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LeFanu4.xml.txt
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LeFanu4.xml.txt
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The/DT Evil/NNP Guest/NNP By/IN J./NNP Sheridan/NNP LeFanu/NNP 1895/CD "When/NNP Lust/NNP hath/NN conceived,/NN it/PRP bringeth/VBZ forth/RB Sin:/NNP and/CC Sin,/NNP when/WRB it/PRP is/VBZ finished,/VBG bringeth/IN forth/RB Death."/NNP About/IN sixty/CD years/NNS ago,/RB and/CC somewhat/RB more/RBR than/IN twenty/CD miles/NNS from/IN the/DT ancient/JJ town/NN of/IN Chester,/NNP in/IN a/DT southward/JJ direction,/NN there/RB stood/VBD a/DT large,/JJ and,/CC even/RB then,/, an/DT old-fashioned/JJ mansion-house./NN It/PRP lay/VBD in/IN the/DT midst/NN of/IN a/DT demesne/NN of/IN considerable/JJ extent,/NN and/CC richly/RB wooded/VBD with/IN venerable/JJ timber;/NN but,/, apart/RB from/IN the/DT somber/NN majesty/NN of/IN these/DT giant/JJ groups,/NN and/CC the/DT varieties/NNS of/IN the/DT undulating/JJ ground/NN on/IN which/WDT they/PRP stood,/VBD there/EX was/VBD little/JJ that/WDT could/MD be/VB deemed/VBN attractive/JJ in/IN the/DT place./NN A/DT certain/JJ air/NN of/IN neglect/NN and/CC decay,/NN and/CC an/DT indescribable/JJ gloom/NN and/CC melancholy,/NN hung/VBD over/IN it./PRP In/IN darkness,/NN it/PRP seemed/VBD darker/RB than/IN any/DT other/JJ tract;/NN when/WRB the/DT moonlight/NN fell/VBD upon/IN its/PRP$ glades/NNS and/CC hollows,/NN they/PRP looked/VBD spectral/JJ and/CC awful,/RB with/IN a/DT sort/NN of/IN churchyard/NN loneliness;/JJ and/CC even/RB when/WRB the/DT blush/NN of/IN the/DT morning/NN kissed/VBD its/PRP$ broad/JJ woodlands,/NN there/EX was/VBD a/DT melancholy/NN in/IN the/DT salute/JJ that/IN saddened/VBN rather/RB than/IN cheered/VBD the/DT heart/NN of/IN the/DT beholder./NN This/DT antique,/JJ melancholy,/NN and/CC neglected/VBN place,/NN we/PRP shall/MD call,/VB for/IN distinctness/NN sake,/NN Gray/NNP Forest./NNP It/PRP was/VBD then/RB the/DT property/NN of/IN the/DT younger/JJR son/NN of/IN a/DT nobleman,/NN once/RB celebrated/VBN for/IN his/PRP$ ability/NN and/CC his/PRP$ daring,/JJ but/CC who/WP had/VBD long/RB since/IN passed/VBN to/TO that/DT land/NN where/WRB human/JJ wisdom/NN and/CC courage/NN avail/NN naught./VBD The/DT representative/NN of/IN this/DT noble/JJ house/NN resided/VBD at/IN the/DT family/NN mansion/NN in/IN Sussex,/NNP and/CC the/DT cadet,/NN whose/WP$ fortunes/NNS we/PRP mean/VBP to/TO sketch/VB in/IN these/DT pages,/NNS lived/VBD upon/IN the/DT narrow/JJ margin/NN of/IN an/DT encumbered/JJ income,/NN in/IN a/DT reserved/VBN and/CC unsocial/JJ discontent,/NNS deep/RB among/IN the/DT solemn/JJ shadows/NNS of/IN the/DT old/JJ woods/NNS of/IN Gray/NNP Forest./NNP The/DT Hon./NNP Richard/NNP Marston/NNP was/VBD now/RB somewhere/RB between/IN forty/CD and/CC fifty/CD years/NNS of/IN age--perhaps/RB nearer/IN the/DT latter;/NN he/PRP still,/RB however,/RB retained,/VB in/IN an/DT eminent/JJ degree,/NN the/DT traits/NNS of/IN manly/JJ beauty,/NN not/RB the/DT less/RBR remarkable/JJ for/IN its/PRP$ unquestionably/RB haughty/JJ and/CC passionate/JJ character./NN He/PRP had/VBD married/VBN 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wherewith/IN to/TO console/VB himself;/PRP and,/RB in/IN the/DT consciousness/NN of/IN these/DT possessions,/NNS he/PRP found/VBD some/DT imperfect/JJ assuagement/NN of/IN those/DT bitter/JJ feelings/NNS of/IN suppressed/JJ scorn/NN and/CC resentment,/NN which/WDT a/DT sense/NN of/IN lost/VBN station/NN and/CC slighted/VBD importance/NN engendered./VBN Mr./NNP Marston's/NNP early/RB habits/NNS had,/VBD unhappily,/JJ been/VBN of/IN a/DT kind/NN to/TO aggravate,/JJ rather/RB than/IN alleviate,/VB the/DT annoyances/NNS incidental/JJ to/TO reduced/JJ means./NN He/PRP had/VBD been/VBN a/DT gay/JJ man,/NN a/DT voluptuary,/NN and/CC a/DT gambler./NN His/PRP$ vicious/JJ tastes/NNS had/VBD survived/VBN the/DT means/NNS of/IN their/PRP$ gratification./NN His/PRP$ love/NN for/IN his/PRP$ wife/NN had/VBD been/VBN nothing/NN more/JJR than/IN one/CD of/IN those/DT vehement/JJ and/CC headstrong/JJ fancies,/JJ which,/NN in/IN self-indulgent/JJ men,/NNS sometimes/RB result/VBP in/IN marriage,/NN and/CC which/WDT seldom/RB outlive/VBP the/DT first/JJ few/JJ months/NNS of/IN that/DT life-long/JJ connection./NN Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP was/VBD a/DT gentle,/JJ noble-minded/JJ woman./NN After/IN agonies/NNS or/CC disappointment,/NN which/WDT none/NN ever/RB suspected,/VBD she/PRP had/VBD at/IN length/NN learned/VBD to/TO submit,/VB in/IN sad/JJ and/CC gentle/JJ acquiescence,/NN to/TO her/PRP$ fate./NN Those/DT feelings,/NNS which/WDT had/VBD been/VBN the/DT charm/NN of/IN her/PRP$ young/JJ days,/NN were/VBD gone,/VBN and,/RB as/IN she/PRP bitterly/RB felt,/VBD forever./NN For/IN them/PRP there/EX was/VBD no/DT recall/NN they/PRP could/MD not/RB return;/VB and,/NNS without/IN complaint/NN or/CC reproach,/NN she/PRP yielded/VBD to/TO what/WP she/PRP felt/VBD was/VBD inevitable./DT It/PRP was/VBD impossible/JJ to/TO look/VB at/IN Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP and/CC not/RB to/TO discern,/VB at/IN a/DT glance,/NN the/DT ruin/NN of/IN a/DT surpassingly/RB beautiful/JJ woman;/NNS a/DT good/JJ deal/NN wasted,/IN pale,/NN and/CC chastened/VBN with/IN a/DT deep,/JJ untold/JJ sorrow,/NN but/CC still/RB possessing/VBG the/DT outlines,/NN both/DT in/IN face/NN and/CC form,/NN of/IN that/DT noble/JJ beauty/NN and/CC matchless/JJ grace,/NN which/WDT had/VBD made/VBN her,/PRP in/IN happier/JJR days,/NN the/DT admired/VBN of/IN all/DT observers./NNP But/CC equally/RB impossible/JJ was/VBD it/PRP to/TO converse/VB with/IN her,/PRP for/IN even/RB a/DT minute,/NN without/IN hearing,/NN in/IN the/DT gentle/JJ and/CC melancholy/JJ music/NN of/IN her/PRP voice,/, the/DT sad/JJ echoes/NNS of/IN those/DT griefs/NNS to/TO which/WDT her/PRP$ early/JJ beauty/NN had/VBD been/VBN sacrificed,/VBG an/DT undying/JJ sense/NN of/IN lost/VBN love,/NN and/CC happiness/NN departed,/NN never/RB to/TO come/VB again./RB One/CD morning,/NN Mr./NNP Marston/NNP had/VBD walked,/NN as/IN was/VBD his/PRP$ custom/NN when/WRB he/PRP expected/VBD the/DT messenger/NN who/WP brought/VBD from/IN the/DT neighboring/JJ post/NN 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tranquil/JJ as/IN usual./NNP Mr./NNP Marston/NNP remained/VBD for/IN some/DT minutes--five,/JJ eight,/CD or/CC ten,/CD we/PRP cannot/MD say/VB precisely--pretty/JJ much/RB where/WRB he/PRP had/VBD stood/VBN on/IN first/JJ entering/VBG the/DT chamber,/NN doubtless/RB awaiting/VBG the/DT return/NN of/IN his/PRP$ messenger,/NN or/CC the/DT appearance/NN of/IN his/PRP$ wife./NN At/IN length,/NN however,/, he/PRP left/VBD the/DT room/NN himself/PRP to/TO seek/VB her;/PRP but,/RP during/IN his/PRP$ brief/JJ stay,/NN his/PRP$ previous/JJ resolution/NN had/VBD been/VBN removed./VBN By/IN what/WP influence/NN we/PRP cannot/MD say;/VB but/CC removed/VBN completely/RB it/PRP unquestionably/RB was,/VBD and/CC a/DT final/JJ determination/NN that/IN Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP Berkley/NNP should/MD become/VB his/PRP$ guest/NN had/VBD fixedly/RB taken/VBN its/PRP$ place./NN As/IN Marston/NNP walked/VBD along/IN the/DT passages/NNS which/WDT led/VBD from/IN this/DT room,/NN he/PRP encountered/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ daughter./NN "Well,"/NN said/VBD he,/PRP "you/PRP have/VBP read/VBN Wynston's/NNP letter?"/NN "Yes,"/IN she/PRP replied,/VBD returning/VBG it/PRP to/TO him;/VB "and/CC what/WP answer,/NN Richard,/NNP do/VBP you/PRP purpose/NN giving/VBG him?"/JJ She/PRP was/VBD about/RB to/TO hazard/VB a/DT conjecture,/JJ but/CC checked/VBN herself,/PRP remembering/VBG that/IN even/RB so/RB faint/JJ an/DT evidence/NN of/IN a/DT disposition/NN to/TO advise/VB might/MD possibly/RB be/VB resented/VBN by/IN her/PRP$ cold/JJ and/CC imperious/JJ lord./NN "I/NNS have/VBP considered/VBN it,/VBN and/CC decided/VBN to/TO receive/VB him,"/IN he/PRP replied./VBD "Ah!/IN I/PRP am/VBP afraid--that/JJ is,/IN I/PRP hope--he/, may/MD find/VB our/PRP$ housekeeping/NN such/JJ as/IN he/PRP can/MD enjoy,"/VB she/PRP said,/VBD with/IN an/DT involuntary/JJ expression/NN of/IN surprise;/NN for/IN she/PRP had/VBD scarcely/RB had/VBD a/DT doubt/NN that/IN her/PRP$ husband/NN would/MD have/VB 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tomorrow/NN or/CC next/JJ day./NN I/PRP shall/MD write/VB by/IN this/DT mail,/NN and/CC tell/VB him/PRP to/TO come/VB down/RP at/IN once."/NNP Having/NNP said/VBD this/DT in/IN a/DT cold,/JJ decisive/JJ way,/NN he/PRP turned/VBD and/CC left/VBD her,/PRP as/IN it/PRP seemed,/VBD not/RB caring/VBG to/TO be/VB teased/VBN with/IN further/JJ questions./NNS He/PRP took/VBD his/PRP$ solitary/JJ way/NN to/TO a/DT distant/JJ part/NN of/IN his/PRP$ wild/JJ park,/NN where,/, far/RB from/IN the/DT likelihood/NN of/IN disturbance/NN or/CC intrusion,/NN he/PRP was/VBD often/RB wont/JJ to/TO amuse/VB himself/PRP for/IN the/DT live-long/JJ day,/NN in/IN the/DT sedentary/JJ sport/NN of/IN shooting/VBG rabbits./NNP And/CC there/EX we/PRP leave/VB him/PRP for/IN the/DT present,/NN signifying/NN to/TO the/DT distant/JJ inmates/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ house/NN the/DT industrious/JJ pursuit/NN of/IN his/PRP$ unsocial/JJ occupation,/NN by/IN the/DT dropping/VBG fire/NN that/IN sullenly,/NN from/IN hour/NN to/TO 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To/TO them/PRP she/PRP never/RB uttered/VBD the/DT semblance/NN of/IN a/DT complaint./NN Anything/NN that/WDT could/MD by/IN possibility/NN have/VBP reflected/VBN blame/NN or/CC dishonor/NN upon/IN their/PRP$ father,/NN she/PRP would/MD have/VB perished/VBN rather/RB than/IN have/VB allowed/VBN them/PRP so/RB much/RB as/IN to/TO suspect./VB The/DT two/CD friends/NNS who/WP did/VBD understand/VB her/PRP$ feelings,/NN though/IN in/IN different/JJ degrees,/NN were,/VBD one,/IN a/DT good/JJ and/CC venerable/JJ clergyman,/NNS the/DT Rev./NNP Doctor/NNP Danvers,/NNP a/DT frequent/JJ visitor/NN and/CC occasional/JJ guest/NN at/IN Gray/NNP Forest,/NNP where/WRB his/PRP$ simple/JJ manners/NNS and/CC unaffected/JJ benignity/NN and/CC tenderness/NN of/IN heart/NN had/VBD won/VBN the/DT love/NN of/IN all,/NNS with/IN the/DT exception/NN of/IN its/PRP$ master,/NN and/CC commanded/VBD even/RB his/PRP$ respect./NNP The/DT second/NN was/VBD no/DT other/JJ than/IN the/DT young/JJ French/NNP 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most/RBS winning/VBG imaginable./RP In/IN short,/JJ she/PRP was/VBD a/DT fascinating/JJ companion;/NN and/CC when/WRB the/DT melancholy/JJ circumstances/NNS of/IN her/PRP$ own/JJ situation,/NN and/CC the/DT sad/JJ history/NN of/IN her/PRP$ once/RB rich/JJ and/CC noble/JJ family,/NN were/VBD taken/VBN into/IN account,/NN with/IN her/PRP$ striking/JJ attractions/NNS of/IN person/NN and/CC air,/PDT the/DT combination/NN of/IN all/PDT these/DT associations/NNS and/CC impressions/NNS rendered/VBD her/PRP one/CD of/IN the/DT most/RBS interesting/JJ persons/NNS that/WDT could/MD well/RB be/VB imagined./VBN The/DT circumstances/NNS of/IN Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras's/NNPS history/NN and/CC descent/NN seemed/VBD to/TO warrant,/VB on/IN Mrs./NNP Marston's/NNP part,/, a/DT closer/RBR intimacy/JJ and/CC confidence/NN than/IN usually/RB subsists/NNS between/IN parties/NNS mutually/RB occupying/VBG such/JJ a/DT relation./NN Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP had/VBD hardly/RB established/VBN herself/PRP in/IN this/DT little/JJ apartment,/NN when/WRB a/DT light/JJ foot/NN approached,/VBD a/DT gentle/JJ tap/NN was/VBD given/VBN at/IN the/DT door,/NN and/CC Mademoiselle/NNP de/NNP Barras/NNPS entered./VBD "Ah,/JJ mademoiselle,/, so/RB kind--such/JJ pretty/RB flowers./VBG Pray/NNP sit/VB down,"/RB said/VBD the/DT lady,/NN with/IN a/DT sweet/JJ and/CC grateful/JJ smile,/NN as/IN she/PRP took/VBD from/IN the/DT tapered/JJ fingers/NNS of/IN the/DT foreigner/NN the/DT little/JJ bouquet,/NN which/WDT she/PRP had/VBD been/VBN at/IN the/DT pains/NNS to/TO gather./VB Mademoiselle/NNP sat/VBD down,/NN and/CC gently/RB took/VBD the/DT lady's/NNS hand/NN and/CC kissed/VBD it./PRP A/DT small/JJ matter/NN will/MD overflow/VB a/DT heart/NN charged/VBN with/IN sorrow--a/JJ chance/NN word,/VBD a/DT look,/NN some/DT little/JJ office/NN of/IN kindness--and/NN so/IN it/PRP was/VBD with/IN mademoiselle's/NNS bouquet/NN and/CC gentle/JJ kiss./NN Mrs./NNP Marston's/NNP heart/NN was/VBD touched;/VBG her/PRP$ eyes/NNS filled/VBN with/IN bright/JJ tears;/NNS she/PRP smiled/VBD gratefully/RB upon/IN her/PRP$ fair/JJ and/CC humble/JJ companion,/NN and/CC as/IN she/PRP smiled,/VBD her/PRP$ tears/NNS overflowed,/, and/CC she/PRP wept/VBD in/IN silence/NN for/IN some/DT minutes./NN "My/RB poor/JJ mademoiselle,"/, she/PRP said,/VBD at/IN last,/JJ "you/NNS are/VBP so/RB very,/RB very/RB kind."/JJ Mademoiselle/NNP said/VBD nothing;/NN she/PRP lowered/VBD her/PRP$ eyes,/NN and/CC pressed/VBD the/DT poor/JJ lady's/NN hand./VBN Apparently/RB to/TO interrupt/VB an/DT embarrassing/JJ silence,/NN and/CC to/TO give/VB a/DT more/RBR cheerful/JJ tone/NN to/TO their/PRP$ little/JJ interview,/NN the/DT governess,/NN in/IN a/DT gay/JJ tone,/NN on/IN a/DT sudden/JJ said--/: "And/JJ so,/NN madame,/, we/PRP are/VBP to/TO have/VB a/DT visitor,/NN Miss/NNP Rhoda/NNP tells/VBZ me--a/JJ baronet,/NN is/VBZ he/PRP not?"/RB "Yes,/RB indeed,/JJ mademoiselle--Sir/. Wynston/NNP Berkley,/NNP a/DT gay/JJ London/NNP gentleman,/NN and/CC a/DT cousin/NN of/IN Mr./NNP Marston's,"/NNP she/PRP replied./VBD "Ha--a/NNP cousin!"/NN exclaimed/VBD the/DT young/JJ lady,/NN with/IN a/DT little/RB more/JJR surprise/NN in/IN her/PRP$ tone/NN than/IN seemed/VBD altogether/RB called/VBN for--"a/DT cousin?/NN oh,/, then,/JJ that/WDT is/VBZ the/DT reason/NN of/IN his/PRP$ visit./NN Do,/NNP pray,/VBD madame,/VBN tell/VB me/PRP all/DT about/IN him;/PRP I/PRP am/VBP so/RB much/JJ afraid/JJ of/IN strangers,/NN and/CC what/WP you/PRP call/VBP men/NNS of/IN the/DT world./NN Oh,/NNP dear/JJ Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP I/PRP am/VBP not/RB worthy/JJ to/TO be/VB here,/RB and/CC he/PRP will/MD see/VB all/DT that/IN in/IN a/DT moment;/NN indeed,/NN indeed,/IN I/PRP am/VBP afraid./VBN Pray/NNP tell/VBP me/PRP all/PDT about/RB him."/PRP She/PRP said/VBD this/DT with/IN a/DT simplicity/NN which/WDT made/VBD the/DT elder/JJR lady/NN smile,/NN and/CC while/IN mademoiselle/PRP re-adjusted/VBD the/DT tiny/JJ flowers/NNS which/WDT formed/VBD the/DT bouquet/NN she/PRP had/VBD just/RB presented/VBN to/TO her,/PRP$ Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP good-naturedly/RB recounted/VBD to/TO her/PRP all/PDT she/PRP knew/VBD of/IN Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP Berkley,/NNP which,/, in/IN substance,/NN amounted/VBD to/TO no/DT more/JJR than/IN we/PRP have/VBP already/RB stated./VBN When/WRB she/PRP concluded,/VBP the/DT young/JJ Frenchwoman/NNP continued/VBD for/IN some/DT time/NN silent,/NN still/RB busy/JJ with/IN her/PRP$ flowers./NN But,/CC suddenly,/RB she/PRP heaved/VBD a/DT deep/JJ sigh,/NN and/CC shook/VBD her/PRP$ head./NN "You/PRP seem/VBP disquieted,/JJ mademoiselle,"/, said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP in/IN a/DT tone/NN of/IN kindness./NN "I/NN am/VBP thinking,/DT madame,"/JJ she/PRP said,/VBD still/RB looking/VBG upon/IN the/DT flowers/NNS which/WDT she/PRP was/VBD adjusting,/VBN and/CC again/RB sighing/VBG profoundly,/JJ "I/NNS am/VBP thinking/VBG of/IN what/WP you/PRP said/VBD to/TO me/PRP a/DT week/NN ago;/IN alas!"/DT "I/NNS do/VBP not/RB remember/VB what/WP it/PRP was,/VBD my/PRP$ good/JJ mademoiselle--nothing,/, I/PRP am/VBP sure,/JJ that/IN ought/MD to/TO grieve/VB you--at/JJ least/JJS nothing/NN that/WDT was/VBD intended/VBN to/TO have/VB that/DT effect,"/NN replied/VBD the/DT lady,/NN in/IN a/DT tone/NN of/IN gentle/JJ encouragement./NN "No,/IN not/RB intended,/JJ madame,"/, said/VBD the/DT young/JJ Frenchwoman,/NNP sorrowfully./NN "Well,/IN what/WP was/VBD it?/RB Perhaps/RB you/PRP misunderstood;/VB perhaps/RB I/PRP can/MD explain/VB what/WP I/PRP said,"/VBD replied/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP affectionately./. "Ah,/NNP madame,/VBD you/PRP think--you/DT think/VBP I/PRP am/VBP unlucky,"/JJ answered/VBD the/DT young/JJ lady,/NN slowly/RB and/CC faintly./VBD "Unlucky!/NNP Dear/NNP mademoiselle,/VBD you/PRP surprise/VB me,"/PRP rejoined/VBD her/PRP$ companion./NN "I/IN mean--what/WP I/PRP mean/VBP is/VBZ this,/DT madame;/JJ you/PRP date/VBP unhappiness--if/JJ not/RB its/PRP$ beginning,/NN at/IN least/JJS its/PRP$ great/JJ aggravation/NN and/CC increase,"/NN she/PRP answered,/MD dejectedly,/VB "from/IN the/DT time/NN of/IN my/PRP$ coming/VBG here,/RB madame;/JJ and/CC though/IN I/PRP know/VBP you/PRP are/VBP too/RB good/JJ to/TO dislike/VB me/PRP on/IN that/DT account,/NN yet/RB I/PRP must,/VBP in/IN your/PRP$ eyes,/NNS be/VB ever/RB connected/VBN with/IN calamity,/NNS and/CC look/VB like/IN an/DT ominous/JJ thing."