother。"
NothingmorecouldbedrawnfromEdwardtilldinnerwasover，theservantsgone，andallthefamilyalonetogether。Thenpaleandgrave，butveryself-possessed，fortroublehadmadeamanofhim，heproducedapacketofletters，andsaid，addressinghimselftohisbrother，"JeanMuirhasdeceivedusall。Iknowherstory;letmetellitbeforeIreadherletters。"
"Stop！I’llnotlistentoanyfalsetalesagainsther。Thepoorgirlhasenemieswhobelieher！"criedGerald，startingup。
"Forthehonorofthefamily，youmustlisten，andlearnwhatfoolsshehasmadeofus。IcanprovewhatIsay，andconvinceyouthatshehastheartofadevil。Sitstilltenminutes，thengo，ifyouwill。"
Edwardspokewithauthority，andhisbrotherobeyedhimwithaforebodingheart。
"ImetSydney，andhebeggedmetobewareofher。
Nay，listen，Gerald！Iknowshehastoldherstory，andthatyoubelieveit;butherownlettersconvicther。ShetriedtocharmSydneyasshedidus，andnearlysucceededininducinghimtomarryher。Rashandwildasheis，heisstillagentleman，andwhenanincautiouswordofhersrousedhissuspicions，herefusedtomakeherhiswife。Astormysceneensued，and，hopingtointimidatehim，shefeignedtostabherselfasifindespair。
Shedidwoundherself，butfailedtogainherpointandinsistedupongoingtoahospitaltodie。LadySydney，good，simplesoul，believedthegirl’sversionofthestory，thoughthersonwasinthewrong，andwhenhewasgone，triedtoatoneforhisfaultbyfindingJeanMuiranotherhome。ShethoughtGeraldwassoontomarryLucia，andthatIwasaway，sosentherhereasasafeandcomfortableretreat。"
"But，Ned，areyousureofallthis？IsSydneytobebelieved？"beganCoventry，stillincredulous。
"Toconvinceyou，I’llreadJean’slettersbeforeIsaymore。TheywerewrittentoanaccompliceandwerepurchasedbySydney。
Therewasacompactbetweenthetwowomen，thateachshouldkeeptheotherinformedofalladventures，plotsandplans，andsharewhatevergoodfortunefelltothelotofeither。ThusJeanwrotefreely，asyoushalljudge。
Thelettersconcernusalone。Thefirstwaswrittenafewdaysaftershecame。
"DearHortense：
"Anotherfailure。SydneyWASmorewilythanIthought。
Allwasgoingwell，whenonedaymyoldfaultbesetme，Itooktoomuchwine，andIcarelesslyownedthatIhadbeenanactress。Hewasshocked，andretreated。Igotupascene，andgavemyselfasafelittlewound，tofrightenhim。Thebrutewasnotfrightened，butcoollyleftmetomyfate。
I’dhavediedtospitehim，ifIdared，butasIdidn’t，Ilivedtotormenthim。Asyet，Ihavehadnochance，butIwillnotforgethim。Hismotherisapoor，weakcreature，whomIcoulduseasIwould，andthroughherIfoundanexcellentplace。Asickmother，sillydaughter，andtwoeligiblesons。Oneisengagedtoahandsomeiceberg，butthatonlyrendershimmoreinterestinginmyeyes，rivalryaddssomuchtothecharmofone’sconquests。
Well，mydear，Iwent，gotupinthemeekstyle，intendingtodothepathetic;
butbeforeIsawthefamily，IwassoangryIcouldhardlycontrolmyself。
ThroughtheindolenceofMonsieurtheyoungmaster，nocarriagewassentforme，andIintendheshallatoneforthatrudenessby-and-by。Theyoungerson，themother，andthegirlreceivedmepatronizingly，andIunderstoodthesimplesoulsatonce。Monsieur（asIshallcallhim，asnamesareunsafe）
wasunapproachable，andtooknopainstoconcealhisdislikeofgovernesses。
Thecousinwaslovely，butdetestablewithherpride，hercoldness，andherveryvisibleadorationofMonsieur，wholetherworshiphim，likeaninanimateidolasheis。Ihatedthemboth，ofcourse，andinreturnfortheirinsolenceshalltormentherwithjealousy，andteachhimhowtowooawomanbymakinghisheartache。Theyareanintenselyproudfamily，butIcanhumblethemall，Ithink，bycaptivatingthesons，andwhentheyhavecommittedthemselves，castthemoff，andmarrytheolduncle，whosetitletakesmyfancy。"