/NN "Dear/JJ mademoiselle,/, allow/VB no/DT such/JJ thought/NN to/TO enter/VB your/PRP$ mind./NN You/PRP do/VBP me/PRP great/JJ wrong,/NN indeed/RB you/PRP do,"/VBP said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP laying/VBG her/PRP$ hand/NN upon/IN the/DT young/JJ lady's,/NN kindly./NN There/RB was/VBD a/DT silence/NN for/IN a/DT little/JJ time,/NN and/CC the/DT elder/JJR lady/NN resumed:--"I/NNS remember/VBP now/RB what/WP you/PRP allude/VBP to,/DT dear/JJ mademoiselle--the/, increased/VBN estrangement,/RB the/DT widening/VBG separation/NN which/WDT severs/VBZ me/PRP from/IN one/CD unutterably/RB dear/JJ to/TO me--the/POS first/JJ and/CC bitter/JJ disappointment/NN of/IN my/PRP$ life,/NN which/WDT seems/VBZ to/TO grow/VB more/RBR hopelessly/RB incurable/JJ day/NN by/IN day."/NNS Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP paused,/VBD and,/RB after/IN a/DT brief/JJ silence,/NN the/DT governess/NN said:--/: "I/PRP am/VBP very/RB superstitious/JJ myself,/, dear/JJ madame,/, and/CC I/PRP thought/VBD I/PRP must/MD have/VB seemed/VBD to/TO you/PRP an/DT inauspicious/JJ inmate--in/NN short,/NNS unlucky--as/JJ I/PRP have/VBP said;/VBN and/CC the/DT thought/NN made/VBD me/PRP very/RB unhappy--so/JJ unhappy,/NN that/IN I/PRP was/VBD going/VBG to/TO leave/VB you,/JJ madame--I/JJ may/MD now/RB tell/VB you/PRP frankly--going/JJ away;/RB but/CC you/PRP have/VBP set/VBN my/PRP$ doubts/NNS at/IN rest,/NN and/CC I/PRP am/VBP quite/RB happy/JJ again."/IN "Dear/JJ mademoiselle,"/NN cried/VBD the/DT lady,/NN tenderly,/NN and/CC rising,/NNS as/IN she/PRP spake,/VBD to/TO kiss/VB the/DT cheek/NN of/IN her/PRP$ humble/JJ friend;/NN "never--never/, speak/VB of/IN this/DT again./NN God/NNP knows/VBZ I/PRP have/VBP too/RB few/JJ friends/NNS on/IN earth,/NN to/TO spare/VB the/DT kindest/NN and/CC tenderest/NN among/IN them/PRP all./DT No,/NN no./. You/PRP little/RB think/VBP what/WP comfort/NN I/PRP have/VBP found/VBN in/IN your/PRP$ warm-hearted/JJ and/CC ready/JJ sympathy,/NN and/CC how/WRB dearly/RB I/PRP prize/NN your/PRP$ affection,/VBP my/PRP$ poor/JJ mademoiselle."/, The/DT young/JJ Frenchwoman/NNP rose,/VBD with/IN downcast/NN eyes,/NNS and/CC a/DT dimpling,/NN happy/JJ smile;/NN and,/NNS as/IN Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP drew/VBD her/PRP$ affectionately/RB toward/IN her,/PRP and/CC kissed/VBD her,/PRP she/PRP timidly/RB returned/VBD the/DT embrace/NN of/IN her/PRP$ kind/NN patroness./NN For/IN a/DT moment/NN her/PRP graceful/JJ arms/NNS encircled/VBN her,/, and/CC she/PRP whispered/VBD to/TO her,/PRP "Dear/JJ madame,/JJ how/WRB happy--how/NN very/RB happy/JJ you/PRP make/VBP me."/JJ Had/VBD Ithuriel/NNP touched/VBN with/IN his/PRP$ spear/NN the/DT beautiful/JJ young/JJ woman,/NN thus/RB for/IN a/DT moment,/NN as/IN it/PRP seemed,/VBD lost/VBN in/IN a/DT trance/NN of/IN gratitude/NN and/CC love,/NN would/MD that/DT angelic/JJ form/NN have/VBP stood/VBN the/DT test/NN unscathed?/IN A/DT spectator,/NN marking/VBG the/DT scene,/NN might/MD have/VB observed/VBN a/DT strange/JJ gleam/NN in/IN her/PRP$ eyes--a/NN strange/JJ expression/NN in/IN her/PRP$ face--an/JJ influence/NN for/IN a/DT moment/NN not/RB angelic,/NN like/IN a/DT shadow/NN of/IN some/DT passing/VBG spirit,/NNS cross/VB her/PRP$ visibly,/NN as/IN she/PRP leaned/VBD over/IN the/DT gentle/JJ lady's/NN neck,/NN and/CC murmured,/VB "Dear/JJ madame,/JJ how/WRB happy--how/NN very/RB happy/JJ you/PRP make/VBP me."/NNS Such/JJ a/DT spectator,/NN as/IN he/PRP looked/VBD at/IN that/DT gentle/JJ lady,/NN might/MD have/VB seen,/VBN for/IN one/CD dreamy/JJ moment,/NN a/DT lithe/NN and/CC painted/VBD serpent,/NN coiled/VBD round/RB and/CC round,/RB and/CC hissing/VBG in/IN her/PRP$ ear./NN A/DT few/JJ minutes/NNS more,/, and/CC mademoiselle/PRP was/VBD in/IN the/DT solitude/NN of/IN her/PRP$ own/JJ apartment./NN She/PRP shut/VBD and/CC bolted/VBD the/DT door,/NN and/CC taking/VBG from/IN her/PRP desk/NN the/DT letter/NN which/WDT she/PRP had/VBD that/DT morning/NN received,/NN threw/VBD herself/PRP into/IN an/DT armchair,/NN and/CC studied/VBD the/DT document/NN profoundly./NN Her/PRP$ actual/JJ revision/NN and/CC scrutiny/NN of/IN the/DT letter/NN itself/PRP was/VBD interrupted/VBN by/IN long/JJ intervals/NNS of/IN profound/JJ abstraction;/JJ and,/NNS after/IN a/DT full/JJ hour/NN thus/RB spent,/VBD she/PRP locked/VBD it/PRP carefully/RB up/IN again,/RB and/CC with/IN a/DT clear/JJ brow,/NN and/CC a/DT gay/JJ smile,/NN rejoined/VBD her/PRP$ pretty/JJ pupil/NN for/IN a/DT walk./NN We/PRP must/MD now/RB pass/VB over/IN an/DT interval/NN of/IN a/DT few/JJ days,/NN and/CC come/VB at/IN once/RB to/TO the/DT arrival/NN of/IN Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP Berkley,/NNP which/WDT duly/RB occurred/VBD upon/IN the/DT evening/NN of/IN the/DT day/NN appointed./. The/DT baronet/NN descended/VBD from/IN his/PRP$ chaise/NN but/CC a/DT short/JJ time/NN before/IN the/DT hour/NN at/IN which/WDT the/DT little/JJ party,/NN which/WDT formed/VBD the/DT family/NN at/IN Gray/NNP Forest/NNP were/VBD wont/JJ to/TO assemble/VB for/IN the/DT social/JJ meal/NN of/IN supper./NN A/DT few/JJ minutes/NNS devoted/VBN to/TO the/DT mysteries/NNS of/IN the/DT toilet,/NN with/IN the/DT aid/NN of/IN an/DT accomplished/JJ valet,/NN enabled/VBD him/PRP to/TO appear,/VB as/IN he/PRP conceived,/VBD without/IN disadvantage/NN at/IN this/DT domestic/JJ reunion./NN Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP Berkley/NNP was/VBD a/DT particularly/RB gentleman-like/JJ person./NN He/PRP was/VBD rather/RB tall,/JJ and/CC elegantly/RB made,/VBN with/IN gay,/JJ easy/JJ manners,/NN and/CC something/NN indefinably/RB aristocratic/JJ in/IN his/PRP$ face,/NN which,/, however,/RB was/VBD a/DT little/RB more/RBR worn/JJ than/IN his/PRP$ years/NNS would/MD have/VB strictly/RB accounted/VBN for./. But/CC Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP had/VBD been/VBN a/DT roue,/NN and,/IN spite/NN of/IN the/DT cleverest/NN possible/JJ making/VBG up,/PDT the/DT ravages/NNS of/IN excess/NN were/VBD very/RB traceable/JJ in/IN the/DT lively/JJ beau/NN of/IN fifty./DT Perfectly/RB well/RB dressed,/VBN and/CC with/IN a/DT manner/NN that/WDT was/VBD ease/NN and/CC gaiety/NN itself,/IN he/PRP was/VBD at/IN home/NN from/IN the/DT moment/NN he/PRP entered/VBD the/DT room./NN Of/IN course,/NN anything/NN like/IN genuine/JJ cordiality/NN was/VBD out/IN of/IN the/DT question;/NN but/CC Mr./NNP Marston/NNP embraced/VBD his/PRP$ relative/JJ with/IN perfect/JJ good/JJ breeding,/NN and/CC the/DT baronet/NN appeared/VBD determined/VBN to/TO like/VB everybody,/NN and/CC be/VB pleased/VBN with/IN everything./DT He/PRP had/VBD not/RB been/VBN five/CD minutes/NNS in/IN the/DT parlor,/NN chatting/VBG gaily/RB with/IN Mr./NNP and/CC Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP and/CC their/PRP$ pretty/JJ daughter,/NN when/WRB Mademoiselle/NNP de/FW Barras/NNPS entered/VBD the/DT room./NN As/IN she/PRP moved/VBD towards/IN Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP rose,/VBD and,/RB observing/VBG her/PRP$ with/IN evident/JJ admiration,/NN said/VBD in/IN an/DT undertone,/JJ inquiringly,/NN to/TO Marston,/NNP who/WP was/VBD beside/IN him--/PRP$ "And/NN this?"/DT "That/NN is/VBZ Mademoiselle/NNP de/FW Barras,/NNP my/PRP$ daughter's/NN governess,/NN and/CC Mrs./NNP Marston's/NNP companion,"/NN said/VBD Marston,/NNP drily./, "Ha!"/NNP said/VBD Sir/NNP Wynston;/NNP "I/NNP thought/VBD you/PRP were/VBD but/CC three/CD at/IN home/NN just/RB now,/RB and/CC I/PRP was/VBD right./VBG Your/PRP$ son/NN is/VBZ at/IN Cambridge;/NNP I/PRP heard/VBD so/RB from/IN our/PRP$ old/JJ friend,/NN Jack/NNP Manbury./NNP Jack/NNP has/VBZ his/PRP$ boy/NN there/RB too./. Egad,/UH Dick,/. it/PRP seems/VBZ but/CC last/JJ week/NN that/IN you/PRP and/CC I/PRP were/VBD there/RB together."/RB "Yes,"/NNP said/VBD Marston,/NNP looking/VBG gloomily/RB into/IN the/DT fire,/NN as/IN if/IN he/PRP saw,/VBD in/IN its/PRP$ smoke/NN and/CC flicker,/VB the/DT phantoms/NNS of/IN murdered/VBN time/NN and/CC opportunity;/NN "but/IN I/PRP hate/VBP looking/VBG back,/RB Wynston./NNP The/DT past/NN is/VBZ to/TO me/PRP but/CC a/DT medley/NN of/IN ill-luck/JJ and/CC worse/JJR management."/NN "Why/IN what/WP an/DT ungrateful/JJ dog/NN you/PRP are!"/VBP returned/VBN Sir/NNP Wynston,/NNP gaily,/VBD turning/VBG his/PRP$ back/NN upon/IN the/DT fire,/NN and/CC glancing/VBG round/RB the/DT spacious/JJ and/CC handsome,/NN though/IN somewhat/RB faded/VBN apartment./NN "I/NN was/VBD on/IN the/DT point/NN of/IN congratulating/VBG you/PRP on/IN the/DT possession/NN of/IN the/DT finest/JJS park/NN and/CC noblest/JJ demesne/NN in/IN Cheshire,/NNP when/WRB you/PRP begin/VBP to/TO grumble./VB Egad,/NNP Dick,/NNP all/DT I/PRP can/MD say/VB to/TO your/PRP$ complaint/NN is,/VBZ that/IN I/PRP don't/VBP pity/NN you,/, and/CC there/EX are/VBP dozens/NNS who/WP may/MD honestly/RB envy/VB you--that/WP is/VBZ all."/RB In/IN spite/NN of/IN this/DT cheering/NN assurance,/NN Marston/NNP remained/VBD sullenly/RB silent./JJ Supper,/NNP however,/, had/VBD now/RB been/VBN served,/NNS and/CC the/DT little/JJ party/NN assumed/VBD their/PRP$ places/NNS at/IN the/DT table./NN "I/RB am/VBP sorry,/JJ Wynston,/IN I/PRP have/VBP no/DT sport/NN of/IN any/DT kind/NN to/TO offer/VB you/PRP here,"/RB said/VBD Marston,/NNP "except,/, indeed,/IN some/DT good/JJ trout-fishing,/NN if/IN you/PRP like/IN it./PRP I/PRP have/VBP three/CD miles/NNS of/IN excellent/JJ fishing/NN at/IN your/PRP$ command."/NN "My/IN dear/JJ fellow,/NN I/PRP am/VBP a/DT mere/JJ cockney,"/NN rejoined/VBD Sir/NNP Wynston;/NNP "I/NNP am/VBP not/RB a/DT sportsman;/NN I/PRP never/RB tried/VBD it,/, and/CC should/MD not/RB like/VB to/TO begin/VB now./RP No,/RB Dick,/NNP what/WP I/PRP much/RB prefer/VBP is,/JJ abundance/NN of/IN your/PRP$ fresh/JJ air,/NN and/CC the/DT enjoyment/NN of/IN your/PRP$ scenery./NN When/WRB I/PRP was/VBD at/IN Rouen/NNP three/CD years/NNS ago--"/RB "Ha!--Rouen?/. Mademoiselle/NNP will/MD feel/VB an/DT interest/NN in/IN that;/IN it/PRP is/VBZ her/PRP$ birth-place,"/NN interrupted/VBD Marston,/NNP glancing/VBG at/IN the/DT Frenchwoman./NNP "Yes--Rouen--ah--yes!"/NNP said/VBD mademoiselle,/, with/IN very/RB evident/JJ embarrassment./NN Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP appeared/VBD for/IN a/DT moment/NN a/DT little/JJ disconcerted/JJ too,/NN but/CC rallied/VBD speedily,/NN and/CC pursued/VBD his/PRP$ detail/NN of/IN his/PRP$ doings/NNS at/IN that/DT fair/JJ town/NN of/IN Normandy./NNP Marston/NNP knew/VBD Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP well;/, and/CC he/PRP rightly/RB calculated/VBN that/IN whatever/WDT effect/NN his/PRP$ experience/NN of/IN the/DT world/NN might/MD have/VB had/VBD in/IN intensifying/VBG his/PRP$ selfishness/NN or/CC hardening/VBG his/PRP$ heart,/NN it/PRP certainly/RB could/MD have/VB had/VBD none/NN in/IN improving/VBG a/DT character/NN originally/RB worthless/JJ and/CC unfeeling./JJ He/PRP knew,/VBD moreover,/RB that/IN his/PRP$ wealthy/JJ cousin/NN was/VBD gifted/VBN with/IN a/DT great/JJ deal/NN of/IN that/DT small/JJ cunning/NN which/WDT is/VBZ available/JJ for/IN masking/VBG the/DT little/JJ scheming/NN of/IN frivolous/JJ and/CC worldly/JJ men;/NNS and/CC that/IN Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP never/RB took/VBD trouble/NN of/IN any/DT kind/NN without/IN a/DT sufficient/JJ purpose,/NN having/VBG its/PRP$ center/NN in/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ personal/JJ gratification./NN This/DT visit/NN greatly/RB puzzled/JJ Marston;/IN it/PRP gave/VBD him/PRP even/RB a/DT vague/JJ sense/NN of/IN uneasiness./NN Could/MD there/EX exist/VBP any/DT flaw/NN in/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ title/NN to/TO the/DT estate/NN of/IN Gray/NNP Forest?/NNP He/PRP had/VBD an/DT unpleasant,/JJ doubtful/JJ sort/NN of/IN remembrance/NN of/IN some/DT apprehensions/NNS of/IN this/DT kind,/NN when/WRB he/PRP was/VBD but/CC a/DT child,/NN having/VBG been/VBN whispered/VBN in/IN the/DT family./NN Could/MD this/DT really/RB be/VB so,/JJ and/CC could/MD the/DT baronet/NN have/VBP been/VBN led/VBN to/TO make/VB this/DT unexpected/JJ visit/NN merely/RB for/IN the/DT purpose/NN of/IN personally/RB examining/VBG into/IN the/DT condition/NN or/CC a/DT property/NN of/IN which/WDT he/PRP was/VBD about/IN to/TO become/VB the/DT legal/JJ invader?/NN The/DT nature/NN of/IN this/DT suspicion/NN affords,/IN at/IN all/DT events,/RB a/DT fair/JJ gauge/NN of/IN Marston's/NNP estimate/NN of/IN his/PRP$ cousin's/NNS character./. And/CC as/IN he/PRP revolved/VBD these/DT doubts/NNS from/IN time/NN to/TO time,/VB and/CC as/IN he/PRP thought/VBD of/IN Mademoiselle/NNP de/NNP Barras's/NNP transient,/, but/CC unaccountable/JJ embarrassment/NN at/IN the/DT mention/NN of/IN Rouen/NNP by/IN Sir/NNP Wynston--an/NNP embarrassment/NN which/WDT the/DT baronet/NN himself/PRP appeared/VBD for/IN a/DT moment/NN to/TO reciprocate--undefined,/VB glimmering/VBG suspicions/NNS of/IN another/DT kind/NN flickered/VBD through/IN the/DT darkness/NN of/IN his/PRP$ mind./NN He/PRP was/VBD effectually/RB puzzled;/JJ his/PRP$ surmises/NNS and/CC conjectures/NNS baffled;/NN and/CC he/PRP more/JJR than/IN half/DT repented/VBN that/IN he/PRP had/VBD acceded/VBN to/TO his/PRP$ cousin's/NNS proposal,/VBN and/CC admitted/VBN him/PRP as/IN an/DT inmate/NN of/IN his/PRP$ house./NN Although/IN Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP comported/VBD himself/PRP as/IN if/IN he/PRP were/VBD conscious/JJ of/IN being/VBG the/DT very/RB most/RBS welcome/JJ visitor/NN who/WP could/MD possibly/RB have/VB established/VBN himself/PRP at/IN Gray/NNP Forest,/NNP he/PRP was,/VBD doubtless,/RB fully/RB aware/JJ of/IN the/DT real/JJ feelings/NNS with/IN which/WDT he/PRP was/VBD regarded/VBN by/IN his/PRP$ host./NN If/IN he/PRP had/VBD in/IN reality/NN an/DT object/NN in/IN prolonging/VBG his/PRP$ stay,/NN and/CC wished/VBD to/TO make/VB the/DT postponement/NN of/IN his/PRP$ departure/NN the/DT direct/JJ interest/NN of/IN his/PRP$ entertainer,/NN he/PRP unquestionably/RB took/VBD effectual/JJ measures/NNS for/IN that/DT purpose./NN The/DT little/JJ party/NN broke/VBD up/RP every/DT evening/NN at/IN about/IN ten/CD o'clock,/RB and/CC Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP retired/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ chamber/NN at/IN the/DT same/JJ hour./NN He/PRP found/VBD little/JJ difficulty/NN in/IN inducing/VBG Marston/NNP to/TO amuse/VB him/PRP there/RB with/IN a/DT quiet/JJ game/NN of/IN piquet./NN In/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ room,/NN therefore,/, in/IN the/DT luxurious/JJ ease/NN of/IN dressing/VBG gown/NN and/CC slippers/NNS he/PRP sat/VBD at/IN cards/NNS with/IN his/PRP$ host,/NN often/RB until/IN an/DT hour/NN or/CC two/CD past/JJ midnight./NN Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP was/VBD exorbitantly/RB wealthy,/JJ and/CC very/RB reckless/JJ in/IN expenditure./DT The/DT stakes/NNS for/IN which/WDT they/PRP played,/VBP although/IN they/PRP gradually/RB became/VBD in/IN reality/NN pretty/RB heavy,/RB were/VBD in/IN his/PRP$ eyes/NNS a/DT very/RB unimportant/JJ consideration./NN Marston,/NNP on/IN the/DT other/JJ hand,/NN was/VBD poor,/JJ and/CC played/VBD with/IN the/DT eye/NN of/IN a/DT lynx/NN and/CC the/DT appetite/NN of/IN a/DT shark./NN The/DT ease/NN and/CC perfect/JJ good-humor/NN with/IN which/WDT Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP lost/VBD were/VBD not/RB unimproved/JJ by/IN his/PRP$ entertainer,/NN who,/, as/RB may/MD readily/RB be/VB supposed,/VBN was/VBD not/RB sorry/JJ to/TO reap/VB this/DT golden/JJ harvest,/NN provided/VBN without/IN the/DT slightest/JJS sacrifice,/NN on/IN his/PRP$ part,/NN of/IN pride/NN or/CC independence./NN If,/IN indeed,/NN he/PRP sometimes/RB suspected/VBD that/IN his/PRP$ guest/NN was/VBD a/DT little/RB more/RBR anxious/JJ to/TO lose/VB than/IN to/TO win,/VB he/PRP was/VBD also/RB quite/RB resolved/VBD not/RB to/TO perceive/VB it,/, but/CC calmly/RB persisted/VBD in,/IN night/NN after/IN night,/NN giving/VBG Sir/NNP Wynston,/NNP as/IN he/PRP termed/VBD it,/IN his/PRP$ revenge;/NN or,/NNS in/IN other/JJ words,/NN treating/VBG him/PRP to/TO a/DT repetition/NN of/IN his/PRP$ losses./NN All/RB this/DT was/VBD very/RB agreeable/JJ to/TO Marston,/NNP who/WP began/VBD to/TO treat/VB his/PRP$ visitor/NN with,/IN at/IN all/DT events,/NN more/RBR external/JJ cordiality/NN and/CC distinction/NN than/IN at/IN first./DT An/DT incident,/NN however,/RB occurred,/, which/WDT disturbed/VBD these/DT amicable/JJ relations/NNS in/IN an/DT unexpected/JJ way./NN It/PRP becomes/VBZ necessary/JJ here/RB to/TO mention/VB that/IN Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras's/NNP sleeping/VBG apartment/NN opened/VBN from/IN a/DT long/JJ corridor./NN It/PRP was/VBD en/IN suite/NN with/IN two/CD dressing/VBG rooms,/NNS each/DT opening/NN also/RB upon/IN the/DT corridor,/NN but/CC wholly/RB unused/JJ and/CC unfurnished./VBN Some/DT five/CD or/CC six/CD other/JJ apartments/NNS also/RB opened/VBN at/IN either/DT side,/NN upon/IN the/DT same/JJ passage./NN These/DT little/JJ local/JJ details/NNS being/VBG premised,/JJ it/PRP so/RB happened/VBD that/IN one/CD day/NN Marston,/NNP who/WP had/VBD gone/VBN out/RP with/IN the/DT intention/NN of/IN angling/NN in/IN the/DT trout-stream/NN which/WDT flowed/VBD through/IN his/PRP$ park,/NN though/IN at/IN a/DT considerable/JJ distance/NN from/IN the/DT house,/NN having/VBG unexpectedly/RB returned/VBN to/TO procure/VB some/DT tackle/NN which/WDT he/PRP had/VBD forgotten,/VBN was/VBD walking/VBG briskly/RB through/IN the/DT corridor/NN in/IN question/NN to/TO his/PRP$ own/JJ apartment,/NN when,/, to/TO his/PRP$ surprise,/NN the/DT door/NN of/IN one/CD of/IN the/DT deserted/JJ dressing-rooms,/NN of/IN which/WDT we/PRP have/VBP spoken,/NN was/VBD cautiously/RB pushed/VBN open,/NN and/CC Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP Berkley/NNP issued/VBD from/IN it./DT Marston/NNP was/VBD almost/RB beside/IN him/PRP as/IN he/PRP did/VBD so,/RB and/CC Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP made/VBD a/DT motion/NN as/IN if/IN about/IN instinctively/RB to/TO draw/VB back/RB again,/RB and/CC at/IN the/DT same/JJ time/NN the/DT keen/JJ ear/NN of/IN his/PRP$ host/NN distinctly/RB caught/VBD the/DT sound/NN of/IN rustling/NN silks/NNS and/CC a/DT tiptoe/NN tread/NN hastily/RB withdrawing/, from/IN the/DT deserted/VBN chamber./NN Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP looked/VBD nearly/RB as/RB much/RB confused/VBN as/IN a/DT man/NN of/IN the/DT world/NN can/MD look./VB Marston/NNP stopped/VBD short,/NN and/CC scanned/VBD his/PRP$ visitor/NN for/IN a/DT moment/NN with/IN a/DT very/RB peculiar/JJ expression./NN "You/PRP have/VBP caught/VBN me/PRP peeping,/RB Dick./NNP I/PRP am/VBP an/DT inveterate/NN explorer,"/NN said/VBD the/DT baronet,/NN with/IN an/DT effectual/JJ effort/NN to/TO shake/VB off/RP his/PRP$ embarrassment./NN "An/RB open/JJ door/NN in/IN a/DT fine/JJ old/JJ house/NN is/VBZ a/DT temptation/NN which--"/WDT "That/DT door/NN is/VBZ usually/RB closed,/JJ and/CC ought/MD to/TO be/VB kept/VBN so,"/RB interrupted/VBN Marston,/NNP drily;/NN "there/EX is/VBZ nothing/NN whatever/WDT to/TO be/VB seen/VBN in/IN the/DT room/NN but/CC dust/NN and/CC cobwebs."/NN "Pardon/NNP me,"/, said/VBD Sir/NNP Wynston,/NNP more/RBR easily,/RB "you/PRP forget/VB the/DT view/NN from/IN the/DT window."/NN "Aye,/IN the/DT view,/NN to/TO be/VB sure;/VBN there/RB is/VBZ a/DT good/JJ view/NN from/IN it,"/PRP said/VBD Marston,/NNP with/IN as/RB much/JJ of/IN his/PRP$ usual/JJ manner/NN as/IN he/PRP could/MD resume/VB so/RB soon;/RB and,/RB at/IN the/DT same/JJ time,/NN carelessly/RB opening/VBG the/DT door/NN again,/IN he/PRP walked/VBD in,/RB accompanied/VBN by/IN Sir/NNP Wynston,/NNP and/CC both/DT stood/VBD at/IN the/DT window/NN together,/RB looking/VBG out/RP in/IN silence/NN upon/IN a/DT prospect/NN which/WDT neither/RB of/IN them/PRP saw./VBD "Yes,/IN I/PRP do/VBP think/VB it/PRP is/VBZ a/DT good/JJ view,"/NN said/VBD Marston;/NNP and/CC as/IN he/PRP turned/VBD carelessly/RB away,/RB he/PRP darted/VBD a/DT swift/JJ glance/NN round/IN the/DT chamber./NN The/DT door/NN opening/NN toward/IN the/DT French/JJ lady's/NN apartment/NN was/VBD closed,/RB but/CC not/RB actually/RB shut./VBD This/DT was/VBD enough;/RB and/CC as/IN they/PRP left/VBD the/DT room,/NN Marston/NNP repeated/VBD his/PRP$ invitation/NN to/TO his/PRP$ guest/NN to/TO accompany/VB him;/PRP but/CC in/IN a/DT tone/NN which/WDT showed/VBD that/IN he/PRP scarcely/RB followed/VBD the/DT meaning/NN of/IN what/WP he/PRP himself/PRP was/VBD saying./VBG He/PRP walked/VBD undecidedly/RB toward/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ room,/NN then/RB turned/VBD and/CC went/VBD down/RB stairs./TO In/IN the/DT hall/NN he/PRP met/VBD his/PRP$ pretty/JJ child./NN "Ha!/NN Rhoda,"/NNP said/VBD he,/PRP "you/PRP have/VBP not/RB been/VBN out/IN today?"/VBN "No,/NN papa;/NN but/CC it/PRP is/VBZ so/RB very/RB fine,/VB I/PRP think/VBP I/PRP shall/MD go/VB now."/RB "Yes;/RB go,/JJ and/CC mademoiselle/VBN can/MD accompany/VB you./PRP Do/VBP you/PRP hear,/VB Rhoda,/NNP mademoiselle/, goes/VBZ with/IN you,/NN and/CC you/PRP had/VBD better/RB go/VB at/IN once."/RB A/DT few/JJ minutes/NNS more,/, and/CC Marston,/NNP from/IN the/DT parlor-window,/JJ beheld/NN Rhoda/NNP and/CC the/DT elegant/JJ French/JJ girl/NN walking/VBG together/RB towards/IN the/DT woodlands./NN He/PRP watched/VBD them/PRP gloomily,/VB himself/PRP unseen,/JJ until/IN the/DT crowding/NN underwood/NN concealed/VBD their/PRP$ receding/JJ figures./NN Then,/RB with/IN a/DT sigh,/NN he/PRP turned,/VBD and/CC reascended/VBD the/DT great/JJ staircase./NN "I/IN shall/MD sift/VB this/DT mystery/NN to/TO the/DT bottom,"/NN thought/VBD he./PRP "I/RB shall/MD foil/VB the/DT conspirators,/NN if/IN so/RB they/PRP be,/VBP with/IN their/PRP$ own/JJ weapons;/NN art/NN with/IN art;/NN chicane/NN with/IN chicane;/NN duplicity/NN with/IN duplicity."/NN He/PRP was/VBD now/RB in/IN the/DT long/JJ passage,/NN which/WDT we/PRP have/VBP just/RB spoken/VBN of,/RB and/CC glancing/VBG back/RB and/CC before/RB him,/PRP to/TO ascertain/VB that/IN no/DT chance/NN eye/NN discerned/VBN him,/IN he/PRP boldly/RB entered/VBD mademoiselle's/NNS chamber./VBD Her/PRP$ writing/NN desk/NN lay/VBD upon/IN the/DT table./NN It/PRP was/VBD locked;/VBN and/CC coolly/RB taking/VBG it/PRP in/IN his/PRP$ hands,/NN Marston/NNP carried/VBD it/PRP into/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ room,/NN bolted/VBD his/PRP$ chamber-door,/NN and/CC taking/VBG two/CD or/CC three/CD bunches/NNS of/IN keys,/NN he/PRP carefully/RB tried/VBD nearly/RB a/DT dozen/NN in/IN succession,/NN and/CC when/WRB almost/RB despairing/NN of/IN success,/NN at/IN last/JJ found/VBN one/CD which/WDT fitted/VBD the/DT lock,/NN turned,/NN and/CC opened/VBD the/DT desk./NN Sustained/VBN throughout/IN his/PRP$ dishonorable/JJ task/NN by/IN some/DT strong/JJ and/CC angry/JJ passion,/IN the/DT sight/NN of/IN the/DT open/JJ escritoire/NN checked/VBN and/CC startled/VBN him/PRP for/IN a/DT moment./NN Violated/NNP privilege,/, invaded/VBD secrecy,/NN base,/NN perfidious/JJ espionage/NN upbraided/VBN and/CC stigmatized/VBN him,/NN as/IN the/DT intricacies/NNS of/IN the/DT outraged/JJ sanctuary/NN opened/VBD upon/IN his/PRP$ intrusive/JJ gaze./NN He/PRP felt/VBD for/IN a/DT moment/NN shocked/VBN and/CC humbled./VBN He/PRP was/VBD impelled/VBN to/TO lock/VB and/CC replace/VB the/DT desk/NN where/WRB he/PRP had/VBD originally/RB found/VBN it,/PRP without/IN having/VBG effected/VBN his/PRP$ meditated/JJ treason;/NN but/CC this/DT hesitation/NN was/VBD transient;/VBN the/DT fiery/JJ and/CC reckless/JJ impulse/NN which/WDT had/VBD urged/VBN him/PRP to/TO the/DT act/NN returned/VBD to/TO enforce/VB its/PRP$ consummation./NN With/IN a/DT guilty/JJ eye/NN and/CC eager/JJ hands,/NN he/PRP searched/VBD the/DT contents/NNS of/IN this/DT tiny/JJ repository/NN of/IN the/DT fair/JJ Norman's/NNP written/VBN secrets./NN "Ha!/IN the/DT very/RB thing,"/JJ he/PRP muttered,/VBD as/IN he/PRP detected/VBD the/DT identical/JJ letter/NN which/WDT he/PRP himself/PRP had/VBD handed/VBN to/TO Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras/NNP but/CC a/DT few/JJ days/NNS before./. "The/DT handwriting/NN struck/VBD me,/RB ill-disguised;/JJ I/PRP thought/VBD I/PRP knew/VBD it;/IN we/PRP shall/MD see."/VB He/PRP had/VBD opened/VBN the/DT letter;/NN it/PRP contained/VBD but/CC a/DT few/JJ lines:/NNS he/PRP held/VBD his/PRP$ breath/NN while/IN he/PRP read/VBD it./, First/RB he/PRP grew/VBD pale,/RB then/RB a/DT shadow/NN came/VBD over/IN his/PRP$ face,/NN and/CC then/RB another,/DT and/CC another,/DT darker/NN and/CC darker,/JJ shade/NN upon/IN shade,/NN as/IN if/IN an/DT exhalation/NN from/IN the/DT pit/NN was/VBD momentarily/RB blackening/VBG the/DT air/NN about/IN him./PRP He/PRP said/VBD nothing;/RB there/RB was/VBD but/CC one/CD long,/RB gentle/JJ sigh,/NN and/CC in/IN his/PRP$ face/NN a/DT mortal/JJ sternness,/NN as/IN he/PRP folded/VBD the/DT letter/NN again,/IN replaced/VBN it,/, and/CC locked/VBD the/DT desk./NN Of/IN course,/NN when/WRB Mademoiselle/NNP de/FW Barras/NNPS returned/VBD from/IN her/PRP$ accustomed/JJ walk,/NN she/PRP found/VBD everything/NN in/IN her/PRP$ room,/NN to/TO all/DT appearances,/NNS undisturbed,/JJ and/CC just/RB as/IN when/WRB she/PRP left/VBD it./PRP While/IN this/DT young/JJ lady/NN was/VBD making/VBG her/PRP$ toilet/NN for/IN the/DT evening,/NN and/CC while/IN Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP Berkley/NNP was/VBD worrying/VBG himself/PRP with/IN conjectures/NNS as/IN to/TO whether/IN Marston's/NNP evil/JJ looks,/NN when/WRB he/PRP encountered/VBD him/PRP that/DT morning/NN in/IN the/DT passage,/NN existed/VBD only/RB in/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ fancy,/NN or/CC were,/NN in/IN good/JJ truth,/NN very/RB grim/JJ and/CC significant/JJ realities,/NN Marston/NNP himself/PRP was/VBD striding/VBG alone/RB through/IN the/DT wildest/JJ and/CC darkest/JJ solitudes/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ park,/NN haunted/VBN by/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ unholy/JJ thoughts,/NNS and,/CC it/PRP may/MD be,/VB by/IN those/DT other/JJ evil/JJ and/CC unearthly/JJ influences/NNS which/WDT wander,/VBP as/IN we/PRP know,/VBP "in/IN desert/NN places."/NN Darkness/NN overtook/VBD him,/PRP and/CC the/DT chill/NN of/IN night,/NN in/IN these/DT lonely/JJ tracts./NN In/IN his/PRP$ solitary/JJ walk,/NN what/WP fearful/JJ company/NN had/VBD he/PRP been/VBN keeping!/VBN As/IN the/DT shades/NNS of/IN night/NN deepened/VBD round/RB him,/IN the/DT sense/NN of/IN the/DT neighborhood/NN of/IN ill,/JJ the/DT consciousness/NN of/IN the/DT foul/JJ fancies/NNS or/CC which,/NN where/WRB he/PRP was/VBD now/RB treading,/IN he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN for/IN hours/NNS the/DT sport,/NN oppressed/VBD him/PRP with/IN a/DT vague/JJ and/CC unknown/JJ terror;/NN a/DT certain/JJ horror/NN of/IN the/DT thoughts/NNS which/WDT had/VBD been/VBN his/PRP$ comrades/NNS through/IN the/DT day,/NN which/WDT he/PRP could/MD not/RB now/RB shake/VB off,/NN and/CC which/WDT haunted/VBD him/PRP with/IN a/DT ghastly/JJ and/CC defiant/JJ pertinacity,/JJ scared,/NNS while/IN they/PRP half-enraged/VBD him./PRP He/PRP stalked/VBD swiftly/RB homewards,/NN like/IN a/DT guilty/JJ man/NN pursued./VBD Marston/NNP was/VBD not/RB perfectly/RB satisfied,/JJ though/IN very/RB nearly,/RB with/IN the/DT evidence/NN now/RB in/IN his/PRP$ possession./NN The/DT letter,/NN the/DT stolen/VBN perusal/NN of/IN which/WDT had/VBD so/RB agitated/JJ him/PRP that/DT day,/NN bore/VBD no/DT signature;/NN but,/CC independently/RB of/IN the/DT handwriting,/NN which/WDT seemed,/VBD spite/NN of/IN the/DT constraint/NN of/IN an/DT attempted/VBN disguise,/NN to/TO be/VB familiar/JJ to/TO his/PRP$ eye,/NN there/RB existed,/VBZ in/IN the/DT matter/NN of/IN the/DT letter,/NNS short/JJ as/IN it/PRP was,/VBD certain/JJ internal/JJ evidences,/NN which,/, although/IN not/RB actually/RB conclusive,/VBN raised,/NN in/IN conjunction/NN with/IN all/PDT the/DT other/JJ circumstances,/NN a/DT powerful/JJ presumption/NN in/IN aid/NN of/IN his/PRP$ suspicions./NN He/PRP resolved,/VBD however,/RB to/TO sift/VB the/DT matter/NN further,/RB and/CC to/TO bide/VB his/PRP$ time./NN Meanwhile/RB his/PRP$ manner/NN must/MD indicate/VB no/DT trace/NN of/IN his/PRP$ dark/JJ surmises/NNS and/CC bitter/JJ thoughts./, Deception,/NNP in/IN its/PRP$ two/CD great/JJ branches,/NN simulation/NN and/CC dissimulation,/NN was/VBD easy/JJ to/TO him./RP His/PRP$ habitual/JJ reserve/NN and/CC gloom/NN would/MD divest/VB any/DT accidental/JJ and/CC momentary/JJ disclosure/NN of/IN his/PRP$ inward/JJ trouble/NN of/IN everything/NN suspicious/JJ or/CC unaccountable,/JJ which/WDT would/MD have/VB characterized/VBN such/JJ displays/NNS and/CC eccentricities/NNS in/IN another/DT man./NN His/PRP$ rapid/JJ and/CC reckless/JJ ramble,/NNS a/DT kind/NN of/IN physical/JJ vent/NN for/IN the/DT paroxysm/NN which/WDT had/VBD so/RB agitated/JJ him/PRP throughout/IN the/DT greater/JJR part/NN of/IN the/DT day,/NN had/VBD soiled/VBN and/CC disordered/VBN his/PRP$ dress,/NN and/CC thus/RB had/VBD helped/VBN to/TO give/VB to/TO his/PRP$ whole/JJ appearance/NN a/DT certain/JJ air/NN of/IN haggard/NN wildness,/IN which,/NN in/IN the/DT privacy/NN of/IN his/PRP$ chamber,/NN he/PRP hastened/VBD carefully/RB and/CC entirely/RB to/TO remove./NNP At/IN supper,/NN Marston/NNP was/VBD apparently/RB in/IN unusually/RB good/JJ spirits./NN Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP and/CC he/PRP chatted/VBD gaily/RB and/CC fluently/RB upon/IN many/JJ subjects,/JJ grave/NN and/CC gay./VBD Among/IN them/PRP the/DT inexhaustible/JJ topic/NN of/IN popular/JJ superstition/NN happened/VBD to/TO turn/VB up,/RB and/CC especially/RB the/DT subject/NN of/IN strange/JJ prophecies/NNS of/IN the/DT fates/NNS and/CC fortunes/NNS of/IN individuals,/JJ singularly/JJ fulfilled/VBN in/IN the/DT events/NNS of/IN their/PRP$ afterlife./NN "By-the-by,/JJ Dick,/NNP this/DT is/VBZ rather/RB a/DT nervous/JJ topic/NN for/IN me/PRP to/TO discuss,"/VB said/VBD Sir/NNP Wynston./NNP "How/NNP so?"/NN asked/VBD his/PRP$ host./NN "Why,/IN don't/RB you/PRP remember?"/VBP urged/VBN the/DT baronet./NN "No,/IN I/PRP don't/VBP recollect/VB what/WP you/PRP allude/VBP to,"/RB replied/VBD Marston,/NNP in/IN all/DT sincerity./. "Why,/NNP don't/IN you/PRP remember/VBP Eton?"/NNP pursued/VBD Sir/NNP Wynston./NNP "Yes,/NNP to/TO be/VB sure,"/RB said/VBD Marston./NNP "Well?"/NNP continued/VBD his/PRP$ visitor./NN "Well,/IN I/PRP really/RB don't/VBP recollect/VB the/DT prophecy,"/NN replied/VBD Marston./NNP "What!/RB do/VBP you/PRP forget/VB the/DT gypsy/NN who/WP predicted/VBD that/IN you/PRP were/VBD to/TO murder/NN me,/NNS Dick--eh?"/NNP "Ah-ha,/NNP ha!"/VBD laughed/VBN Marston,/NNP with/IN a/DT start./NN "Don't/IN you/PRP remember/VBP it/PRP now?"/RB urged/VBD his/PRP$ companion./NN "Ah,/NNS why/WRB yes,/NNS I/PRP believe/VBP I/PRP do,"/VBP said/VBD Marston;/NNP "but/IN another/DT prophecy/NN was/VBD running/VBG in/IN my/PRP$ mind;/NN a/DT gypsy/NN prediction,/NN too./. At/IN Ascot,/NNP do/VBP you/PRP recollect/VB the/DT girl/NN told/VBD me/PRP I/PRP was/VBD to/TO be/VB Lord/NNP Chancellor/NNP of/IN England,/NNP and/CC a/DT duke/NN besides?"/IN "Well,/NNP Dick,"/NNP rejoined/VBD Sir/NNP Wynston,/NNP merrily,/NN "if/IN both/DT are/VBP to/TO be/VB fulfilled,/VBN or/CC neither,/RB I/PRP trust/VBP you/PRP may/MD never/RB sit/VB upon/IN the/DT woolsack/NN of/IN England."/NNP The/DT party/NN soon/RB after/IN broke/JJ up:/NNP Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ host,/NN as/IN usual,/NNS to/TO pass/VB some/DT hours/NNS at/IN piquet;/NN and/CC Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP as/IN was/VBD her/PRP$ wont,/NN to,/, spend/VBP some/DT time/NN in/IN her/PRP$ own/JJ boudoir,/NN over/IN notes/NNS and/CC accounts,/NN and/CC the/DT worrying/JJ details/NNS of/IN housekeeping./NN While/IN thus/RB engaged,/RB she/PRP was/VBD disturbed/VBN by/IN a/DT respectful/JJ tap/NN at/IN her/PRP$ door,/NN and/CC an/DT elderly/JJ servant,/NN who/WP had/VBD been/VBN for/IN many/JJ years/NNS in/IN the/DT employment/NN of/IN Mr./NNP Marston,/NNP presented/VBD himself./PRP "Well,/IN Merton,/NNP do/VBP you/PRP want/VB anything?"/NN asked/VBD the/DT lady./NN "Yes,/IN ma'am,/NN please,/NN I/PRP want/VBP to/TO give/VB warning;/NNS I/PRP wish/VBP to/TO leave/VB the/DT service,/NN ma'am;"/NN replied/VBD he,/PRP respectfully,/RB but/CC doggedly./VBD "To/RB leave/VB us,/RB Merton!"/NNP echoed/VBD his/PRP$ mistress,/NNS both/DT surprised/JJ and/CC sorry/JJ for/IN the/DT man/NN had/VBD been/VBN long/RB her/PRP$ servant,/NN and/CC had/VBD been/VBN much/JJ liked/VBN and/CC trusted./VBN "Yes,/RB ma'am,"/, he/PRP repeated./VBD "And/CC why/WRB do/VBP you/PRP wish/VB to/TO do/VB so,/RB Merton?/. Has/VBZ anything/NN occurred/VBD to/TO make/VB the/DT place/NN unpleasant/JJ to/TO you?"/VB urged/VBN the/DT lady./NN "No,/IN ma'am--no,/JJ indeed,"/NN said/VBD he,/PRP earnestly,/VBD "I/PRP have/VBP nothing/NN to/TO complain/VB of--nothing,/JJ indeed,/JJ ma'am."/NN "Perhaps,/IN you/PRP think/VBP you/PRP can/MD do/VB better,/RB if/IN you/PRP leave/VBP us?"/RB suggested/VBN his/PRP$ mistress./NN "No,/IN indeed,/NN ma'am,/NN I/PRP have/VBP no/DT such/JJ thought,"/IN he/PRP said,/VBD and/CC seemed/VBD on/IN the/DT point/NN of/IN bursting/VBG into/IN tears;/NNS "but--but,/, somehow--ma'am,/NN there/EX is/VBZ something/NN come/VBN over/IN me,/NNS lately,/RB and/CC I/PRP can't/MD help,/VB but/CC think,/VB if/IN I/PRP stay/VBP here,/RB ma'am--some--some--misfortune/NN will/MD happen/VB to/TO us/PRP all--and/CC that/WDT is/VBZ the/DT truth,/NN ma'am."