"Sheneverwrotethat！Itisimpossible。Awomancouldnotdoit，"criedLuciaindignantly，whileBellasatbewilderedandMrs。Coventrysupportedherselfwithsaltsandfan。Coventrywenttohisbrother，examinedthewriting，andreturnedtohisseat，saying，inatoneofsuppressedwrath，"Shedidwriteit。Ipostedsomeofthoselettersmyself。Goon，Ned。"
"Imademyselfusefulandagreeabletotheamiableones，andoverheardthechatofthelovers。Itdidnotsuitme，soIfaintedawaytostopit，andexciteinterestintheprovokingpair。IthoughtI
hadsucceeded，butMonsieursuspectedmeandshowedmethathedid。Iforgotmymeekroleandgavehimastagelook。Ithadagoodeffect，andIshalltryitagain。Themaniswellworthwinning，butIpreferthetitle，andastheuncleisahale，handsomegentlemanIcan’twaitforhimtodie，thoughMonsieurisverycharming，withhiselegantlanguor，andhisheartsofastasleepnowomanhashadpowertowakeityet。Itoldmystory，andtheybelievedit，thoughIhadtheaudacitytosayIwasbutnineteen，totalkScotch，andbashfullyconfessthatSydneywishedtomarryme。MonsieurknowsS。andevidentlysuspectssomething。Imustwatchhimandkeepthetruthfromhim，ifpossible。
"IwasverymiserablethatnightwhenIgotalone。
SomethingintheatmosphereofthishappyhomemademewishIwasanythingbutwhatIam。AsIsattheretryingtopluckupmyspirits，IthoughtofthedayswhenIwaslovelyandyoung，goodandgay。Myglassshowedmeanoldwomanofthirty，formyfalselockswereoff，mypaintgone，andmyfacewaswithoutitsmask。Bah！howIhatesentiment！Idrankyourhealthfromyourownlittleflask，andwenttobedtodreamthatIwasplayingLadyTartuffe——asIam。Adieu，moresoon。"
NoonespokeasEdwardpaused，andtakingupanotherletter，hereadon：
"MyDearCreature：
"Allgoeswell。NextdayIbeganmytask，andhavingcaughtahintofthecharacterofeach，triedmypoweroverthem。EarlyinthemorningIranovertoseetheHall。Approvedofithighlyandtookthefirststeptowardbecomingitsmistress，bypiquingthecuriosityandflatteringtheprideofitsmaster。Hisestateishisidol;Ipraiseditwithafewartlesscomplimentstohimself，andhewascharmed。Thecadetofthefamilyadoreshorses。Iriskedmynecktopethisbeast，andhewascharmed。Thelittlegirlisromanticaboutflowers;Imadeaposyandwassentimental，andshewascharmed。Thefairiciclelovesherdepartedmamma，Ihadrapturesoveranoldpicture，andshethawed。Monsieurisusedtobeingworshipped。Itooknonoticeofhint，andbythenaturalperversityofhumannature，hebegantotakenoticeofme。Helikesmusic;
Isang，andstoppedwhenhe’dlistenedlongenoughtowantmore。Heislazilyfondofbeingamused;Ishowedhimmyskill，butrefusedtoexertitinhisbehalf。Inshort，Igavehimnopeacetillhebegantowakeup。
Inordertogetridoftheboy，Ifascinatedhim，andhewassentaway。
Poorlad，Iratherlikedhim，andifthetitlehadbeennearerwouldhavemarriedhim。"
"Manythanksforthehonor。"AndEdward’slipcurledwithintensescorn。ButGeraldsatlikeastatue，histeethset，hiseyesfiery，hisbrowsbent，waitingfortheend。
"Thepassionateboynearlykilledhisbrother，butIturnedtheaffairtogoodaccount，andbewitchedMonsieurbyplayingnurse，tillVashti（theicicle）interfered。ThenIenactedinjuredvirtue，andkeptoutofhisway，knowingthathewouldmissme。ImystifiedhimaboutS。bysendingaletterwhereS。wouldnotgetit，andgotupallmannerofsoftscenestowinthisproudcreature。IgetonwellandmeanwhileprivatelyfascinateSirJ。bybeingdaughterlyanddevoted。Heisaworthyoldman，simpleasachild，honestastheday，andgenerousasaprince。