/NN "This/. is/VBZ very/RB foolish,/JJ Merton--a/NNP mere/JJ childish/JJ fancy,"/NN replied/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston;/NNP "you/, like/IN your/PRP$ place,/NN and/CC have/VBP no/DT better/JJR prospect/NN before/IN you;/PRP and/CC now,/RB for/IN a/DT mere/JJ superstitious/JJ fancy,/NN you/PRP propose/VBP giving/VBG it/PRP up,/RB and/CC leaving/VBG us./PRP No,/RB no,/RB Merton,/IN you/PRP had/VBD better/RB think/VB the/DT matter/NN over--and/CC if/IN you/PRP still,/RB upon/IN reflection,/VBG prefer/VBP going/VBG away,/RB you/PRP can/MD then/RB speak/VB to/TO your/PRP$ master."/NN "Thank/VB you/PRP ma'am--God/JJ bless/JJ you,"/NN said/VBD the/DT man,/NN withdrawing./, Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP rang/VBD the/DT bell/NN for/IN her/PRP$ maid,/NN and/CC retired/VBD to/TO her/PRP$ room./NN "Has/IN anything/NN occurred/VBD lately,"/RB she/PRP asked,/VBD "to/VBN annoy/RB Merton?"/NNP "No,/NNP ma'am,/, I/PRP don't/VBP know/VB of/IN anything;/NN but/CC he/PRP is/VBZ very/RB changed,/VB indeed,/NN of/IN late,"/JJ replied/VBD the/DT maid./NN "He/NN has/VBZ not/RB been/VBN quarreling?"/NN inquired/VBN she./. "Oh,/PRP no,/, ma'am,/RB he/PRP never/RB quarrels;/VBD he/PRP is/VBZ very/RB quiet,/JJ and/CC keeps/VBZ to/TO himself/PRP always;/RB he/PRP thinks/VBZ a/DT wonderful/JJ deal/NN of/IN himself,"/PRP replied/VBD the/DT servant./NN "But,/IN you/PRP said/VBD that/IN he/PRP is/VBZ much/JJ changed--did/NN you/PRP not?"/VBP continued/VBN the/DT lady;/NN for/IN there/EX was/VBD something/NN strangely/RB excited/VBN and/CC unpleasant/JJ in/IN the/DT man's/JJ manner,/NN in/IN this/DT little/JJ interview,/NN which/WDT struck/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP and/CC alarmed/VBN her/PRP$ curiosity./NN He/PRP had/VBD seemed/VBN like/IN one/CD charged/VBN with/IN some/DT horrible/JJ secret--intolerable,/NN and/CC which/WDT he/PRP yet/RB dared/VBD not/RB reveal./NNP "What,"/NNP proceeded/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP "is/VBZ the/DT nature/NN of/IN the/DT change/NN of/IN which/WDT you/PRP speak?"/VBP "Why,/DT ma'am,/NN he/PRP is/VBZ like/IN one/CD frightened,/NN and/CC in/IN sorrow,"/JJ she/PRP replied;/VBD "he/PRP will/MD sit/VB silent,/JJ and/CC now/RB and/CC then/RB shaking/VBG his/PRP$ head,/NN as/IN if/IN he/PRP wanted/VBD to/TO get/VB rid/VB of/IN something/NN that/WDT is/VBZ teasing/VBG him,/NN for/IN an/DT hour/NN together."/RB "Poor/JJ man!"/NN said/VBD she./PRP "And,/RB then,/, when/WRB we/PRP are/VBP at/IN meals,/NN he/PRP will,/MD all/PDT on/IN a/DT sudden,/JJ get/VBP up,/RB and/CC leave/VB the/DT table;/NN and/CC Jem/NNP Boulter,/NNP that/IN sleeps/NNS in/IN the/DT next/JJ room/NN to/TO him,/VB says,/RP that,/DT almost/RB as/RB often/RB as/IN he/PRP looks/VBZ through/IN the/DT little/JJ window/NN between/IN the/DT two/CD rooms,/NN no/DT matter/NN what/WP hour/NN in/IN the/DT night,/NN he/PRP sees/VBZ Mr./NNP Merton/NNP on/IN his/PRP$ knees/NNS by/IN the/DT bedside,/NN praying/NN or/CC crying,/NN he/PRP don't/RB know/VB which;/DT but,/NN any/DT way,/NN he/PRP is/VBZ not/RB happy--poor/JJ man!--and/NN that/WDT is/VBZ plain/JJ enough."/JJ "It/NNP is/VBZ very/RB strange,"/RB said/VBD the/DT lady,/NN after/IN a/DT pause;/NN "but,/, I/PRP think,/VBP and/CC hope,/VBP after/IN all,/NNS it/PRP will/MD prove/VB to/TO have/VB been/VBN no/RB more/JJR than/IN a/DT little/JJ nervousness."/JJ "Well,/NN ma'am,/NN I/PRP do/VBP hope/VB it/PRP is/VBZ not/RB his/PRP$ conscience/NN that/WDT is/VBZ coming/VBG against/IN him,/PRP now,"/RB said/VBD the/DT maid./NN "We/NN have/VBP no/DT reason/NN to/TO suspect/VB anything/NN of/IN the/DT kind,"/NN said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP gravely,/JJS "quite/IN the/DT reverse;/NN he/PRP has/VBZ been/VBN always/RB a/DT particularly/RB proper/JJ man."/NN "Oh,/NN indeed,"/NN responded/VBD the/DT attendant,/NN "goodness/NN forbid/VBD I/PRP should/MD say/VB or/CC think/VB anything/NN against/IN him;/PRP but/CC I/PRP could/MD not/RB help/VB telling/VBG you/PRP my/PRP$ mind,/NN ma'am,/NN meaning/VBG no/DT harm."/NN "And,/IN how/WRB long/RB is/VBZ it/PRP since/IN you/PRP observed/VBD this/DT sad/JJ change/NN in/IN poor/JJ Merton?"/NNP persisted/VBD the/DT lady./NN "Not,/NN indeed,/NN to/TO say/VB very/RB long,/JJ ma'am,"/NN replied/VBD the/DT girl;/NN "somewhere/RB about/IN a/DT week,/NN or/CC very/RB little/JJ more--at/JJ least,/NNS as/IN we/PRP remarked,/VBP ma'am."/JJ Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP pursued/VBD her/PRP inquiries/NNS no/DT further/JJ that/IN night./NN But,/CC although/IN she/PRP affected/VBD to/TO treat/VB the/DT matter/NN thus/RB lightly,/, it/PRP had,/VBD somehow,/RB taken/VBN a/DT painful/JJ hold/NN upon/IN her/PRP$ imagination,/NN and/CC left/VBD in/IN her/PRP$ mind/NN those/DT undefinable/JJ and/CC ominous/JJ sensations,/NN which,/WDT in/IN certain/JJ mental/JJ temperaments,/NN seem/VBP to/TO foreshadow/VB the/DT approach/NN of/IN unknown/JJ misfortune./NN For/IN two/CD or/CC three/CD days,/NNS everything/NN went/VBD on/IN smoothly,/JJR and/CC pretty/RB much/JJ as/IN usual./NNP At/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN this/DT brief/JJ interval,/NN however,/IN the/DT attention/NN of/IN Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP was/VBD recalled/VBN to/TO the/DT subject/NN of/IN her/PRP$ servant's/NN mysterious/JJ anxiety/NN to/TO leave,/VB and/CC give/VB up/RP his/PRP$ situation./NN Merton/NNP again/RB stood/VBD before/IN her,/PRP and/CC repeated/VBD the/DT intimation/NN he/PRP had/VBD already/RB given./VBN "Really,/NNP Merton,/NNP this/DT is/VBZ very/RB odd,"/RB said/VBD the/DT lady./NN "You/PRP like/IN your/PRP$ situation,/NN and/CC yet/RB you/PRP persist/VBP in/IN desiring/VBG to/TO leave/VB it./PRP What/WP am/VBP I/PRP to/TO think?"/VB "Oh,/NNP ma'am,"/NN said/VBD he,/PRP "I/RB am/VBP unhappy;/JJ I/PRP am/VBP tormented,/JJ ma'am./NN I/PRP can't/MD tell/VB you,/PRP ma'am;/NN I/PRP can't/MD indeed/RB ma'am!"/VB "If/IN anything/NN weighs/VBZ upon/IN your/PRP$ mind,/NN Merton,/IN I/PRP would/MD advise/VB you/PRP to/TO consult/VB our/PRP$ good/JJ clergyman,/NNS Dr./NNP Danvers,"/NNP urged/VBD the/DT lady./NN The/DT servant/NN hung/VBD his/PRP$ head,/NN and/CC mused/VBD for/IN a/DT time/NN gloomily;/NN and/CC then/RB said/VBD decisively--"No,/NN ma'am;/NN no/DT use."/NN "And/CC pray,/NN Merton,/IN how/WRB long/RB is/VBZ it/PRP since/IN you/PRP first/RB entertained/VBD this/DT desire?"/NN asked/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston./NNP "Since/NNP Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP Berkley/NNP came,/VBD ma'am,"/NN answered/VBD he./PRP "Has/VBZ Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP annoyed/VBD you/PRP in/IN any/DT way?"/NN continued/VBN she./TO "Far/VB from/IN it,/DT ma'am,"/NN he/PRP replied;/VBD "he/PRP is/VBZ a/DT very/RB kind/JJ gentleman."/NN "Well,/IN his/PRP$ man,/JJ then;/, is/VBZ he/PRP a/DT respectable,/NN inoffensive/JJ person?"/NN she/PRP inquired./VBD "I/PRP never/RB met/VBD one/CD more/JJR so,"/NN said/VBD the/DT man,/NN promptly,/NN and/CC raising/VBG his/PRP$ head./NN "What/IN I/PRP wish/VBP to/TO know/VB is,/IN whether/IN your/PRP$ desire/NN to/TO go/VB is/VBZ connected/VBN with/IN Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ servant?"/NN said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston./NNP The/DT man/NN hesitated,/NN and/CC shifted/VBD his/PRP$ position/NN uneasily./. "You/PRP need/VBP not/RB answer,/VB Merton,/NNP if/IN you/PRP don't/VBP wish/VB it,"/VBP she/PRP said/VBD kindly./. "Why,/NNP ma'am,/, yes,/NN it/PRP has/VBZ something/NN to/TO say/VB to/TO them/PRP both,"/CC he/PRP replied,/VBD with/IN some/DT agitation./NN "I/NNS really/RB cannot/MD understand/VB this,"/NN said/VBD she./PRP Merton/NNP hesitated/VBD for/IN some/DT time,/NN and/CC appeared/VBD much/JJ troubled./NN "It/NN was/VBD something,/RB ma'am--something/JJ that/IN Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP man/NN said/VBD to/TO me;/VB and/CC there/RB it/PRP is/VBZ out,"/IN he/PRP said/VBD at/IN last,/JJ with/IN an/DT effort./NN "Well,/NN Merton,"/NNP said/VBD she,/PRP "I/IN won't/JJ press/NN you/PRP further;/JJ but/CC I/PRP must/MD say,/VB that/IN as/IN this/DT communication,/NN whatever/WDT it/PRP may/MD be,/VB has/VBZ caused/VBN you,/PRP unquestionably,/RB very/RB great/JJ uneasiness,/IN it/PRP seems/VBZ to/TO me/PRP but/CC probable/JJ that/IN it/PRP affects/VBZ the/DT safety/NN or/CC the/DT interests/NNS of/IN some/DT person--I/JJ cannot/, say/VB of/IN whom;/JJ and,/CC if/IN so,/NN there/RB can/MD be/VB no/DT doubt/NN that/IN it/PRP is/VBZ your/PRP$ duty/NN to/TO acquaint/VB those/DT who/WP are/VBP so/RB involved/VBN in/IN the/DT disclosure,/NN with/IN its/PRP$ purport."/NN "No,/NN ma'am,/, there/EX is/VBZ nothing/NN in/IN what/WP I/PRP heard/VBD that/DT could/MD touch/VB anybody/NN but/CC myself./PRP It/PRP was/VBD nothing/NN but/CC what/WP others/NNS heard,/VBP without/IN remarking/VBG it,/PRP or/CC thinking/VBG about/IN it./PRP I/PRP can't/MD tell/VB you/PRP anymore,/RB ma'am;/, but/CC I/PRP am/VBP very/RB unhappy,/JJ and/CC uneasy/JJ in/IN my/PRP$ mind."/NN As/IN the/DT man/NN said/VBD this,/IN he/PRP began/VBD to/TO weep/VB bitterly./JJ The/DT idea/NN that/IN his/PRP$ mind/NN was/VBD affected/VBN now/RB seriously/RB occurred/VBD to/TO Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP and/CC she/PRP resolved/VBD to/TO convey/VB her/PRP$ suspicions/NNS to/TO her/PRP$ husband,/NN and/CC to/TO leave/VB him/PRP to/TO deal/VB with/IN the/DT case/NN as/IN to/TO him/PRP should/MD seem/VB good./VBN "Don't/RB agitate/IN yourself/PRP so,/VBD Merton;/IN I/PRP shall/MD speak/VB to/TO your/PRP$ master/NN upon/IN what/WP you/PRP have/VBP said;/VBN and/CC you/PRP may/MD rely/VB upon/IN it,/PRP that/IN no/DT surmise/NN to/TO the/DT prejudice/NN of/IN your/PRP$ character/NN has/VBZ entered/VBN my/PRP$ mind,"/NN said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP very/RB kindly./VBD "Oh,/RB ma'am,/, you/PRP are/VBP too/RB good,"/JJ sobbed/VBD the/DT poor/JJ man,/NN vehemently./JJ "You/NNS don't/RB know/VBP me,/PRP ma'am;/, I/PRP never/RB knew/VBD myself/PRP till/IN lately./RB I/PRP am/VBP a/DT miserable/JJ man./NN I/PRP am/VBP frightened/VBN at/IN myself,/PRP ma'am--frightened/VBD terribly./DT Christ/NNP knows,/, it/PRP would/MD be/VB well/RB for/IN me/PRP I/PRP was/VBD dead/JJ this/DT minute."/NN "I/RB am/VBP very/RB sorry/JJ for/IN your/PRP$ unhappiness,/JJ Merton,"/NNP said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston;/NNP "and,/, especially,/RB that/IN I/PRP can/MD do/VB nothing/NN to/TO alleviate/VB it;/IN I/PRP can/MD but/CC speak,/VB as/IN I/PRP have/VBP said,/VBN to/TO your/PRP$ master,/NN and/CC he/PRP will/MD give/VB you/PRP your/PRP$ discharge,/NN and/CC arrange/VB whatever/WDT else/RB remains/VBZ to/TO be/VB done."/VBN "God/NNP bless/VB you,/PRP ma'am,"/, said/VBD the/DT servant,/NN still/RB much/JJ agitated,/NN and/CC left/VBD her./PRP$ Mr./NNP Marston/NNP usually/RB passed/VBD the/DT early/JJ part/NN of/IN the/DT day/NN in/IN active/JJ exercise,/NN and/CC she,/NN supposing/NN that/IN he/PRP was,/VBD in/IN all/DT probability,/NNS at/IN that/DT moment/NN far/RB from/IN home,/NN went/VBD to/TO "mademoiselle's"/NNP chamber,/NN which/WDT was/VBD at/IN the/DT other/JJ end/NN of/IN the/DT spacious/JJ house,/NN to/TO confer/VB with/IN her/PRP in/IN the/DT interval/NN upon/IN the/DT strange/JJ application/NN thus/RB urged/VBN by/IN poor/JJ Merton./NNP Just/RB as/IN she/PRP reached/VBD the/DT door/NN of/IN Mademoiselle/NNP de/NNP Barras's/NNP chamber,/NN she/PRP heard/VBD voices/NNS within/IN exerted/VBN in/IN evident/JJ excitement./NN She/PRP stopped/VBD in/IN amazement./DT They/PRP were/VBD those/DT of/IN her/PRP$ husband/NN and/CC mademoiselle./VBD Startled,/NNP confounded,/, and/CC amazed,/JJ she/PRP pushed/VBD open/JJ the/DT door,/NN and/CC entered./VBD Her/PRP$ husband/NN was/VBD sitting,/VBG one/CD hand/NN clutched/VBD upon/IN the/DT arm/NN of/IN the/DT chair/NN he/PRP occupied,/VBD and/CC the/DT other/JJ extended,/NN and/CC clenched,/NN as/IN it/PRP seemed,/VBD with/IN the/DT emphasis/NN of/IN rage,/NN upon/IN the/DT desk/NN that/IN stood/VBD upon/IN the/DT table./NN His/PRP$ face/NN was/VBD darkened/VBN with/IN the/DT stormiest/NN passions,/NN and/CC his/PRP$ gaze/NN was/VBD fixed/VBN upon/IN the/DT Frenchwoman,/NNPS who/WP was/VBD standing/VBG with/IN a/DT look/NN half-guilty,/JJ half-imploring,/NN at/IN a/DT little/JJ distance./NN There/EX was/VBD something,/NN to/TO Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP so/RB utterly/RB unexpected,/JJ and/CC even/RB so/RB shocking,/JJ in/IN this/DT tableau,/NN that/IN she/PRP stood/VBD for/IN some/DT seconds/NNS pale/JJ and/CC breathless,/JJ and/CC gazing/VBG with/IN a/DT vacant/JJ stare/NN of/IN fear/NN and/CC horror/NN from/IN her/PRP$ husband/NN to/TO the/DT French/JJ girl,/NN and/CC from/IN her/PRP$ to/TO her/PRP$ husband/NN again./RB The/DT three/CD figures/NNS in/IN this/DT strange/JJ group/NN remained/VBD fixed,/JJ silent,/NN and/CC aghast,/NN for/IN several/JJ seconds./NN Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP endeavored/VBD to/TO speak;/VB but,/NN though/IN her/PRP$ lips/NNS moved,/VB no/DT sound/NN escaped/VBD her;/PRP and,/RB from/IN very/RB weakness,/JJ she/PRP sank,/VBD half-fainting,/JJ into/IN a/DT chair./NN Marston/NNP rose,/VBD throwing,/VBN as/IN he/PRP did/VBD so,/RB a/DT guilty/JJ and/CC furious/JJ glance/NN at/IN the/DT young/JJ Frenchwoman,/NNP and/CC walked/VBD a/DT step/NN or/CC two/CD toward/IN the/DT door;/NN he/PRP hesitated,/VBD however,/RB and/CC turned,/VB just/RB as/IN mademoiselle,/VBN bursting/VBG into/IN tears,/NNS threw/VBD her/PRP$ arms/NNS round/JJ Mrs./NNP Marston's/NNP neck,/, and/CC passionately/RB exclaimed,/JJ "Protect/NN me,/, madame,/VBD I/PRP implore,/VBP from/IN the/DT insults/NNS and/CC suspicions/NNS of/IN your/PRP$ husband."/NN Marston/NNP stood/VBD a/DT little/JJ behind/IN his/PRP$ wife,/NN and/CC he/PRP and/CC the/DT governess/NN exchanged/VBD a/DT glance/NN of/IN keen/JJ significance,/NN as/IN the/DT latter/JJ sank,/NN sobbing,/NNS like/IN an/DT injured/JJ child/NN into/IN its/PRP$ mother's/NN embrace,/NN upon/IN the/DT poor/JJ lady's/NNS tortured/VBD bosom./NN "Madame,/IN madame!/JJ he/PRP says--Mr./-LRB- Marston/NNP says--I/. have/VB presumed/VBN to/TO give/VB you/PRP advice,/NN and/CC to/TO meddle,/NNS and/CC to/TO interfere;/VB that/IN I/PRP am/VBP endeavoring/VBG to/TO make/VB you/PRP despise/VB his/PRP$ authority./NN Madame,/NNP speak/VBP for/IN me./PRP Say,/. madame,/PRP have/VBP I/PRP ever/RB done/VBN so?--say,/JJ madame,/, am/VBP I/PRP the/DT cause/NN of/IN bitterness/NN and/CC contumacy?/NN Ah,/IN mon/JJ Dieu!/NNP c'est/NN trop--it/NN is/VBZ too/RB much,/JJ madame./, I/PRP shall/MD go--I/VB must/MD go,/VB madame./VBD Why,/WRB ah!/JJ why,/NN did/VBD I/PRP stay/VB for/IN this?"/DT As/IN she/PRP thus/RB spoke,/VBD mademoiselle/VBN again/RB burst/VBN into/IN a/DT paroxysm/NN of/IN weeping,/NN and/CC again/RB the/DT same/JJ significant/JJ glance/NN was/VBD interchanged./VBN "Go;/RB yes,/RB you/PRP shall/MD go,"/VB said/VBD Marston,/NNP striding/VBG toward/IN the/DT window./NN "I/NN will/MD have/VB no/DT whispering/NN or/CC conspiring/VBG in/IN my/PRP$ house:/NN I/PRP have/VBP heard/VBN of/IN your/PRP$ confidences/NNS and/CC consultations./VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP I/PRP meant/VBD to/TO have/VB done/VBN this/DT quietly,"/NN he/PRP continued,/VBD addressing/VBG his/PRP$ wife;/NN "I/NN meant/VBD to/TO have/VB given/VBN Mademoiselle/NNP de/FW Barras/NNPS my/PRP$ opinion/NN and/CC her/PRP$ dismissal/NN without/IN your/PRP$ assistance;/NN but/CC it/PRP seems/VBZ you/PRP wish/VB to/TO interpose./DT You/PRP are/VBP sworn/VBN friends,/NNS and/CC never/RB fail/VB one/CD another,/DT of/IN course,/NN at/IN a/DT pinch./NN I/PRP take/VBP it/PRP for/IN granted/VBN that/IN I/PRP owe/VBP your/PRP$ presence/NN at/IN our/PRP$ interview/NN which/WDT I/PRP am/VBP resolved/VBN shall/MD be,/VB as/IN respects/NNS mademoiselle,/VBD a/DT final/JJ one,/NN to/TO a/DT message/NN from/IN that/DT intriguing/JJ young/JJ lady--eh?"/NN "I/NNS have/VBP had/VBN no/DT message,/NN Richard,"/NNP said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston;/NNP "I/NNP don't/VBD know--do/JJ tell/VBP me,/RP for/IN God's/NNP sake,/VBD what/WP is/VBZ all/PDT this/DT about?"/RB And/CC as/IN the/DT poor/JJ lady/NN thus/RB spoke,/VBD her/PRP$ overwrought/NN feelings/NNS found/VBD vent/NN in/IN a/DT violent/JJ flood/NN of/IN tears./DT "Yes,/NNP madame,/, that/WDT is/VBZ the/DT question./NN I/PRP have/VBP asked/VBN him/PRP frequently/RB what/WP is/VBZ all/PDT this/DT anger,/NN all/DT these/DT reproaches/NNS about;/IN what/WP have/VBP I/PRP done?"