IshallbeahappywomanifIwinhim，andyoushallsharemygoodfortune;
sowishmesuccess。"
"Thisisthethird，andcontainssomethingwhichwillsurpriseyou，"Edwardsaid，asheliftedanotherpaper。
"Hortense：
"I’vedonewhatIonceplannedtodoonanotheroccasion。
Youknowmyhandsome，dissipatedfathermarriedaladyofrankforhissecondwife。IneversawLadyH_____dbutonce，forIwaskeptoutoftheway。FindingthatthisgoodSirJ。knewsomethingofherwhenagirl，andbeingsurethathedidnotknowofthedeathofherlittledaughter，I
boldlysaidIwasthechild，andtoldapitifultaleofmyearlylife。
Itworkedlikeacharm;hetoldMonsieur，andbothfeltthemostchivalrouscompassionforLadyHoward’sdaughter，thoughbeforetheyhadsecretlylookeddownonme，andmyrealpovertyandmylowliness。Thatboypitiedmewithanhonestwarmthandneverwaitedtolearnmybirth。Idon’tforgetthatandshallrepayitifIcan。WishingtobringMonsieur’saffairtoasuccessfulcrisis，Igotupatheatricaleveningandwasinmyelement。
OnelittleeventImusttellyou，becauseIcommittedanactionableoffenseandwasnearlydiscovered。Ididnotgodowntosupper，knowingthatthemothwouldreturntoflutteraboutthecandle，andpreferringthattheflutteringshouldbedoneinprivate，asVashti’sjealousyisgettinguncontrollable。
Passingthroughthegentlemen’sdressingroom，myquickeyecaughtsightofaletterlyingamongthecostumes。Itwasnostageaffair，andanoddsensationoffearranthroughmeasIrecognizedthehandofS。Ihadfearedthis，butIbelieveinchance;andhavingfoundtheletter，Iexaminedit。YouknowIcanimitatealmostanyhand。WhenIreadinthispaperthewholestoryofmyaffairwithS。，trulytold，andalsothathehadmadeinquiriesintomypastlifeanddiscoveredthetruth，Iwasinafury。
Tobesonearsuccessandfailwasterrible，andIresolvedtoriskeverything。
Iopenedtheletterbymeansofaheatedknifebladeundertheseal，thereforetheenvelopewasperfect;imitatingS。’shand，Ipennedafewlinesinhishastystyle，sayinghewasatBaden，sothatifMonsieuranswered，thereplywouldnotreachhim，forheisinLondon，itseems。ThisletterIputintothepocketwhencetheothermusthavefallen，andwasjustcongratulatingmyselfonthisnarrowescape，whenDean，themaidofVashti，appearedasifwatchingme。Shehadevidentlyseentheletterinmyhand，andsuspectedsomething。Itooknonoticeofher，butmustbecareful，forsheisonthewatch。Afterthistheeveningclosedwithstrictlyprivatetheatricals，inwhichMonsieurandmyselfweretheonlyactors。Tomakesurethathereceivedmyversionofthestoryfirst，ItoldhimaromanticstoryofS。’spersecution，andhebelievedit。ThisIfollowedupbyamoonlightepisodebehindarosehedge，andsenttheyounggentlemanhomeinahalf-dazedcondition。Whatfoolsmenare！"
"Sheisright！"mutteredCoventry，whohadflushedscarletwithshameandanger，ashisfollybecameknownandLucialistenedinastonishedsilence。
"Onlyonemore，andmydistastefultaskwillbenearlyover，"saidEdward，unfoldingthelastofthepapers。"Thisisnotaletter，butacopyofonewrittenthreenightsago。DeanboldlyransackedJeanMuir’sdeskwhileshewasattheHall，and，fearingtobetraythedeedbykeepingtheletter，shemadeahastycopywhichshegavemetoday，beggingmetosavethefamilyfromdisgrace。Thismakesthechaincomplete。Gonow，ifyouwill，Gerald。Iwouldgladlyspareyouthepainofhearingthis。"