/VBN interposed/VBN mademoiselle,/VBN with/IN indignant/JJ vehemence,/JJ standing/NN erect,/IN and/CC viewing/VBG Marston/NNP with/IN a/DT flashing/VBG eye/NN and/CC a/DT flushed/VBN cheek./NN "Yes,/IN I/PRP am/VBP called/VBN conspirator,/JJ meddler,/NN intrigant./, Ah,/NNP madame,/, it/PRP is/VBZ intolerable."/IN "But/IN what/WP have/VBP I/PRP done,/IN Richard?"/NNP urged/VBD the/DT poor/JJ lady,/NN stunned/VBD and/CC bewildered;/JJ "how/NNS have/VBP I/PRP offended/VBN you?"/PRP "Yes,/JJ yes,"/NN continued/VBD the/DT Frenchwoman,/NNPS with/IN angry/JJ volubility,/NN "what/NN has/VBZ she/PRP done/VBN that/IN you/PRP call/VBP contumacy/NN and/CC disrespect?/NN Yes,/RB dear/JJ madame,/, there/EX is/VBZ the/DT question;/NN and/CC if/IN he/PRP cannot/MD answer,/RB is/VBZ it/PRP not/RB most/RBS cruel/JJ to/TO call/VB me/PRP conspirator,/VB and/CC spy,/VB and/CC intrigant,/VB because/IN I/PRP talk/VBP to/TO my/PRP$ dear/JJ madame,/, who/WP is/VBZ my/PRP$ only/JJ friend/NN in/IN this/DT place?"/NN "Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras,/NNP I/PRP need/VBP no/DT declamation/NN from/IN you;/JJ and,/NNS pardon/VB me,/, Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP nor/CC from/IN you/PRP either,"/CC retorted/VBD he;/PRP "I/RB have/VB my/PRP$ information/NN from/IN one/CD on/IN whom/WP I/PRP can/MD rely;/VB let/VB that/DT suffice./NN Of/IN course/NN you/PRP are/VBP both/DT agreed/VBN in/IN a/DT story./NN I/PRP dare/MD say/VB you/PRP are/VBP ready/JJ to/TO swear/VB you/PRP never/RB so/RB much/JJ as/IN canvassed/VBN my/PRP$ conduct,/NN and/CC my/PRP$ coldness/NN and/CC estrangement--eh?/JJ These/DT are/VBP the/DT words,/NNS are/VBP not/RB they?"/DT "I/NNS have/VBP done/VBN you/PRP no/DT wrong,/NN sir;/NN madame/VBD can/MD tell/VB you./PRP I/PRP am/VBP no/DT mischief-maker;/JJ no,/NN I/PRP never/RB was/VBD such/JJ a/DT thing./NN Was/VBD I,/NNP madame?"/VBD persisted/VBN the/DT governess--"bear/NN witness/NN for/IN me?"/CD "I/NNS have/VBP told/VBN you/PRP my/PRP$ mind,/NN Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras,"/NNP interrupted/VBD Marston;/NNP "I/NNP will/MD have/VB no/DT altercation,/NN if/IN you/PRP please./VBP I/PRP think,/VBP Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP we/PRP have/VBP had/VBN enough/RB of/IN this;/DT may/MD I/PRP accompany/VB you/PRP hence?"/RB So/RB saying,/JJ he/PRP took/VBD the/DT poor/JJ lady's/NN passive/JJ hand,/NN and/CC led/VBD her/PRP from/IN the/DT room./NN Mademoiselle/NNP stood/VBD in/IN the/DT center/NN of/IN the/DT apartment,/NN alone,/IN erect,/IN with/IN heaving/JJ breast/NN and/CC burning/VBG cheek--beautiful,/JJ thoughtful,/NNS guilty--the/DT very/RB type/NN of/IN the/DT fallen/VBN angelic./NN There/RB for/IN a/DT time,/NN her/PRP heart/NN all/DT confusion,/IN her/PRP$ mind/NN darkened,/, we/PRP must/MD leave/VB her;/PRP various/JJ courses/NNS before/IN her,/PRP and/CC as/RB yet/RB without/IN resolution/NN to/TO choose/VB among/IN them;/PRP a/DT lost/VBD spirit,/NN borne/VBN on/IN the/DT eddies/NNS of/IN the/DT storm;/NN fearless/JJ and/CC self-reliant,/JJ but/CC with/IN no/DT star/NN to/TO guide/VB her/PRP on/IN her/PRP$ dark,/JJ malign,/NN and/CC forlorn/NN way./VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP in/IN her/PRP$ own/JJ room,/NN reviewed/VBN the/DT agitating/NN scene/NN through/IN which/WDT she/PRP had/VBD just/RB been/VBN so/RB unexpectedly/RB carried./VBD The/DT tremendous/JJ suspicion/NN which,/NN at/IN the/DT first/JJ disclosure/NN of/IN the/DT tableau/NN we/PRP have/VBP described,/VBN smote/VB the/DT heart/NN and/CC brain/NN of/IN the/DT poor/JJ lady/NN with/IN the/DT stun/NN of/IN a/DT thunderbolt,/NN had/VBD been,/VBN indeed,/RB subsequently/RB disturbed,/JJ and/CC afterwards/RB contradicted;/, but/CC the/DT shock/NN of/IN her/PRP$ first/JJ impression/NN remained/VBD still/RB upon/IN her/PRP$ mind/NN and/CC heart./VBD She/PRP felt/VBD still/RB through/IN every/DT nerve/NN the/DT vibrations/NNS of/IN that/DT maddening/JJ terror/NN and/CC despair/NN which/WDT had/VBD overcome/VBN her/PRP$ senses/NNS for/IN a/DT moment./NN The/DT surprise,/NN the/DT shock,/NN the/DT horror,/NN outlived/VBD the/DT obliterating/JJ influence/NN of/IN what/WP followed./VBD She/PRP was/VBD in/IN this/DT agitation/NN when/WRB Mademoiselle/NNP de/FW Barras/NNP entered/VBD her/PRP$ chamber,/NN resolved/VBN with/IN all/DT her/PRP art/NN to/TO second/JJ and/CC support/VB the/DT success/NN of/IN her/PRP$ prompt/JJ measures/NNS in/IN the/DT recent/JJ critical/JJ emergency./NN She/PRP had/VBD come,/VBN she/PRP said,/VBD to/TO bid/VB her/PRP$ dear/JJ madame/JJ farewell,/NN for/IN she/PRP was/VBD resolved/VBN to/TO go./NNP Her/PRP$ own/JJ room/NN had/VBD been/VBN invaded,/VBN that/IN insult/NN and/CC reproach/NN might/MD be/VB heaped/VBN upon/IN her;/PRP how/WRB utterly/RB unmerited/JJ Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP knew./VBD She/PRP had/VBD been/VBN called/VBN by/IN every/DT foul/JJ name/NN which/WDT applied/VBD to/TO the/DT spy/NN and/CC the/DT maligner;/NN she/PRP could/MD not/RB bear/VB it./PRP Some/DT one/CD had/VBD evidently/RB been/VBN endeavoring/VBG to/TO procure/VB her/PRP$ removal,/NNS and/CC had/VBD but/CC too/RB effectually/RB succeeded./VBN Mademoiselle/NNP was/VBD determined/VBN to/TO go/VB early/RB the/DT next/JJ morning;/NN nothing/NN should/MD prevent/VB or/CC retard/VB her/PRP departure;/VB her/PRP$ resolution/NN was/VBD taken./NN In/IN this/DT strain/NN did/VBD mademoiselle/. run/VBN on,/RB but/CC in/IN a/DT subdued/JJ and/CC melancholy/JJ tone,/NN and/CC weeping/VBG profusely./DT The/DT wild/JJ and/CC ghastly/JJ suspicions/NNS which/WDT had/VBD for/IN a/DT moment/NN flashed/VBD terribly/RB upon/IN the/DT mind/NN of/IN Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP had/VBD faded/VBN away/RB under/IN the/DT influences/NNS of/IN reason/NN and/CC reflection,/VB although,/IN indeed,/RB much/RB painful/JJ excitement/NN still/RB remained,/VBN before/IN Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras/NNP had/VBD visited/VBN her/PRP room./NN Marston's/NNP temper/IN she/PRP knew/VBD but/CC too/RB well;/RB it/PRP was/VBD violent,/JJ bitter,/JJ and/CC 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direction;/NN the/DT evidence/NN was/VBD conclusive;/VBN and/CC Mrs./NNP Marston's/NNP thoughts/NNS and/CC feelings/NNS respecting/VBG her/PRP$ fair/JJ young/JJ confidante/NN quickly/RB found/VBD their/PRP$ old/JJ level,/NN and/CC flowed/VBD on/IN tranquilly/NN and/CC sadly/RB in/IN their/PRP$ accustomed/JJ channel./NN While/IN Mademoiselle/NNP de/NNP Barras/NNP was/VBD thus,/RB with/IN the/DT persevering/NN industry/NN of/IN the/DT spider,/NN repairing/VBG the/DT meshes/NNS which/WDT a/DT chance/NN breath/NN had/VBD shattered,/NNS she/PRP would,/MD perhaps,/RB have/VB been/VBN in/IN her/PRP$ turn/NN shocked/VBN and/CC startled,/NNS could/MD she/PRP have/VB glanced/VBD into/IN Marston's/NNP mind,/, and/CC seen,/VBD in/IN what/WP was/VBD passing/VBG there,/RB the/DT real/JJ extent/NN of/IN her/PRP$ danger./NN Marston/NNP was/VBD walking,/NN as/IN usual,/JJ alone,/NNS and/CC in/IN the/DT most/JJS solitary/JJ region/NN of/IN his/PRP$ lonely/JJ park./NN One/CD hand/NN grasped/VBD his/PRP$ 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and/CC horror./NN He/PRP walked/VBD on/IN a/DT little,/JJ stopped/VBD again,/RB and/CC folding/VBG his/PRP$ arms,/NN leaned/VBD against/IN an/DT ancient/JJ tree./NN "Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras,/NNP _vous/NNP etes/VBZ une/JJ traitresse_,/NN and/CC you/PRP shall/MD go./VB Yes,/RB go/VB you/PRP shall;/MD you/PRP have/VB deceived/VBN me,/NNS and/CC we/PRP must/MD part."/VB He/PRP said/VBD this/DT with/IN melancholy/JJ bitterness;/JJ and,/NNS after/IN a/DT pause,/NN continued:/NN "I/NNS will/MD have/VB no/DT other/JJ revenge./NN No;/NNP though,/VBD I/PRP dare/MD say,/VB she/PRP will/MD care/VB but/CC little/RB for/IN this;/DT very/RB little,/JJ if/IN at/IN all."/DT "And/NN then,/, as/IN to/TO the/DT other/JJ person,"/NN he/PRP resumed,/VBD after/IN a/DT pause,/NN "it/NN is/VBZ not/RB the/DT first/JJ time/NN he/PRP has/VBZ acted/VBN like/IN a/DT trickster./NN He/PRP has/VBZ crossed/VBN me/PRP before,/RB and/CC I/PRP will/MD choose/VB an/DT opportunity/NN to/TO tell/VB him/PRP my/PRP$ mind./NN I/PRP won't/VBD mince/JJ matters/NNS with/IN him/PRP either,/RB and/CC will/MD not/RB spare/VB him/PRP one/CD insulting/JJ syllable/NN that/IN he/PRP deserves./VBZ He/PRP wears/VBZ a/DT sword,/NN and/CC so/RB do/VB I;/PRP if/IN he/PRP pleases,/VBD he/PRP may/MD draw/VB it;/RB he/PRP shall/MD have/VB the/DT opportunity;/NN but,/NN at/IN all/DT events,/NN I/PRP will/MD make/VB it/PRP impossible/JJ for/IN him/PRP to/TO prolong/VB his/PRP$ disgraceful/JJ visit/NN at/IN my/PRP$ house."/NN On/IN reaching/VBG home/NN and/CC his/PRP$ own/JJ study,/NN the/DT servant,/NN Merton,/NNP presented/VBD himself,/PRP and/CC his/PRP$ master,/NN too/RB deeply/RB excited/VBN to/TO hear/VB him/PRP then,/RB appointed/VBD the/DT next/JJ day/NN for/IN the/DT purpose./NN There/EX was/VBD no/DT contending/NN against/IN Marston's/NNP peremptory/JJ will,/NN and/CC the/DT man/NN reluctantly/RB withdrew./, Here/RB was,/VBD apparently,/RB a/DT matter/NN of/IN no/DT imaginable/NN moment;/NN whether/IN this/DT menial/NN should/MD be/VB discharged/VBN on/IN that/DT day,/NN or/CC on/IN the/DT morrow;/NN and/CC yet/RB mighty/JJ things/NNS were/VBD involved/VBN in/IN the/DT alternative./NN There/EX was/VBD a/DT deeper/JJR gloom/NN than/IN usual/JJ over/IN the/DT house./NN The/DT servants/NNS seemed/VBD to/TO know/VB that/IN something/NN had/VBD gone/VBN wrong,/JJ and/CC looked/VBD grave/JJ and/CC mysterious./PRP$ Marston/NNP was/VBD more/RBR than/IN ever/RB dark/JJ and/CC moody./NN Mrs./NNP Marston's/NNP dimmed/VBD and/CC swollen/JJ eyes/NNS showed/VBD that/IN she/PRP had/VBD been/VBN weeping./DT Mademoiselle/NNP absented/VBD herself/PRP from/IN supper,/NN on/IN the/DT plea/NN of/IN a/DT bad/JJ headache./NN Rhoda/NNP saw/VBD that/IN something,/NN she/PRP knew/VBD not/RB what,/WP had/VBD occurred/VBN to/TO agitate/VB her/PRP$ elders,/JJ and/CC was/VBD depressed/VBN and/CC anxious./DT The/DT old/JJ clergyman,/NN whom/WP we/PRP have/VBP already/RB mentioned,/VB had/VBN called,/NNS and/CC stayed/VBD to/TO supper./VB Dr./NNP Danvers/NNP was/VBD a/DT man/NN of/IN considerable/JJ learning,/NN strong/JJ sense,/NN and/CC remarkable/JJ simplicity/NN of/IN character./NN His/PRP$ thoughtful/JJ blue/JJ eye,/NN and/CC well-marked/JJ countenance,/NNS were/VBD full/JJ of/IN gentleness/NN and/CC benevolence,/NNS and/CC elevated/VBN by/IN a/DT certain/JJ natural/JJ dignity,/NN of/IN which/WDT purity/NN and/CC goodness,/NN without/IN one/CD debasing/VBG shade/NN of/IN self-esteem/JJ and/CC arrogance,/NNS were/VBD the/DT animating/NN spirit./NN Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP loved/VBD and/CC respected/VBD this/DT good/JJ minister/NN of/IN God;/NNP and/CC many/JJ a/DT time/NN had/VBD sought/VBN and/CC found,/VBN in/IN his/PRP$ gentle/JJ and/CC earnest/JJ counsels,/NN and/CC in/IN the/DT overflowing/JJ tenderness/NN of/IN his/PRP$ sympathy,/NN much/JJ comfort/NN and/CC support/NN in/IN the/DT progress/NN of/IN her/PRP$ sore/JJ and/CC protracted/JJ earthly/RB trial./, Most/JJS especially/RB at/IN one/CD critical/JJ period/NN in/IN her/PRP$ history/NN had/VBD he/PRP endeared/VBD himself/PRP to/TO her,/PRP by/IN interposing,/NN and/CC successfully,/NN to/TO prevent/VB a/DT formal/JJ separation/NN which/WDT (as/VBZ ending/VBG forever/RB the/DT one/CD hope/NN that/IN cheered/VBD her/PRP on,/RP even/RB in/IN the/DT front/NN of/IN despair)/JJ she/PRP would/MD probably/RB not/RB long/RB have/VB survived./VBN With/IN Mr./NNP Marston,/NNP however,/, he/PRP was/VBD far/RB from/IN being/VBG a/DT favorite./NN There/RB was/VBD that/IN in/IN his/PRP$ lofty/JJ and/CC simple/JJ purity/NN which/WDT abashed/VBD and/CC silently/RB reproached/VBD the/DT sensual,/NN bitter,/JJ disappointed/JJ man/NN of/IN the/DT world./JJ The/DT angry/JJ pride/NN of/IN the/DT scornful/JJ man/NN felt/VBD its/PRP$ own/JJ meanness/NN in/IN the/DT grand/JJ presence/NN of/IN a/DT simple/NN and/CC humble/JJ Christian/NNP minister./MD And/CC the/DT very/RB fact/NN that/IN all/DT his/PRP$ habits/NNS had/VBD led/VBN him/PRP to/TO hold/VB such/JJ a/DT character/NN in/IN contempt,/NN made/VBD him/PRP but/CC the/DT more/JJR unreasonably/RB resent/VB the/DT involuntary/JJ homage/NN which/WDT its/PRP$ exhibition/NN in/IN Dr./NNP Danvers's/NNP person/NN invariably/RB extorted/VBD from/IN him./PRP He/PRP felt/VBD in/IN this/DT good/JJ man's/JJ presence/NN under/IN a/DT kind/NN of/IN irritating/JJ restraint;/NN that/IN he/PRP was/VBD in/IN the/DT presence/NN of/IN one/CD with/IN whom/WP he/PRP had,/VBD and/CC could/MD have,/VB no/DT sympathy/NN whatever,/, and/CC yet/RB one/CD whom/WP he/PRP could/MD not/RB help/VB both/DT admiring/NN and/CC respecting;/NN and/CC in/IN these/DT conflicting/JJ feelings/NNS were/VBD involved/VBN certain/JJ gloomy/JJ and/CC humbling/JJ inferences/NNS about/IN himself,/NN which/WDT he/PRP hated,/VBD and/CC almost/RB feared/VBD to/TO contemplate./VB It/PRP was/VBD well,/RB however,/RB for/IN the/DT indulgence/NN of/IN Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP conversational/JJ propensities,/NN that/IN Dr./NNP Danvers/NNP had/VBD happened/VBN to/TO drop/VB in;/RP for/IN Marston/NNP was/VBD doggedly/RB silent/JJ and/CC sullen,/JJ and/CC Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP was/VBD herself/PRP scarcely/RB more/RBR disposed/JJ than/IN he/PRP to/TO maintain/VB her/PRP$ part/NN in/IN a/DT conversation;/NN so/IN that,/DT had/VBD it/PRP not/RB been/VBN for/IN the/DT opportune/NN arrival/NN of/IN the/DT good/JJ clergyman,/NN the/DT supper/NN must/MD have/VB been/VBN dispatched/VBN with/IN a/DT very/RB awkward/JJ and/CC unsocial/JJ taciturnity./NN Marston/NNP thought,/VBD and,/DT perhaps,/NN not/RB erroneously,/RB that/IN Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP suspected/VBD something/NN of/IN the/DT real/JJ state/NN of/IN affairs,/NN and/CC he/PRP was,/VBD therefore,/DT incensed/VBN to/TO perceive,/VB as/IN he/PRP thought,/VBD in/IN his/PRP$ manner,/NN very/RB evident/JJ indications/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ being/VBG in/IN unusually/RB good/JJ spirits./NN Thus/RB disposed,/VB the/DT party/NN sat/VBD down/RB to/TO supper./VB "One/NN of/IN our/PRP$ number/NN is/VBZ missing,"/VBN said/VBD Sir/NNP Wynston,/NNP affecting/VBG a/DT slight/JJ surprise,/NN which,/WDT perhaps,/RB he/PRP did/VBD not/RB feel./DT "Mademoiselle/NNP de/FW Barras--I/NNP trust/NN she/PRP is/VBZ well?"/RB said/VBD Doctor/NNP Danvers,/NNP looking/VBG towards/IN Marston./NNP "I/NNP suppose/VBP she/PRP is;/VBP I/PRP don't/RB know,"/VBP said/VBD Marston,/NNP drily./VBD "Why!/IN how/WRB should/MD he/PRP know,"/VB said/VBD the/DT baronet,/NN gaily,/NN but/CC with/IN something/NN almost/RB imperceptibly/RB sarcastic/JJ in/IN his/PRP$ tone./NN "Our/IN friend,/JJ Marston,/NNP is/VBZ privileged/JJ to/TO be/VB as/RB ungallant/JJ as/IN he/PRP pleases,/VBD except/IN where/WRB he/PRP has/VBZ the/DT happy/JJ privilege/NN to/TO owe/VB allegiance;/DT but/CC I,/PRP a/DT gay/JJ young/JJ bachelor/NN of/IN fifty,/CD am/VBP naturally/RB curious./MD I/PRP really/RB do/VBP trust/NN that/IN our/PRP$ charming/JJ French/JJ friend/NN is/VBZ not/RB unwell."/JJ He/PRP addressed/VBD his/PRP$ inquiry/NN to/TO Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP who,/, with/IN some/DT slight/JJ confusion,/NN replied:--/: "No;/NNP nothing,/, at/IN least,/JJS serious;/NN merely/RB a/DT slight/JJ headache./NN I/PRP am/VBP sure/JJ she/PRP will/MD be/VB quite/RB well/RB enough/JJ to/TO come/VB down/RB to/TO breakfast."/VB "She/DT is,/NN indeed,/IN a/DT very/RB charming/JJ and/CC interesting/JJ young/JJ person,"/NN said/VBD Doctor/NNP Danvers./NNP "There/NNP is/VBZ a/DT certain/JJ simplicity/NN about/IN her/PRP$ which/WDT argues/VBZ a/DT good/JJ and/CC kind/NN heart,/NN and/CC an/DT open/JJ nature."/NN "Very/RB true,/JJ indeed,/NN doctor,"/NN observed/VBD Berkley,/NNP with/IN the/DT same/JJ faint,/JJ but,/NN to/TO Marston,/NNP exquisitely/RB provoking/VBG approximation/NN to/TO sarcasm./DT "There/RB is,/, as/IN you/PRP say,/VBP a/DT very/RB charming/JJ simplicity./NN Don't/CC you/PRP think/VBP so,/RB Marston?"/NNP Marston/NNP looked/VBD at/IN him/PRP for/IN a/DT moment,/NN but/CC continued/VBD silent./NN "Poor/NN mademoiselle!--she/, is,/VBZ indeed,/RB a/DT most/RBS affectionate/JJ creature,"/NN said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP who/WP felt/VBD called/VBN upon/IN to/TO say/VB something./DT "Come,/NNP Marston,/NNP will/MD you/PRP contribute/VB nothing/NN to/TO the/DT general/JJ fund/NN of/IN approbation?"/NN said/VBD Sir/NNP Wynston,/NNP who/WP was/VBD gifted/VBN by/IN nature/NN with/IN an/DT amiable/JJ talent/NN for/IN teasing,/NNS which/WDT he/PRP was/VBD fond/JJ of/IN exercising/VBG in/IN a/DT quiet/JJ way./NN "We/NN have/VBP all,/VBN but/CC you,/PRP said/VBD something/NN handsome/JJ of/IN our/PRP$ absent/JJ young/JJ friend."/NNS "I/NNS never/RB praise/VBP anybody,/DT Wynston;/NNP not/RB even/RB you,"/VB said/VBD Marston,/NNP with/IN an/DT obvious/JJ sneer./NN "Well,/IN well,/NN I/PRP must/MD comfort/VB myself/PRP with/IN the/DT belief/NN that/IN your/PRP$ silence/NN covers/VBZ a/DT great/JJ deal/NN of/IN good-will,/JJ and,/NNS perhaps,/RB a/DT little/JJ admiration,/JJ too,"/NN answered/VBD his/PRP$ cousin,/NN significantly./VBD "Comfort/NNP yourself/PRP in/IN any/DT honest/JJ way/NN you/PRP will,/MD my/PRP$ dear/NN Wynston,"/NNP retorted/VBD Marston,/NNP with/IN a/DT degree/NN of/IN asperity,/NN which,/, to/TO all/DT but/CC the/DT baronet/NN himself,/PRP was/VBD unaccountable./JJ "You/NNS may/MD be/VB right,/RB you/PRP may/MD be/VB wrong;/VBN on/IN a/DT subject/NN so/RB unimportant/JJ it/PRP matters/VBZ very/RB little/JJ which;/IN you/PRP are/VBP at/IN perfect/JJ liberty/NN to/TO practice/VB delusions,/NN if/IN you/PRP will,/MD upon/IN yourself."/PRP "By-the-bye,/CC Mr./NNP Marston,/NNP is/VBZ not/RB your/PRP$ son/NN about/IN to/TO come/VB down/RP here?"/RB asked/VBD Doctor/NNP Danvers,/NNP who/WP perceived/VBD that/IN the/DT altercation/NN was/VBD becoming,/VBN on/IN Marston's/NNP part,/NNPS somewhat/RB testy,/JJ if/IN not/RB positively/RB rude./JJ "Yes;/NN I/PRP expect/VBP him/PRP in/IN a/DT few/JJ days,"/NN replied/VBD he,/VBN with/IN a/DT sudden/JJ gloom./NN "You/PRP have/VBP not/RB seen/VBN him,/PRP Sir/NNP Wynston?"/NNP asked/VBD the/DT clergyman./NN "I/NNS have/VBP that/DT pleasure/NN yet/RB to/TO come,"/VB said/VBD the/DT baronet./NN "A/IN pleasure/NN it/PRP is,/, I/PRP do/VBP assure/VB you,"/PRP said/VBD Doctor/NNP Danvers,/NNP heartily./, "He/NNP is/VBZ a/DT handsome/JJ lad,/NN with/IN the/DT heart/NN of/IN a/DT hero--a/NN fine,/JJ frank,/NNS generous/JJ lad,/NN and/CC as/RB merry/JJ as/IN a/DT lark."/JJ "Yes,/NN yes,"/NN interrupted/VBD Marston;/NNP "he/, is/VBZ well/RB enough,/JJ and/CC has/VBZ done/VBN pretty/RB well/RB at/IN Cambridge./NNP Doctor/NNP Danvers,/NNP take/VB some/DT wine."/NN It/PRP was/VBD strange,/JJ but/CC yet/RB mournfully/RB true,/VB that/IN the/DT praises/NNS which/WDT the/DT good/JJ Doctor/NNP Danvers/NNPS thus/RB bestowed/VBN upon/IN his/PRP$ son/NN were/VBD bitter/JJ to/TO the/DT soul/NN of/IN the/DT unhappy/JJ Marston./NNP They/PRP jarred/VBD upon/IN his/PRP$ ear,/NN and/CC stung/VBD his/PRP$ heart;/NN for/IN his/PRP$ conscience/NN converted/VBD them/PRP into/IN so/RB many/JJ latent/JJ insults/NNS and/CC humiliations/NNS to/TO himself./PRP "Your/IN wine/NN is/VBZ very/RB good,/JJ Marston./NNP I/PRP think/VBP your/PRP$ clarets/NNS are/VBP many/JJ degrees/NNS better/RBR than/IN any/DT I/PRP can/MD get,"/VB said/VBD Sir/NNP Wynston,/NNP sipping/VBG a/DT glass/NN of/IN his/PRP$ favorite/JJ wine./NN "You/NNS country/NN gentlemen/NNS are/VBP sad/JJ selfish/JJ dogs;/NNS and,/CC with/IN all/DT your/PRP$ grumbling,/VBP manage/VB to/TO collect/VB the/DT best/JJS of/IN whatever/WDT is/VBZ worth/JJ having/VBG about/IN you."/PRP$ "We/NN sometimes/RB succeed/VBP in/IN collecting/VBG a/DT pleasant/JJ party,"/NN retorted/VBD Marston,/NNP with/IN ironical/JJ courtesy,/NN "though/IN we/PRP do/VBP not/RB always/RB command/VB the/DT means/NNS of/IN entertaining/VBG them/PRP quite/RB as/IN we/PRP would/MD wish."/VB It/PRP was/VBD the/DT habit/NN of/IN Doctor/NNP Danvers,/NNP without/IN 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and/CC exacting/VBG man/NN of/IN the/DT world,/NN Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP Berkley/NNP rang/VBD his/PRP$ bell,/NN and/CC gave/VBD the/DT two/CD letters/NNS into/IN the/DT hand/NN of/IN his/PRP$ man,/NN with/IN special/JJ directions/NNS to/TO carry/VB them/PRP himself/PRP in/IN person,/NN to/TO the/DT post/NN office/NN in/IN the/DT neighboring/VBG village,/NN early/RB next/JJ morning./NN These/DT little/JJ matters/NNS completed,/IN Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP stirred/VBD his/PRP$ fire,/NN leaned/VBD back/RB in/IN his/PRP$ easy/JJ chair,/NN and/CC smiled/VBD blandly/RB over/IN the/DT sunny/JJ prospect/NN of/IN his/PRP$ imaginary/NN triumphs./VBD It/PRP here/RB becomes/VBZ necessary/JJ to/TO describe,/VB in/IN a/DT few/JJ words,/NNS some/DT of/IN the/DT local/JJ relations/NNS of/IN Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP apartments./RB The/DT bedchamber/NN which/WDT he/PRP occupied/VBD opened/VBN from/IN the/DT long/JJ passage/NN of/IN which/WDT we/PRP have/VBP already/RB spoken--and/VBN there/EX were/VBD two/CD other/JJ smaller/JJR apartments/NNS opening/VBG from/IN it/PRP in/IN train./NN In/IN the/DT further/JJ of/IN these,/DT which/WDT was/VBD entered/VBN from/IN a/DT lobby,/NN communicating/NN by/IN a/DT back/NN stair/NN with/IN the/DT kitchen/NN and/CC servants'/NNS apartments,/RB lay/VBD Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP valet,/NN and/CC the/DT intermediate/JJ chamber/NN was/VBD fitted/VBN up/RP as/IN a/DT dressing/NN room/NN for/IN the/DT baronet/NN himself./PRP These/DT circumstances/NNS it/PRP is/VBZ necessary/JJ to/TO mention,/VB that/IN what/WP follows/VBZ may/MD be/VB clearly/RB intelligible./, While/IN the/DT baronet/NN was/VBD penning/VBG these/DT records/NNS of/IN vicious/JJ schemes--dire/JJ waste/NN of/IN wealth/NN and/CC time--irrevocable/JJ time!--Marston/NN paced/VBD his/PRP$ study/NN in/IN a/DT very/RB different/JJ frame/NN of/IN mind./NN There/EX were/VBD a/DT gloom/NN and/CC disorder/NN in/IN the/DT room/NN accordant/NN with/IN those/DT of/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ mind./NN Shelves/NNP of/IN ancient/JJ tomes,/NN darkened/VBN by/IN time,/NN and/CC upon/IN which/WDT the/DT dust/NN of/IN years/NNS lay/VBD sleeping--dark/JJ oaken/JJ cabinets,/NN filled/VBN with/IN piles/NNS of/IN deeds/NNS and/CC papers,/NN among/IN which/WDT the/DT nimble/NN spiders/NNS were/VBD crawling--and,/JJ from/IN the/DT dusky/JJ walls,/NN several/JJ stark,/JJ pale/JJ ancestors,/NNS looking/VBG down/RB coldly/RB from/IN their/PRP$ tarnished/VBN frames./NN An/DT hour,/NN and/CC another/DT hour/NN passed--and/NN still/RB Marston/NNP paced/VBD this/DT melancholy/JJ chamber,/NN a/DT prey/NN to/TO his/PRP$ own/JJ fell/VBD passions/NNS and/CC dark/JJ thoughts./, He/PRP was/VBD not/RB a/DT superstitious/JJ man,/NN but,/NN in/IN the/DT visions/NNS which/WDT haunted/VBD him,/PRP perhaps,/RB was/VBD something/NN which/WDT made/VBD him/PRP unusually/RB excitable--for,/, he/PRP experienced/VBD a/DT chill/NN of/IN absolute/JJ horror,/NN as,/IN standing/VBG at/IN the/DT farther/RB end/NN of/IN the/DT room,/NN with/IN his/PRP$ face/NN turned/VBD towards/IN the/DT entrance,/NN he/PRP beheld/VBD the/DT door/NN noiselessly/RB and/CC slowly/RB pushed/VBD open,/RB by/IN a/DT pale,/JJ thin/JJ hand,/NN and/CC a/DT figure/NN dressed/VBN in/IN a/DT loose/JJ white/JJ robe,/NN glide/VB softly/RB in./. He/PRP stood/VBD for/IN some/DT seconds/NNS gazing/VBG upon/IN this/DT apparition,/NN as/IN it/PRP moved/VBD hesitatingly/RB towards/IN him/PRP from/IN the/DT dusky/JJ extremity/NN of/IN the/DT large/JJ apartment,/NN before/IN he/PRP perceived/VBD that/IN the/DT form/NN was/VBD that/IN of/IN Mrs./NNP Marston./NNP "Hey,/NNP ha!--Mrs./: Marston--what/WP on/IN earth/NN has/VBZ called/VBN you/PRP hither?"/IN he/PRP asked,/VBD sternly./. "You/PRP ought/MD to/TO have/VB been/VBN at/IN rest/NN an/DT hour/NN ago;/RB get/VB to/TO your/PRP$ chamber,/NN and/CC leave/VB me,/NNS I/PRP have/VBP business/NN to/TO attend/VB to."/DT "Now,/NN dear/NN Richard,/IN you/PRP must/MD forgive/VB me,"/NNS she/PRP said,/VBD drawing/VBG near,/RB and/CC looking/VBG up/RB into/IN his/PRP$ haggard/JJ face/NN with/IN a/DT sweet/JJ and/CC touching/JJ look/NN of/IN timidity/NN and/CC love;/JJ "I/NNS could/MD not/RB rest/VB until/IN I/PRP saw/VBD you/PRP again;/IN your/PRP$ looks/NNS have/VBP been/VBN all/PDT this/DT night/NN so/RB unlike/IN yourself;/PRP$ so/RB strange/JJ and/CC terrible,/JJ that/IN I/PRP am/VBP afraid/JJ some/DT great/JJ misfortune/NN threatens/VBZ you,/, which/WDT you/PRP fear/VBP to/TO tell/VB me/PRP of."/IN "My/NNP looks!/VBD Why,/NNP curse/NN it,/, must/MD I/PRP give/VB an/DT account/NN of/IN my/PRP$ looks?"/NN replied/VBD Marston,/NNP at/IN once/RB disconcerted/VBN and/CC wrathful./VBG "Misfortune!/IN What/WP misfortune/NN can/MD befall/VB us/PRP more?/RB No,/RB there/EX is/VBZ nothing,/RB nothing,/RB I/PRP say,/VBP but/CC your/PRP$ own/JJ foolish/JJ fancy;/NNS go/VBP to/TO your/PRP$ room--go/NN to/TO sleep--my/JJ looks,/NN indeed;/NN pshaw!"/NN "I/NN came/VBD to/TO tell/VB you,/PRP dear/JJ Richard,/NNP that/IN I/PRP will/MD do,/VB in/IN all/DT respects,/NN just/RB as/IN you/PRP desire./VBD If/IN you/PRP continue/VBP to/TO wish/VB it,/VBP I/PRP will/MD part/VB with/IN poor/JJ mademoiselle;/VBN though,/IN indeed,/NN Richard,/IN I/PRP shall/MD miss/VB her/PRP more/RBR than/IN you/PRP can/MD imagine;/VB and/CC all/DT your/PRP$ suspicions/NNS have/VBP wronged/VBN her/PRP$ deeply,"/NNS said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston./NNP Her/PRP$ husband/NN darted/VBD a/DT sudden/JJ flashing/VBG glance/NN of/IN suspicious/JJ scrutiny/NN upon/IN her/PRP$ face;/NN but/CC its/PRP$ expression/NN was/VBD frank,/JJ earnest,/NNS noble./DT He/PRP was/VBD disarmed;/VBN he/PRP hung/VBD his/PRP$ head/NN gloomily/RB upon/IN his/PRP$ breast,/NN and/CC was/VBD silent/JJ for/IN a/DT time./NN She/PRP came/VBD nearer,/RB and/CC laid/VBD her/PRP$ hand/NN upon/IN his/PRP$ arm./NN He/PRP looked/VBD darkly/RB into/IN her/PRP$ upturned/JJ eyes,/NN and/CC a/DT feeling/NN which/WDT had/VBD not/RB touched/VBN his/PRP$ heart/NN for/IN many/JJ a/DT day--an/JJ emotion/NN of/IN pity,/NN transient,/NN indeed,/NN but/CC vivid,/JJ revisited/JJ him./PRP He/PRP took/VBD her/PRP$ hand/NN in/IN his,/NN and/CC said,/VBD in/IN gentler/JJR terms/NNS than/IN she/PRP had/VBD heard/VBN him/PRP use/VB for/IN a/DT long/JJ time--/, "No,/JJ indeed,/NN Gertrude,/IN you/PRP have/VBP deceived/VBN yourself;/IN no/DT misfortune/NN has/VBZ happened,/VBN and/CC if/IN I/PRP am/VBP gloomy,/RB the/DT source/NN of/IN all/DT my/PRP$ troubles/NNS is/VBZ within./DT Leave/VB me,/JJ Gertrude,/JJ for/IN the/DT present./NN As/IN to/TO the/DT other/JJ matter,/NN the/DT departure/NN of/IN Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras,/NNPS we/PRP can/MD talk/VB of/IN that/DT tomorrow--now/NN I/PRP cannot;/MD so/RB let/VB us/PRP part./VB Go/VB to/TO your/PRP$ room;/NNS good/JJ night."/NN She/PRP was/VBD withdrawing,/, and/CC he/PRP added,/VBD in/IN a/DT subdued/JJ tone--"Gertrude,/JJ I/PRP am/VBP very/RB glad/JJ you/PRP came--very/DT glad./NNP Pray/NNP for/IN me/PRP tonight."/RB He/PRP had/VBD followed/VBN her/PRP a/DT few/JJ steps/NNS toward/IN the/DT door,/NN and/CC now/RB stopped/VBD short,/RP turned/VBD about,/RB and/CC walked/VBD dejectedly/RB back/RB again--/RB "I/JJ am/RB right/RB glad/JJ she/PRP came,"/VBD he/PRP muttered,/RB as/RB soon/RB as/IN he/PRP was/VBD once/RB more/JJR alone./IN "Wynston/NNP is/VBZ provoking/VBG and/CC fiery,/RB too./DT Were/VBD I,/NNP in/IN my/PRP$ present/JJ mood,/NN to/TO seek/VB a/DT tete-a-tete/JJ with/IN him,/NN who/WP knows/VBZ what/WP might/MD come/VB of/IN it?/PRP Blood;/NNP my/PRP$ own/JJ heart/NN whispers--blood!/NN I'll/NN not/RB trust/NN myself."/PRP He/PRP strode/VBD to/TO the/DT study/NN door,/NN locked/VBN it,/, and/CC taking/VBG out/RP the/DT key,/NN shut/VBD it/PRP in/IN the/DT drawer/NN of/IN one/CD of/IN the/DT cabinets./NN "Now/IN it/PRP will/MD need/VB more/RBR than/IN accident/NN or/CC impulse/NN to/TO lead/VB me/PRP to/TO him./PRP I/PRP cannot/MD go,/VB at/IN least,/JJS without/IN reflection,/VBN without/IN premeditation./NN Avaunt,/NNP fiend./, I/PRP have/VBP baffled/VBN you."/IN He/PRP stood/VBD in/IN the/DT center/NN of/IN the/DT room,/NN cowering/NN and/CC scowling/VBG as/IN he/PRP said/VBD this,/, and/CC looked/VBD round/RB with/IN a/DT glance/NN half-defiant,/NN half-fearful,/NN as/IN if/IN he/PRP expected/VBD to/TO see/VB some/DT dreadful/JJ form/NN in/IN the/DT dusky/JJ recesses/NNS of/IN the/DT desolate/JJ chamber./NN He/PRP sat/VBD himself/PRP by/IN the/DT smouldering/NN fire,/NN in/IN somber/NN and/CC agitated/VBD rumination./NNP He/PRP was/VBD restless;/NN he/PRP rose/VBD again,/RB unbuckled/JJ his/PRP$ sword,/NNS which/WDT he/PRP had/VBD not/RB loosed/VBN since/IN evening,/NN and/CC threw/VBD it/PRP hastily/RB into/IN a/DT corner./NN He/PRP looked/VBD at/IN his/PRP$ watch,/NN it/PRP was/VBD half-past/JJ twelve;/IN he/PRP glanced/VBD at/IN the/DT door,/NN and/CC thence/NN at/IN the/DT cabinet/NN in/IN which/WDT he/PRP had/VBD placed/VBN the/DT key;/NN then/RB he/PRP turned/VBD hastily,/VBN and/CC sate/VB down/RP again./RB He/PRP leaned/VBD his/PRP$ elbows/NNS on/IN his/PRP$ knees,/NN and/CC his/PRP$ chin/NN upon/IN his/PRP$ clenched/JJ hand;/NN still/RB he/PRP was/VBD restless/JJ and/CC excited./VBN Once/RB more/RBR he/PRP arose,/VBD and/CC paced/VBD up/RB and/CC down./RB He/PRP consulted/VBD his/PRP$ watch/NN again;/IN it/PRP was/VBD now/RB but/CC a/DT quarter/NN to/TO one./NNP Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP man/NN having/VBG received/VBN the/DT letters,/NN and/CC his/PRP$ master's/NNS permission/NN to/TO retire/VB to/TO rest,/VB got/VBD into/IN his/PRP$ bed,/NN and/CC was/VBD soon/RB beginning/VBG to/TO dose./VB We/PRP have/VBP already/RB mentioned/VBN that/IN his/PRP$ and/CC Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP apartments/NNS were/VBD separated/VBN by/IN a/DT small/JJ dressing/NN room,/NN so/IN that/IN any/DT ordinary/JJ noise/NN or/CC conversation/NN could/MD be/VB heard/VBN but/CC imperfectly/RB from/IN one/CD to/TO the/DT other./NNP The/DT servant,/NN however,/RB was/VBD startled/VBN by/IN a/DT sound/NN of/IN something/NN falling/VBG on/IN the/DT floor/NN of/IN his/PRP$ master's/NNS apartment,/RB and/CC broken/VBN to/TO pieces/NNS by/IN the/DT violence/NN of/IN the/DT shock./NN He/PRP sate/VBD up/RP in/IN his/PRP$ bed,/NN listened,/NN and/CC heard/VBD some/DT sentences/NNS spoken/VBN vehemently,/JJ and/CC gabbled/VBD very/RB fast./JJR He/PRP thought/VBD he/PRP distinguished/VBD the/DT words/NNS "wretch"/, and/CC "God";/NNP and/CC there/EX was/VBD something/NN so/RB strange/JJ in/IN the/DT tone/NN in/IN which/WDT they/PRP were/VBD spoken,/VBN that/IN the/DT man/NN got/VBD up/RB and/CC stole/VBD noiselessly/RB through/IN the/DT dressing/NN room,/NN and/CC listened/VBD at/IN the/DT door./NN He/PRP heard/VBD him,/PRP as/IN he/PRP thought,/VBD walking/VBG in/IN his/PRP$ slippers/NNS through/IN the/DT room,/NN and/CC making/VBG his/PRP$ customary/JJ arrangements/NNS previously/RB to/TO getting/VBG into/IN bed./NN He/PRP knew/VBD that/IN his/PRP$ master/NN had/VBD a/DT habit/NN of/IN speaking/VBG when/WRB alone,/RB and/CC concluded/VBD that/IN the/DT accidental/JJ breakage/NN of/IN some/DT glass/NN or/CC chimney-ornament/NN had/VBD elicited/VBN the/DT volley/NN of/IN words/NNS he/PRP had/VBD heard./VBN Well/RB knowing/VBG that,/DT except/IN at/IN the/DT usual/JJ hours,/NN or/CC in/IN obedience/NN to/TO Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP bell,/VBD nothing/NN more/JJR displeased/VBN his/PRP$ master/NN than/IN his/PRP$ presuming/NN to/TO enter/VB his/PRP$ sleeping-apartment/NN while/IN he/PRP was/VBD there,/, the/DT servant/NN quietly/RB retreated,/VB and,/DT perfectly/RB satisfied/JJ that/IN all/DT was/VBD right,/RB composed/VBN himself/PRP to/TO slumber,/VB and/CC was/VBD soon/RB beginning/VBG to/TO dose/NN again./. The/DT adventures/NNS of/IN the/DT night,/NN however,/, were/VBD not/RB yet/RB over./, Waking,/NNP as/IN men/NNS sometimes/RB do,/VBP without/IN any/DT ascertainable/JJ cause;/NN without/IN a/DT start/NN or/CC an/DT uneasy/JJ sensation;/NN without/IN even/RB a/DT disturbance/NN of/IN the/DT attitude/NN of/IN repose,/NN he/PRP opened/VBD his/PRP$ eyes/NNS and/CC beheld/VBD Merton,/IN the/DT servant/NN of/IN whom/WP we/PRP have/VBP spoken,/VBN standing/VBG at/IN a/DT little/JJ distance/NN from/IN his/PRP$ bed./NN The/DT moonlight/NN fell/VBD in/IN a/DT clear/JJ flood/NN upon/IN this/DT figure:/NN the/DT man/NN was/VBD ghastly/JJ pale;/NN there/EX was/VBD a/DT blotch/NN of/IN blood/NN on/IN his/PRP$ face;/NN his/PRP$ hands/NNS were/VBD clasped/VBN upon/IN something/NN which/WDT they/PRP nearly/RB concealed;/NN and/CC his/PRP$ eyes,/NNS fixed/VBN on/IN the/DT servant/NN who/WP had/VBD just/RB awakened,/JJ shone/NN in/IN the/DT cold/JJ light/NN with/IN a/DT wild/JJ and/CC lifeless/JJ glitter./NN This/DT specter/NN drew/VBD close/RB to/TO the/DT side/NN of/IN the/DT bed,/NN and/CC stood/VBD for/IN a/DT few/JJ moments/NNS there/RB with/IN a/DT look/NN of/IN agony/NN and/CC menace,/NN which/WDT startled/VBN the/DT newly-awakened/JJ man,/NN who/WP rose/VBD upright,/RB and/CC said--/DT "Mr./NNP Merton,/NNP Mr./NNP Merton--in/NNP God's/NNP name,/, what/WP is/VBZ the/DT matter?"