"Iwillnotsparemyself;Ideserveit。Readon，"
repliedCoventry，guessingwhatwastofollowandnervinghimselftohearit。Reluctantlyhisbrotherreadtheselines：
"Theenemyhassurrendered！Givemejoy，Hortense;
Icanbethewifeofthisproudmonsieur，ifIwill。Thinkwhatanhonorforthedivorcedwifeofadisreputableactor。Ilaughatthefarceandenjoyit，forIonlywaittilltheprizeIdesireisfairlymine，toturnandrejectthisloverwhohasprovedhimselffalsetobrother，mistress，andhisownconscience。Iresolvedtoberevengedonboth，andIhavekeptmyword。Formysakehecastoffthebeautifulwomanwhotrulylovedhim;
heforgothispromisetohisbrother，andputbyhispridetobegofmetheworn-outheartthatisnotworthagoodman’slove。Ahwell，Iamsatisfied，forVashtihassufferedthesharpestpainaproudwomancanendure，andwillfeelanotherpangwhenItellherthatIscornherrecreantlover，andgivehimbacktoher，todealwithasshewill。"
Coventrystartedfromhisseatwithafierceexclamation，butLuciabowedherfaceuponherhands，weeping，asifthepanghadbeensharperthanevenJeanforesaw。
"SendforSirJohn！Iammortallyafraidofthiscreature。Takeheraway;dosomethingtoher。MypoorBella，whatacompanionforyou！SendforSirJohnatonce！"criedMrs。Coventryincoherently，andclaspedherdaughterinherarms，asifJeanMuirwouldburstintoannihilatethewholefamily。Edwardalonewascalm。
"Ihavealreadysent，andwhilewewait，letmefinishthisstory。ItistruethatJeanisthedaughterofLadyHoward’shusband，thepretendedclergyman，butreallyaworthlessmanwhomarriedherforhermoney。Herownchilddied，butthisgirl，havingbeauty，witandaboldspirit，tookherfateintoherownhands，andbecameanactress。Shemarriedanactor，ledarecklesslifeforsomeyears;quarreledwithherhusband，wasdivorced，andwenttoParis;leftthestage，andtriedtosupportherselfasgovernessandcompanion。YouknowhowshefaredwiththeSydneys，howshehasdupedus，andbutforthisdiscoverywouldhavedupedSirJohn。Iwasintimetopreventthis，thankheaven。Sheisgone;
nooneknowsthetruthbutSydneyandourselves;hewillbesilent，forhisownsake;wewillbeforours，andleavethisdangerouswomantothefatewhichwillsurelyovertakeher。"
"Thankyou，ithasovertakenher，andaveryhappyoneshefindsit。"
Asoftvoiceutteredthewords，andanapparitionappearedatthedoor，whichmadeallstartandrecoilwithamazement——
JeanMuirleaningonthearmofSirJohn。
"Howdareyoureturn？"beganEdward，losingtheself-controlsolongpreserved。"Howdareyouinsultusbycomingbacktoenjoythemischiefyouhavedone？Uncle，youdonotknowthatwoman！"
"Hush，boy，Iwillnotlistentoaword，unlessyourememberwhereyouare，"saidSirJohn，withacommandinggesture。
"Rememberyourpromise：loveme，forgiveme，protectme，anddonotlistentotheiraccusations，"whisperedJean，whosequickeyehaddiscoveredtheletters。
"Iwill;havenofears，mychild，"heanswered，drawinghernearerashetookhisaccustomedplacebeforethefire，alwayslightedwhenMrs。Coventrywasdown。
Gerald，whohadbeenpacingtheroomexcitedly，pausedbehindLucia’schairasiftoshieldherfrominsult;Bellaclungtohermother;andEdward，calminghimselfbyastrongeffort，handedhisuncletheletters，sayingbriefly，"Lookatthose，sir，andletthemspeak。"
"Iwilllookatnothing，hearnothing，believenothingwhichcaninanywaylessenmyrespectandaffectionforthisyounglady。