/NN Merton/NNP recoiled/VBD at/IN the/DT sound/NN of/IN his/PRP$ voice;/NN and,/CC as/IN he/PRP did/VBD so,/RB dropped/VBN something/NN on/IN the/DT floor,/NN which/WDT rolled/VBD away/RB to/TO a/DT distance;/NN and/CC he/PRP stood/VBD gazing/VBG silently/RB and/CC horribly/RB upon/IN his/PRP$ interrogator./NN "Mr./NNP Merton,/NNP I/PRP say,/VBP what/WP is/VBZ it?"/RB urged/VBN the/DT man./NN "Are/NN you/PRP hurt?/VBD Your/PRP$ face/NN is/VBZ bloody."/JJ Merton/NNP raised/VBD his/PRP$ hand/NN to/TO his/PRP$ face/NN mechanically,/NN and/CC Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP man/NN observed/VBD that/IN it,/IN too,/NN was/VBD covered/VBN with/IN blood./NN "Why,/NN man,"/NN he/PRP said,/VBD vehemently,/JJ and/CC actually/RB freezing/VBG with/IN horror,/JJ "you/NNS are/VBP all/DT bloody;/JJ hands/NNS and/CC face;/VB all/DT over/IN blood."/NN "My/IN hand/NN is/VBZ cut/VBN to/TO the/DT bone,"/NN said/VBD Merton,/NNP in/IN a/DT harsh/JJ whisper;/NN and/CC speaking/VBG to/TO himself,/VB rather/RB than/IN addressing/VBG the/DT servant--"I/NN wish/NN it/PRP was/VBD my/PRP$ neck;/NN I/PRP wish/VBP to/TO God/NNP I/PRP bled/VBD to/TO death."/VB "You/PRP have/VBP hurt/VBN your/PRP$ hand,/NN Mr./NNP Merton,"/NNP repeated/VBD the/DT man,/NN scarce/JJ knowing/VBG what/WP he/PRP said./VBD "Aye,"/NNP whispered/VBD Merton,/NNP wildly/RB drawing/VBG toward/IN the/DT bedside/NN again;/IN "who/WP told/VBD you/PRP I/PRP hurt/VBP my/PRP$ hand?/NN It/PRP is/VBZ cut/VBN to/TO the/DT bone,/NNS sure/JJ enough."/RB He/PRP stooped/VBD for/IN a/DT moment/NN over/IN the/DT bed,/NN and/CC then/RB cowered/VBD down/RB toward/IN the/DT floor/NN to/TO search/VB for/IN what/WP he/PRP had/VBD dropped./VBN "Why,/IN Mr./NNP Merton,/NNP what/WP brings/VBZ you/PRP here/RB at/IN this/DT hour?"/NN urged/VBD the/DT man,/NN after/IN a/DT pause/NN of/IN a/DT few/JJ seconds./NN "It/NNP is/VBZ drawing/VBG toward/IN morning."/NN "Aye,/NN aye,"/NN said/VBD Merton,/NNP doubtfully,/RB and/CC starting/VBG upright/RB again,/RB while/IN he/PRP concealed/VBD in/IN his/PRP$ bosom/NN what/WP he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN in/IN search/NN of./NNP "Near/NNP morning,/NN is/VBZ it?/IN Night/NNP and/CC morning,/NN it/PRP is/VBZ all/DT one/CD to/TO me./MD I/PRP believe/VB I/PRP am/VBP going/VBG mad,/JJ by--"/, "But/CC what/WP do/VBP you/PRP want?/VB What/WP did/VBD you/PRP come/VB here/RB for/IN at/IN this/DT hour?"/NN persisted/VBD the/DT man./NN "What!/NN Aye,/NNP that/WDT is/VBZ it;/VBN why,/IN his/PRP$ boots/NNS and/CC spurs,/JJ to/TO be/VB sure./RB I/PRP forgot/VBD them./. His--his--Sir/. Wynston's/NNP boots/NNS and/CC spurs;/JJ I/PRP forgot/VBD to/TO take/VB them,/, I/PRP say,"/VBP said/VBD Merton,/NNP looking/VBG toward/IN the/DT dressing/VBG room,/NN as/IN if/IN about/IN to/TO enter/VB it./DT "Don't/JJ mind/NN them/PRP tonight,/RB I/PRP say,/VBP don't/RB go/VB in/IN there,"/RB said/VBD the/DT man,/NN peremptorily,/NN and/CC getting/VBG out/RP upon/IN the/DT floor./NN "I/NN say,/VBD Mr./NNP Merton,/NNP this/DT is/VBZ no/DT hour/NN to/TO be/VB going/VBG about/RB searching/VBG in/IN the/DT dark/JJ for/IN boots/NNS and/CC spurs./VBD You'll/NNP waken/IN the/DT master./NN I/PRP can't/MD have/VB it,/RB I/PRP say;/VBP go/VB down,/RB and/CC let/VB it/PRP be/VB for/IN tonight."/RB Thus/RB speaking,/VB in/IN a/DT resolute/NN and/CC somewhat/RB angry/JJ under-key,/JJ the/DT valet/NN stood/VBD between/IN Merton/NNP and/CC the/DT entrance/NN of/IN the/DT dressing-room;/NN and,/IN signing/VBG with/IN his/PRP$ hand/NN toward/IN the/DT other/JJ door/NN of/IN the/DT apartment,/NN continued--/: "Go/NNP down,/, I/PRP say,/VBP Mr./NNP Merton,/NNP go/VB down;/IN you/PRP may/MD as/RB well/RB quietly,/JJ for,/IN I/PRP tell/VBP you/PRP plainly,/VB you/PRP shall/MD neither/RB go/VB a/DT step/NN further,/RBR nor/CC stay/VB here/RB a/DT moment/NN longer."/RB The/DT man/NN drew/VBD his/PRP$ shoulders/NNS up,/IN and/CC made/VBD a/DT sort/NN of/IN shivering/NN moan,/, and/CC clasping/VBG his/PRP$ hands/NNS together,/RB shook/VBD them,/, as/IN it/PRP seemed,/VBD in/IN great/JJ agony./NN He/PRP then/RB turned/VBD abruptly,/RB and/CC hurried/VBD from/IN the/DT room/NN by/IN the/DT door/NN leading/VBG to/TO the/DT kitchen./NN "By/IN my/PRP$ faith,"/NN said/VBD the/DT servant,/NN "I/RB am/VBP glad/JJ he/PRP is/VBZ gone./VBG The/DT poor/JJ chap/NN is/VBZ turning/VBG crazy,/RP as/RB sure/JJ as/IN I/PRP am/VBP a/DT living/VBG man./NN I'll/NN not/RB have/VB him/PRP prowling/VBG about/IN here/RB anymore,/RB however;/RB that/IN I/PRP am/VBP resolved/VBN on."/RP In/IN pursuance/NN of/IN this/DT determination,/NN by/IN no/DT means/NNS an/DT imprudent/NN one,/, as/IN it/PRP seemed,/VBD he/PRP fastened/VBD the/DT door/NN communicating/NN with/IN the/DT lower/JJR apartments/NNS upon/IN the/DT inside./NN He/PRP had/VBD hardly/RB done/VBN this,/NN when/WRB he/PRP heard/VBD a/DT step/NN traversing/VBG the/DT stable-yard,/NN which/WDT lay/VBD under/IN the/DT window/NN of/IN his/PRP$ apartment./NN He/PRP looked/VBD out,/RB and/CC saw/VBD Merton/NNP walking/VBG hurriedly/RB across,/RB and/CC into/IN a/DT stable/NN at/IN the/DT farther/RB end./VBN Feeling/VBG no/DT very/RB particular/JJ curiosity/NN about/IN his/PRP$ movements,/NN the/DT man/NN hurried/VBD back/RB to/TO his/PRP$ bed./NN Merton's/NNP eccentric/JJ conduct/NN of/IN late/RB had/VBD become/VBN so/RB generally/RB remarked/VBD and/CC discussed/VBD among/IN the/DT servants,/NN that/IN Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP man/NN was/VBD by/IN no/DT means/NNS surprised/VBN at/IN the/DT oddity/NN of/IN the/DT visit/NN he/PRP had/VBD just/RB had;/VBN nor,/RB after/IN the/DT first/JJ few/JJ moments/NNS of/IN doubt,/NN before/IN the/DT appearance/NN of/IN blood/NN had/VBD been/VBN accounted/VBN for,/RB had/VBD he/PRP entertained/VBD any/DT suspicions/NNS whatever/WDT connected/VBN with/IN the/DT man's/JJ unexpected/JJ presence/NN in/IN the/DT room./NN Merton/NNP was/VBD in/IN the/DT habit/NN of/IN coming/VBG up/RB every/DT night/NN to/TO take/VB down/RP Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP boots,/NN whenever/WRB the/DT baronet/NN had/VBD ridden/VBN in/IN the/DT course/NN of/IN the/DT day;/NN and/CC this/DT attention/NN had/VBD been/VBN civilly/RB undertaken/VBN as/IN a/DT proof/NN of/IN good-will/NN toward/IN the/DT valet,/NN whose/WP$ duty/NN this/DT somewhat/RB soiling/JJ and/CC ungentlemanlike/JJ process/NN would/MD otherwise/RB have/VB been./NN So/RB far,/RB the/DT nature/NN of/IN the/DT visit/NN was/VBD explained;/VBN and/CC the/DT remembrance/NN of/IN the/DT friendly/JJ feeling/NN and/CC good/JJ offices/NNS which/WDT 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green/JJ shade,/NN which/WDT nearly/RB met/VBD above,/IN a/DT very/RB young/JJ man,/NN scarcely/RB one-and-twenty,/JJ of/IN a/DT frank/JJ and/CC sensible,/JJ rather/RB than/IN a/DT strictly/RB handsome/JJ countenance,/NN was/VBD walking,/VBN followed/VBN by/IN half/PDT a/DT dozen/NN dogs/NNS of/IN as/IN many/JJ breeds/NNS and/CC sizes./VBD This/DT young/JJ man/NN was/VBD George/NNP Mervyn,/NNP the/DT only/JJ son/NN of/IN the/DT present/JJ proprietor/NN of/IN the/DT place./NN As/IN he/PRP approached/VBD the/DT great/JJ gate,/NN the/DT clank/NN of/IN a/DT horse's/NN hoofs/NNS in/IN quick/JJ motion/NN upon/IN the/DT sequestered/JJ road/NN which/WDT ran/VBD outside/IN it,/DT reached/VBN him;/NN and/CC hardly/RB had/VBD he/PRP heard/VBD these/DT sounds,/NN when/WRB a/DT young/JJ gentleman/NN rode/VBD briskly/RB by,/IN directing/VBG his/PRP$ look/NN into/IN the/DT demesne/NN as/IN he/PRP passed./VBD He/PRP had/VBD no/RB sooner/RBR seen/VBN him,/PRP than/IN wheeling/VBG his/PRP$ horse/NN about,/IN he/PRP rode/VBD up/RP to/TO the/DT iron/NN gate,/NN and/CC dismounting,/NN threw/VBD it/PRP open,/RB and/CC let/VB his/PRP$ horse/NN in./NN "Ha!/NN Charles/NNP Marston,/NNP I/PRP protest!"/VBP said/VBD the/DT young/JJ man,/NN quickening/VBG his/PRP$ pace/NN to/TO meet/VB his/PRP$ friend./NN "Marston,/IN my/PRP$ dear/NN fellow,"/VBD he/PRP called/VBD aloud,/RB "how/, glad/JJ I/PRP am/VBP to/TO see/VB you."/JJ There/EX was/VBD another/DT entrance/NN into/IN Newton/NNP Park,/NNP opening/NN from/IN the/DT same/JJ road,/NN about/IN half/PDT a/DT mile/NN further/RB on;/RB and/CC Charles/NNP Marston/NNP made/VBD his/PRP$ way/NN lie/VB through/IN this./DT Thus/RB the/DT young/JJ people/NNS walked/VBD on,/RB talking/VBG of/IN a/DT hundred/CD things/NNS as/IN they/PRP proceeded,/VBP in/IN the/DT mirth/NN of/IN their/PRP$ hearts./NN Between/IN the/DT fathers/NNS of/IN the/DT two/CD young/JJ men,/NNS who/WP thus/RB walked/VBD so/RB affectionately/RB together,/RB there/EX subsisted/VBD unhappily/RB no/DT friendly/JJ feelings./NN There/EX had/VBD been/VBN several/JJ slight/JJ disagreements/NNS between/IN them,/PRP touching/VBG their/PRP$ proprietary/JJ rights,/NN and/CC one/CD of/IN these/DT had/VBD ripened/VBN into/IN a/DT formal/JJ and/CC somewhat/RB expensive/JJ litigation,/NN respecting/VBG a/DT certain/JJ right/NN of/IN fishing/NN claimed/VBN by/IN each./DT This/DT legal/JJ encounter/NN had/VBD terminated/VBN in/IN the/DT defeat/NN of/IN Marston./NNP Mervyn,/NNP however,/RB promptly/RB wrote/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ opponent,/NN offering/VBG him/PRP the/DT free/JJ use/NN of/IN the/DT waters/NNS for/IN which/WDT they/PRP had/VBD thus/RB sharply/RB contested,/VBN and/CC received/VBN a/DT curt/NN and/CC scarcely/RB civil/JJ reply,/NN declining/VBG the/DT proposed/VBN courtesy./NN This/DT exhibition/NN of/IN resentment/NN on/IN Marston's/NNP part/NN had/VBD been/VBN followed/VBN by/IN some/DT rather/RB angry/JJ collisions,/NN where/WRB chance/NN or/CC duty/NN happened/VBN to/TO throw/VB them/PRP together./RB It/PRP is/VBZ but/CC justice/NN to/TO say/VB that,/IN upon/IN all/DT such/JJ occasions,/NN Marston/NNP was/VBD the/DT aggressor./JJ But/CC Mervyn/NNP was/VBD a/DT somewhat/RB testy/JJ old/JJ gentleman,/NN and/CC had/VBD a/DT certain/JJ pride/NN of/IN his/PRP$ own,/NN which/WDT was/VBD not/RB to/TO be/VB trifled/VBN with./. Thus,/. though/RB near/IN neighbors,/NN the/DT parents/NNS of/IN the/DT young/JJ friends/NNS were/VBD more/JJR than/IN strangers/NNS to/TO each/DT other./NNP On/IN Mervyn's/NNP side,/NN however,/RB this/DT estrangement/NN was/VBD unalloyed/JJ with/IN bitterness,/JJ and/CC simply/RB of/IN that/DT kind/NN which/WDT the/DT great/JJ moralist/NN would/MD have/VB referred/VBN to/TO "defensive/VB pride."/NN It/PRP did/VBD not/RB include/VB any/DT member/NN of/IN Marston's/NNP family,/NN and/CC Charles,/NNP as/RB often/RB as/IN he/PRP desired/VBD it,/, which/WDT was,/VBD in/IN truth,/NN as/RB often/RB as/IN his/PRP$ visits/NNS could/MD escape/VB the/DT special/JJ notice/NN of/IN his/PRP$ father,/NN was/VBD a/DT welcome/JJ guest/NN at/IN Newton/NNP Park./NNP These/DT details/NNS respecting/VBG the/DT mutual/JJ relation/NN in/IN which/WDT the/DT two/CD families/NNS stood,/VBD it/PRP was/VBD necessary/JJ to/TO state,/VB for/IN the/DT purpose/NN of/IN making/VBG what/WP follows/VBZ perfectly/RB clear./JJ The/DT young/JJ people/NNS had/VBD now/RB reached/VBN the/DT further/JJ gate,/NN at/IN which/WDT they/PRP were/VBD to/TO part./DT Charles/NNP Marston,/NNP with/IN a/DT heart/NN beating/VBG happily/RB in/IN the/DT anticipation/NN of/IN many/JJ a/DT pleasant/JJ meeting,/NN bid/VBD him/PRP farewell/NN for/IN the/DT present,/NN and/CC in/IN a/DT few/JJ minutes/NNS more/RBR was/VBD riding/VBG up/IN the/DT broad,/JJ straight/JJ avenue,/NN towards/IN the/DT gloomy/JJ mansion/NN which/WDT closed/VBD in/IN the/DT hazy/JJ and/CC somber/NN perspective./NN As/IN he/PRP moved/VBD onward,/IN he/PRP passed/VBD a/DT laborer,/NN with/IN whose/WP$ face,/NN from/IN his/PRP$ childhood,/NN he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN familiar./DT "How/NN do/VBP you/PRP do,/VB Tom?"/NNP he/PRP cried./VBD "At/IN your/PRP$ service,/NN sir,"/NN replied/VBD the/DT man,/JJ uncovering,/JJ "and/CC welcome/JJ home,/NN sir."/NN There/EX was/VBD something/NN dark/JJ and/CC anxious/JJ in/IN the/DT man's/JJ looks,/NN which/WDT ill-accorded/JJ with/IN the/DT welcome/JJ he/PRP spoke,/VBD and/CC which/WDT suggested/VBD some/DT undefined/JJ alarm./NN "The/DT master,/NN and/CC mistress,/NN and/CC Miss/NNP Rhoda--are/NNP all/DT well?"/IN he/PRP asked/VBD eagerly./DT "All/NN well,/JJ sir,/NN thank/VB God,"/NNP replied/VBD the/DT man./NN Young/NNP Marston/NNP spurred/VBD on,/RP filled/VBN with/IN vague/JJ apprehensions,/NN and/CC observing/VBG the/DT man/NN still/RB leaning/VBG upon/IN his/PRP$ spade,/NN and/CC watching/VBG his/PRP$ progress/NN with/IN the/DT same/JJ gloomy/JJ and/CC curious/JJ eye./NN At/IN the/DT hall-door/NN he/PRP met/VBD with/IN one/CD of/IN the/DT servants,/NN booted/VBD and/CC spurred./VBD "Well,/NNP Daly,"/NNP he/PRP said,/VBD as/IN he/PRP dismounted,/VBD "how/NN are/VBP all/DT at/IN home?"/NN This/DT man,/NN like/IN the/DT former,/NN met/VBD his/PRP$ smile/NN with/IN a/DT troubled/JJ countenance,/NN and/CC stammered--/NNS "All,/IN sir--that/JJ is,/, the/DT master,/NN and/CC mistress,/NN and/CC Miss/NNP Rhoda--quite/NNP well,/, sir;/NN but--"/CC "Well,/NNP well,"/, said/VBD Charles,/NNP eagerly,/JJ "speak/NN on--what/WP is/VBZ it?"/RB "Bad/JJ work,/NN sir,"/NN replied/VBD the/DT man,/NN lowering/VBG his/PRP$ voice./NN "I/NNS am/VBP going/VBG off/RP this/DT minute/NN for--"/JJ "For/IN what?"/WP urged/VBD the/DT young/JJ gentleman./NN "Why,/IN sir,/NN for/IN the/DT coroner,"/NN replied/VBD he./PRP "The/DT coroner--the/JJ coroner!/NN Why,/IN good/JJ God,/NNP what/WP has/VBZ happened?"/VBN cried/VBN Charles,/RB aghast/JJ with/IN horror./NN "Sir/NN Wynston,"/NNP commenced/VBD the/DT man,/NN and/CC hesitated./VBD "Well?"/RB pursued/VBN Charles,/NNP pale/JJ and/CC breathless./VBZ "Sir/NNP Wynston--he--it/NNP is/VBZ he,"/PRP said/VBD the/DT man./NN "He?/NNP Sir/NNP Wynston?/NNP Is/VBZ he/PRP dead,/JJ or/CC who/WP is?--Who/WP is/VBZ dead?"/JJ demanded/VBD the/DT young/JJ man,/NN almost/RB fiercely./RB "Sir/JJ Wynston,/NNP sir;/NN it/PRP is/VBZ he/PRP that/WDT is/VBZ dead./VBN There/RB is/VBZ bad/JJ work,/NN sir--very/NN bad,/IN I'm/NNP afraid,"/JJ replied/VBD the/DT man./NN Charles/NNP did/VBD not/RB wait/VB to/TO inquire/VB further,/JJ but,/NN with/IN a/DT feeling/NN of/IN mingled/JJ horror/NN and/CC curiosity,/NN entered/VBD the/DT house./NN He/PRP hurried/VBD up/IN the/DT stairs,/NN and/CC entered/VBD his/PRP$ mother's/NN sitting/VBG room./NN She/PRP was/VBD there,/DT perfectly/RB alone,/RB and/CC so/RB deadly/JJ pale,/NN that/IN she/PRP scarcely/RB looked/VBD like/IN a/DT living/NN being./NN In/IN an/DT instant/NN they/PRP were/VBD locked/VBN in/IN one/CD another's/DT arms./NN "Mother--my/JJ dear/NN mother,/NN you/PRP are/VBP ill,"/NNS said/VBD the/DT young/JJ man,/NN anxiously./. "Oh,/'' no,/NN no,/, dear/JJ Charles,/NNP but/CC frightened,/JJ horrified;"/NN and/CC as/IN she/PRP said/VBD this,/IN the/DT poor/JJ lady/NN burst/VBD into/IN tears./DT "What/NN is/VBZ this/DT horrible/JJ affair?/NN Something/NN about/IN Sir/NNP Wynston./NNP He/PRP is/VBZ dead,/JJ I/PRP know,/VBP but/CC is/VBZ it--is/PRP$ it/PRP suicide?"/VBD he/PRP asked./VBD "Oh,/NNP no,/, not/RB suicide,"/NN said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP greatly/RB agitated./VBD "Good/JJ God!/NNP Then/RB he/PRP is/VBZ murdered,"/VBN whispered/VBN the/DT young/JJ man,/NN growing/VBG very/RB pale./. "Yes,/'' Charles--horrible--dreadful!/NNP I/PRP can/MD scarcely/RB believe/VB it,"/PRP replied/VBD she,/PRP shuddering/VBG while/IN she/PRP wept./VBD "Where/RB is/VBZ my/PRP$ father?"/NN inquired/VBD the/DT young/JJ man,/NN after/IN a/DT pause./NN "Why,/IN why,/JJ Charles,/NNP darling--why/NN do/VBP you/PRP ask/VB for/IN him?"/NN she/PRP said,/VBD wildly,/RB grasping/VBG him/PRP by/IN the/DT arm,/NN as/IN she/PRP looked/VBD into/IN his/PRP$ face/NN with/IN a/DT terrified/VBN expression./NN "Why--why,/NN he/PRP could/MD tell/VB me/PRP the/DT particulars/NNS of/IN this/DT horrible/JJ tragedy,"/NN answered/VBD he,/PRP meeting/VBG her/PRP$ agonized/JJ look/NN with/IN one/CD of/IN alarm/NN and/CC surprise,/NN "as/RB far/RB as/IN they/PRP have/VBP been/VBN as/IN yet/RB collected./VBN How/WRB is/VBZ he,/JJ mother--is/NN he/PRP well?"/RB "Oh,/RB yes,/RB quite/RB well,/JJ thank/VB God,"/NNP she/PRP answered,/VBD more/RBR collectedly--"quite/JJ well,/JJ but,/NN of/IN course,/NN greatly,/JJ dreadfully/RB shocked."/JJ "I/NNS will/MD go/VB to/TO him,/PRP mother;/NN I/PRP will/MD see/VB him,"/PRP said/VBD he,/, turning/VBG towards/IN the/DT door./NN "He/NN has/VBZ been/VBN wretchedly/RB depressed/VBN and/CC excited/VBN for/IN some/DT days,"/NN said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP dejectedly,/VBD "and/NN this/DT dreadful/JJ occurrence/NN will,/IN I/PRP fear,/VBP affect/VB him/PRP most/RBS deplorably."