Shehaspreparedmeforthis。Iknowtheenemywhoisunmanlyenoughtobelieandthreatenher。Iknowthatyoubothareunsuccessfullovers，andthisexplainsyourunjust，uncourteoustreatmentnow。Weallhavecommittedfaultsandfollies。IfreelyforgiveJeanhers，anddesiretoknownothingofthemfromyourlips。Ifshehasinnocentlyoffended，pardonitformysake，andforgetthepast。"
"But，Uncle，wehaveproofsthatthiswomanisnotwhatsheseems。Herownlettersconvicther。Readthem，anddonotblindlydeceiveyourself，"criedEdward，indignantathisuncle’swords。
Alowlaughstartledthemall，andinaninstanttheysawthecauseofit。WhileSirJohnspoke，Jeanhadtakenthelettersfromthehandwhichhehadputbehindhim，afavoritegestureofhis，and，unobserved，haddroppedthemonthefire。Themockinglaugh，thesuddenblaze，showedwhathadbeendone。Bothyoungmensprangforward，butitwastoolate;theproofswereashes，andJeanMuir’sbold，brighteyesdefiedthem，asshesaid，withadisdainfullittlegesture，"Handsoff，gentlemen！Youmaydegradeyourselvestotheworkofdetectives，butI
amnotaprisoneryet。PoorJeanMuiryoumightharm，butLadyCoventryisbeyondyourreach。"
"LadyCoventry！"echoedthedismayedfamily，invaryingtonesofincredulity，indignation，andamazement。
"Aye，mydearandhonoredwife，"saidSirJohn，withaprotectingarmabouttheslenderfigureathisside;andintheact，thewords，therewasatenderdignitythattouchedthelistenerswithpityandrespectforthedeceivedman。"Receiveherassuch，andformysake，forbearallfurtheraccusation，"hecontinuedsteadily。"IknowwhatI
havedone。IhavenofearthatIshallrepentit。IfIamblind，letmeremainsotilltimeopensmyeyes。Wearegoingawayforalittlewhile，andwhenwereturn，lettheoldlifereturnagain，unchanged，exceptthatJeanmakessunshineformeaswellasforyou。"
Noonespoke，fornooneknewwhattosay。Jeanbrokethesilence，sayingcoolly，"MayIaskhowthoseletterscameintoyourpossession？"
"Intracingoutyourpastlife，SydneyfoundyourfriendHortense。Shewaspoor，moneybribedher，andyourlettersweregivenuptohimassoonasreceived。Traitorsarealwaysbetrayedintheend，"repliedEdwardsternly。
Jeanshruggedhershoulders，andshotaglanceatGerald，sayingwithhersignificantsmile，"Rememberthat，monsieur，andallowmetohopethatinweddingyouwillbehappierthaninwooing。Receivemycongratulations，MissBeaufort，andletmebegofyoutofollowmyexample，ifyouwouldkeepyourlovers。"
Hereallthesarcasmpassedfromhervoice，thedefiancefromhereye，andtheoneunspoiledattributewhichstilllingeredinthiswoman’sartfulnatureshoneinherface，assheturnedtowardEdwardandBellaattheirmother’sside。
"Youhavebeenkindtome，"shesaid，withgratefulwarmth。"Ithankyouforit，andwillrepayitifIcan。ToyouIwillacknowledgethatIamnotworthytobethisgoodman’swife，andtoyouIwillsolemnlypromisetodevotemylifetohishappiness。Forhissakeforgiveme，andlettherebepeacebetweenus。"
Therewasnoreply，butEdward’sindignanteyesfellbeforehers。Bellahalfputoutherhand，andMrs。Coventrysobbedasifsomeregretmingledwithherresentment。Jeanseemedtoexpectnofriendlydemonstration，andtounderstandthattheyforboreforSirJohn’ssake，notforhers，andtoaccepttheircontemptasherjustpunishment。
"Comehome，love，andforgetallthis，"saidherhusband，ringingthebell，andeagertobegone。"LadyCoventry’scarriage。"
Andashegavetheorder，asmilebrokeoverherface，forthesoundassuredherthatthegamewaswon。Pausinganinstantonthethresholdbeforeshevanishedfromtheirsight，shelookedbackward，andfixingonGeraldthestrangeglanceherememberedwell，shesaidinherpenetratingvoice，"Isnotthelastscenebetterthanthefirst？"