/RB The/DT young/JJ man/NN kissed/VBD her/PRP tenderly/RB and/CC affectionately,/VB and/CC hurried/VBD down/RB to/TO the/DT library,/NN where/WRB his/PRP$ father/NN usually/RB sat/VBD when/WRB he/PRP desired/VBD to/TO be/VB alone,/RB or/CC was/VBD engaged/VBN in/IN business./DT He/PRP opened/VBD the/DT door/NN softly./RP His/PRP$ father/NN was/VBD standing/VBG at/IN one/CD of/IN the/DT windows,/NN his/PRP$ face/NN haggard/NN as/IN from/IN a/DT night's/NN watching,/NN unkempt/NN and/CC unshorn,/JJ and/CC with/IN his/PRP$ hands/NNS thrust/VB into/IN his/PRP$ pockets./NN At/IN the/DT sound/NN of/IN the/DT revolving/JJ door/NN he/PRP started,/VBD and/CC seeing/VBG his/PRP$ son,/NN first/RB recoiled/VBD a/DT little,/JJ with/IN a/DT strange,/JJ doubtful/JJ expression,/NN and/CC then/RB rallying,/VB walked/VBD quickly/RB towards/IN him/PRP with/IN a/DT smile,/NN which/WDT had/VBD in/IN it/PRP something/NN still/RB more/JJR painful./NN "Charles,/IN I/PRP am/VBP glad/JJ to/TO see/VB you,"/IN he/PRP said,/VBD shaking/VBG him/PRP with/IN an/DT agitated/JJ pressure/NN by/IN both/DT hands,/NNS "Charles,/IN this/DT is/VBZ a/DT great/JJ calamity,/NN and/CC what/WP makes/VBZ it/PRP still/RB worse,/, is/VBZ that/IN the/DT murderer/NN has/VBZ escaped;/VBN it/PRP looks/VBZ badly,/RB you/PRP know."/VBP He/PRP fixed/VBD his/PRP$ gaze/NN for/IN a/DT few/JJ moments/NNS upon/IN his/PRP$ son,/NN turned/VBD abruptly,/RB and/CC walked/VBD a/DT little/JJ way/NN into/IN the/DT room/NN then,/, in/IN a/DT disconcerted/JJ manner,/NN he/PRP added,/VBD hastily/RB turning/VBG back--/RB "Not/RB that/IN it/PRP signifies/VBZ to/TO us,/VB of/IN course--but/NN I/PRP would/MD fain/RB have/VB justice/NN satisfied."/NNS "And/CC who/WP is/VBZ the/DT wretch--the/JJ murderer?"/NN inquired/VBD Charles./NNP "Who?/NNP Why,/NNP everyone/NN knows!--that/WDT scoundrel,/VBP Merton,"/NNP answered/VBD Marston,/NNP in/IN an/DT irritated/JJ tone--"Merton/NN murdered/VBN him/PRP in/IN his/PRP$ bed,/NN and/CC fled/VBD last/JJ night;/NN he/PRP is/VBZ gone--escaped--and/JJ I/PRP suspect/VBP Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP man/NN of/IN being/VBG an/DT accessory."/NN "Which/WDT was/VBD Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP bedroom?"/NN asked/VBD the/DT young/JJ man./NN "The/IN room/NN that/IN old/JJ Lady/NNP Mostyn/NNP had--the/, room/NN with/IN the/DT portrait/NN of/IN Grace/NNP Hamilton/NNP in/IN it."/DT "I/NNP know--I/NN know,"/NN said/VBD the/DT young/JJ man,/NN much/RB excited./VBN "I/NNS should/MD wish/VB to/TO see/VB it."/DT "Stay,"/NNP said/VBD Marston;/NNP "the/NNP door/NN from/IN the/DT passage/NN is/VBZ bolted/VBN on/IN the/DT inside,/NN and/CC I/PRP have/VBP locked/VBN the/DT other;/NNS here/RB is/VBZ the/DT key,/NN if/IN you/PRP choose/VBP to/TO go,/VB but/CC you/PRP must/MD bring/VB Hughes/NNP with/IN you,/NNP and/CC do/VBP not/RB disturb/VB anything;/RB leave/VB all/DT as/IN it/PRP is;/VBZ the/DT jury/NN ought/MD to/TO see,/VB and/CC examine/VB for/IN themselves."/PRP Charles/NNP took/VBD the/DT key,/NN and,/CC accompanied/VBN by/IN the/DT awestruck/NN servant,/NN he/PRP made/VBD his/PRP$ way/NN by/IN the/DT back/NN stairs/NNS to/TO the/DT door/NN opening/NN from/IN the/DT dressing-room,/NN which,/, as/IN we/PRP have/VBP said,/VBN intervened/VBN between/IN the/DT valet's/JJ chamber/NN and/CC Sir/NNP Wynston's./NNP After/IN a/DT momentary/JJ hesitation,/NN Charles/NNP turned/VBD the/DT key/NN in/IN the/DT door,/NN and/CC stood./VBD "In/IN the/DT dark/JJ chamber/NN of/IN white/JJ death."/NNS The/DT shutters/NNS lay/VBD partly/RB open,/NN as/IN the/DT valet/NN had/VBD left/VBN them/PRP some/DT hours/NNS before,/IN on/IN making/VBG the/DT astounding/JJ discovery,/NN which/WDT the/DT partially/RB admitted/VBN light/NN revealed./VBN The/DT corpse/NN lay/VBD in/IN the/DT silk-embroidered/JJ dressing/NN gown,/NN and/CC other/JJ habiliments,/NN which/WDT Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP had/VBD worn,/VBN while/IN taking/VBG his/PRP$ ease/NN in/IN his/PRP$ chamber,/NN on/IN the/DT preceding/VBG night./NN The/DT coverlet/NN was/VBD partially/RB dragged/VBN over/RP it./DT The/DT mouth/NN was/VBD gaping,/NN and/CC filled/VBN with/IN clotted/VBN blood;/NN a/DT wide/JJ gash/NN was/VBD also/RB visible/JJ in/IN the/DT neck,/NN under/IN the/DT ear;/NN and/CC there/EX was/VBD a/DT thickening/JJ pool/NN of/IN blood/NN at/IN the/DT bedside,/NN and/CC quantities/NNS of/IN blood,/NN doubtless/RB from/IN other/JJ wounds,/NNS had/VBD saturated/VBN the/DT bedclothes/NNS under/IN the/DT body./NN There/RB lay/VBD Sir/NNP Wynston,/NNP stiffened/VBD in/IN the/DT attitude/NN in/IN which/WDT the/DT struggle/NN of/IN death/NN had/VBD left/VBN him,/PRP with/IN his/PRP$ stern,/NN stony/NN face,/NN and/CC dim,/VBD terrible/JJ gaze/NN turned/VBD up./RP Charles/NNP looked/VBD breathlessly/RB for/IN more/JJR than/IN a/DT minute/NN upon/IN this/DT mute/JJ and/CC unchanging/JJ spectacle,/NN and/CC then/RB silently/RB suffered/VBD the/DT curtain/NN to/TO fall/VB back/RB again,/RB and/CC stepped,/VB with/IN the/DT light/NN tread/NN of/IN awe,/NN again/RB to/TO the/DT door./NN There/RB he/PRP turned/VBD back,/RB and/CC pausing/VBG for/IN a/DT minute,/NN said,/VBD in/IN a/DT whisper,/NN to/TO the/DT attendant--/NNS "And/CC Merton/NNP did/VBD this?"/DT "Troth,/NN I'm/IN afeard/NN he/PRP did,/VBD sir,"/NN answered/VBD the/DT man,/NN gloomily./NN "And/CC has/VBZ made/VBN his/PRP$ escape?"/NN continued/VBD Charles./NNP "Yes,/NNP sir;/NN he/PRP stole/VBD away/RB in/IN the/DT night-time,"/NN replied/VBD the/DT servant,/NN "after/IN the/DT murder/NN was/VBD done"/VBN (and/CC he/PRP glanced/VBD fearfully/RB toward/IN the/DT bed);/NN "God/NN knows/VBZ where/WRB he's/JJ gone."/NN "The/DT villain!"/NN muttered/VBD Charles;/NNP "but/IN what/WP was/VBD his/PRP$ motive?/NN why/WRB did/VBD he/PRP do/VB all/DT this--what/NN does/VBZ it/PRP mean?"/VB "I/PRP don't/RB know/VBP exactly,/NN sir,/NN but/CC he/PRP was/VBD very/RB queer/JJ for/IN a/DT week/NN and/CC more/JJR before/IN it,"/PRP replied/VBD the/DT man;/JJ "there/NN was/VBD something/NN bad/JJ over/IN him/PRP for/IN a/DT long/JJ time."/NN "It/NN is/VBZ a/DT terrible/JJ thing,"/NN said/VBD Charles,/NNP with/IN a/DT profound/JJ sigh;/NN "a/VBD terrible/JJ and/CC shocking/JJ occurrence."/JJ He/PRP hesitated/VBD again/RB at/IN the/DT door,/NN but/CC his/PRP$ feelings/NNS had/VBD sustained/VBN a/DT terrible/JJ revulsion/NN at/IN sight/NN of/IN the/DT corpse,/JJ and/CC he/PRP was/VBD no/RB longer/RB disposed/VBD to/TO prosecute/VB his/PRP$ purposed/JJ examination/NN of/IN the/DT chamber/NN and/CC its/PRP$ contents;/NN with/IN a/DT view/NN to/TO conjecturing/VBG the/DT probable/JJ circumstances/NNS of/IN the/DT murder./NN "Observe,/NN Hughes,/NNP that/IN I/PRP have/VBP moved/VBN nothing/NN in/IN the/DT chamber/NN from/IN the/DT place/NN it/PRP occupied/VBD when/WRB we/PRP entered,"/VBP he/PRP said/VBD to/TO the/DT servant,/NN as/IN they/PRP withdrew./MD He/PRP locked/VBD the/DT door,/NN and/CC as/IN he/PRP passed/VBD through/IN the/DT hall,/NN on/IN his/PRP$ return,/NN he/PRP encountered/VBD his/PRP$ father,/NN and,/IN restoring/VBG the/DT key,/NN said--/: "I/PRP could/MD not/RB stay/VB there;/RB I/PRP am/VBP almost/RB sorry/JJ I/PRP have/VBP seen/VBN it;/IN I/PRP am/VBP overpowered;/RP what/WP a/DT determined,/NN ferocious/JJ murder/NN it/PRP was;/VBD the/DT place/NN is/VBZ all/DT in/IN a/DT pool/NN of/IN gore;/NN he/PRP must/MD have/VB received/VBN many/JJ wounds."/NNS "I/IN can't/NN say;/VBD the/DT particulars/NNS will/MD be/VB elicited/VBN soon/RB enough;/RB those/DT details/NNS are/VBP for/IN the/DT inquest;/NN as/IN for/IN me,/NN I/PRP hate/VBP such/JJ spectacles,"/NNS said/VBD Marston,/NNP gloomily;/NNP "go/NNP now,/, and/CC see/VB your/PRP$ sister;/NN you/PRP will/MD find/VB her/PRP there."/DT He/PRP pointed/VBD to/TO the/DT small/JJ room/NN where/WRB we/PRP have/VBP first/RB seen/VBN her/PRP and/CC her/PRP$ fair/JJ governess;/NN Charles/NNP obeyed/VBD the/DT direction,/NN and/CC Marston/NNP proceeded/VBD himself/PRP to/TO his/PRP$ wife's/NN sitting/VBG room./NNP The/DT young/JJ man,/NN dispirited/VBN and/CC horrified/VBN by/IN the/DT awful/JJ spectacle/NN he/PRP had/VBD just/RB contemplated,/NN hurried/VBD to/TO the/DT little/JJ study/NN occupied/VBN by/IN his/PRP$ sister./NN Marston/NNP himself/PRP ascended,/VB as/IN we/PRP have/VBP said,/VBD the/DT great/JJ staircase/NN leading/VBG to/TO his/PRP$ wife's/JJ private/JJ sitting/VBG room./NN "Mrs./NNP Marston,"/NNP he/PRP said,/VBD entering,/VBN "this/DT is/VBZ a/DT hateful/JJ occurrence,/NN a/DT dreadful/JJ thing/NN to/TO have/VB taken/VBN place/NN here;/IN I/PRP don't/VBP mean/JJ to/TO affect/VB grief/NN which/WDT I/PRP don't/VBP feel;/NNS but/CC the/DT thing/NN is/VBZ very/RB shocking,/JJ and/CC particularly/RB so,/JJ as/IN having/VBG occurred/VBN under/IN my/PRP$ roof;/NN but/CC that/DT cannot/MD now/RB be/VB helped./VBN I/PRP have/VBP resolved/VBN to/TO spare/VB no/DT exertions,/NN and/CC no/DT influence,/NN to/TO bring/VB the/DT assassin/NN to/TO justice;/RB and/CC a/DT coroner's/JJ jury/NN will,/NN within/IN a/DT few/JJ hours,/NNS sift/VBP the/DT evidence/NN which/WDT we/PRP have/VBP succeeded/VBN in/IN collecting./VBG But/CC my/PRP$ purpose/NN in/IN seeking/VBG you/PRP now/RB is,/VBZ to/TO recur/VB to/TO the/DT conversation/NN we/PRP yesterday/NN had,/VBD respecting/VBG a/DT member/NN of/IN this/DT establishment."/NN "Mademoiselle/NNP de/NNP Barras?"/NNP suggested/VBD the/DT lady./NN "Yes,/IN Mademoiselle/NNP de/NNP Barras,"/NNP echoed/VBD Marston;/NNP "I/NNP wish/NN to/TO say,/VB that,/IN having/VBG reconsidered/VBN the/DT circumstances/NNS affecting/VBG her,/IN I/PRP am/VBP absolutely/RB resolved/VBN that/IN she/PRP shall/MD not/RB continue/VB to/TO be/VB an/DT inmate/NN of/IN this/DT house."/NN He/PRP paused,/VBD and/CC Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP said--/: "Well,/NNP Richard,/NNP I/PRP am/VBP sorry,/JJ very/RB sorry/JJ for/IN it;/PRP but/CC your/PRP$ decision/NN shall/MD never/RB be/VB disputed/VBN by/IN me."/NNS "Of/IN course,"/NN said/VBD Marston,/NNP drily;/NN "and,/, therefore,/TO the/DT sooner/RBR you/PRP acquaint/VB her/PRP$ with/IN it,/PRP and/CC let/VB her/PRP know/VB that/IN she/PRP must/MD go,/VB the/DT better."/NN Having/VBG said/VBD this,/IN he/PRP left/VBD her,/, and/CC went/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ own/JJ chamber,/NN where/WRB he/PRP proceeded/VBD to/TO make/VB his/PRP$ toilet/NN with/IN elaborate/JJ propriety,/NN in/IN preparation/NN for/IN the/DT scene/NN which/WDT was/VBD about/IN to/TO take/VB place/NN under/IN his/PRP$ roof./NNP Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP meanwhile,/VBD suffered/VBN from/IN a/DT horrible/JJ uncertainty./NN She/PRP never/RB harbored,/VBP it/PRP is/VBZ true,/JJ one/CD doubt/NN as/IN to/TO her/PRP$ husband's/NN perfect/JJ innocence/NN of/IN the/DT ghastly/JJ crime/NN which/WDT filled/VBD their/PRP$ house/NN with/IN fear/NN and/CC gloom;/NN but/CC at/IN the/DT same/JJ time/NN that/IN she/PRP thoroughly/RB and/CC indignantly/RB scouted/VBD the/DT possibility/NN of/IN his,/NN under/IN any/DT circumstances,/NN being/VBG accessory/JJ to/TO such/JJ a/DT crime,/NN she/PRP experienced/VBD a/DT nervous/JJ and/CC agonizing/JJ anxiety/NN lest/IN anyone/NN else/RB should/MD possibly/RB suspect/VB him,/JJ however/RB obliquely/RB and/CC faintly,/RB of/IN any/DT participation/NN whatever/WDT in/IN the/DT foul/JJ deed./NN This/DT vague/JJ fear/NN tortured/VBN her;/IN it/PRP had/VBD taken/VBN possession/NN of/IN her/PRP$ mind;/NN and/CC it/PRP was/VBD the/DT more/JJR acutely/NN painful,/NN because/IN it/PRP was/VBD of/IN a/DT kind/NN which/WDT precluded/VBD the/DT possibility/NN of/IN her/PRP$ dispelling/NN it,/, as/IN morbid/NN fears/NNS so/RB often/RB are/VBP dispelled,/VBN by/IN taking/VBG counsel/NN upon/IN its/PRP$ suggestions/NNS with/IN a/DT friend./NN The/DT day/NN wore/VBD on,/RB and/CC strange/JJ faces/NNS began/VBD to/TO fill/VB the/DT great/JJ parlor./NN The/DT coroner,/NN accompanied/VBN by/IN a/DT physician,/NN had/VBD arrived./VBN Several/JJ of/IN the/DT gentry/NN in/IN the/DT immediate/JJ vicinity/NN had/VBD been/VBN summoned/VBN as/IN jurors,/NN and/CC now/RB began/VBD to/TO arrive/VB in/IN succession./NN Marston,/NNP in/IN a/DT handsome/JJ and/CC sober/JJ suit,/NNS received/VBD these/DT visitors/NNS with/IN a/DT stately/NN and/CC melancholy/NN courtesy,/NN befitting/IN the/DT occasion./NN Mervyn/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ son/NN had/VBD both/DT been/VBN summoned,/NNS and,/IN of/IN course,/NN were/VBD in/IN attendance./DT There/RB being/VBG now/RB a/DT sufficient/JJ number/NN to/TO form/VB a/DT jury,/NN they/PRP were/VBD sworn,/VBN and/CC immediately/RB proceeded/VBD to/TO the/DT chamber/NN where/WRB the/DT body/NN of/IN the/DT murdered/JJ man/NN was/VBD lying./VBG Marston/NNP accompanied/VBD them,/, and/CC with/IN a/DT pale/JJ and/CC stern/JJ countenance,/NN and/CC in/IN a/DT clear/JJ and/CC subdued/JJ tone,/NN called/VBD their/PRP$ attention/NN successively/RB to/TO every/DT particular/JJ detail/NN which/WDT he/PRP conceived/VBD important/JJ to/TO be/VB noted./VBN Having/VBG thus/RB employed/VBN some/DT minutes,/NNS the/DT jury/NN again/RB returned/VBD to/TO the/DT parlor,/NN and/CC the/DT examination/NN of/IN the/DT witnesses/NNS commenced./VBN Marston,/NNP at/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ request,/NN was/VBD first/JJ sworn/VBN and/CC examined./VBN He/PRP deposed/VBD merely/RB to/TO the/DT circumstance/NN of/IN his/PRP$ parting,/NN on/IN the/DT night/NN previous,/RB with/IN Sir/NNP Wynston,/NNP and/CC to/TO the/DT state/NN in/IN which/WDT he/PRP had/VBD seen/VBN the/DT room/NN and/CC the/DT body/NN in/IN the/DT morning./NN He/PRP mentioned/VBD also/RB the/DT fact,/NN that/IN on/IN hearing/VBG the/DT alarm/NN in/IN the/DT morning,/NN he/PRP had/VBD hastened/VBN from/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ chamber/NN to/TO Sir/NNP Wynston's,/NNP and/CC found,/VBD on/IN trying/VBG to/TO enter,/VB that/IN the/DT door/NN opening/NN upon/IN the/DT passage/NN was/VBD secured/VBN on/IN the/DT inside./NN This/DT circumstance/NN showed/VBD that/IN the/DT murderer/NN must/MD have/VB made/VBN his/PRP$ egress/NN at/IN least/JJS through/IN the/DT valet's/JJ chamber,/NN and/CC by/IN the/DT back-stairs./NN Marston's/NNP evidence/NN went/VBD no/RB further./JJR The/DT next/JJ witness/NN sworn/VBN was/VBD Edward/NNP Smith,/NNP the/DT servant/NN of/IN the/DT late/JJ Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP Berkley./NNP His/PRP$ evidence/NN was/VBD a/DT narrative/NN of/IN the/DT occurrences/NNS we/PRP have/VBP already/RB stated./VBN He/PRP described/VBD the/DT sounds/NNS which/WDT he/PRP had/VBD overheard/VBN from/IN his/PRP$ master's/NNS room,/VBD the/DT subsequent/JJ appearance/NN of/IN Merton,/NNP and/CC the/DT conversation/NN which/WDT had/VBD passed/VBN between/IN them./PRP He/PRP then/RB proceeded/VBD to/TO mention,/VB that/IN it/PRP was/VBD his/PRP$ master's/NN custom/NN to/TO have/VB himself/PRP called/VBN at/IN seven/CD o'clock,/RB at/IN which/WDT hour/NN he/PRP usually/RB took/VBD some/DT medicine,/NNS which/WDT it/PRP was/VBD the/DT valet's/JJ duty/NN to/TO bring/VB to/TO him;/NNS after/IN which/WDT he/PRP either/RB settled/VBD again/RB to/TO rest,/VB or/CC rose/VBD in/IN a/DT short/JJ time,/NN if/IN unable/JJ to/TO sleep./VB Having/VBG measured/VBN and/CC prepared/VBN the/DT dose/NN in/IN the/DT dressing/NN room,/VBD the/DT servant/NN went/VBD on/IN to/TO say,/VB he/PRP had/VBD knocked/VBN at/IN his/PRP$ master's/NNS door,/VBP and/CC receiving/VBG no/DT answer,/NN had/VBD entered/VBN the/DT room,/NN and/CC partly/RB unclosed/JJ the/DT shutters./NN He/PRP perceived/VBD the/DT blood/NN on/IN the/DT carpet,/NN and/CC on/IN opening/VBG the/DT curtains,/NN saw/VBD his/PRP$ master/NN lying/VBG with/IN his/PRP$ mouth/NN and/CC eyes/NNS open,/VBD perfectly/RB dead,/JJ and/CC weltering/JJ in/IN gore./NNP He/PRP had/VBD stretched/VBN out/RP his/PRP$ hand,/NN and/CC seized/VBD that/IN of/IN the/DT dead/JJ man,/NN which/WDT was/VBD quite/RB stiff/JJ and/CC cold;/JJ then,/, losing/VBG heart,/NN he/PRP had/VBD run/VBN to/TO the/DT door/NN communicating/NN with/IN the/DT passage,/NN but/CC found/VBD it/PRP locked,/VBN and/CC turned/VBN to/TO the/DT other/JJ entrance,/NN and/CC ran/VBD down/IN the/DT back-stairs,/JJ crying/VBG "murder."/'' Mr./NNP Hughes,/NNP the/DT butler,/NN and/CC James/NNP Carney,/NNP another/DT servant,/NN came/VBD immediately,/RB and/CC they/PRP all/DT three/CD went/VBD back/RB into/IN the/DT room./NNP The/DT key/NN was/VBD in/IN the/DT outer/JJ door,/NN upon/IN the/DT inside,/NN but/CC they/PRP did/VBD not/RB unlock/VB it/PRP until/IN they/PRP had/VBD viewed/VBN the/DT body./NN There/EX was/VBD a/DT great/JJ pool/NN of/IN blood/NN in/IN the/DT bed,/NN and/CC in/IN it/PRP was/VBD lying/VBG a/DT red-handled/JJ case/NN knife,/, which/WDT was/VBD produced,/JJ and/CC identified/VBN by/IN the/DT witness./NN Just/RB then/RB they/PRP heard/VBD Mr./NNP Marston/NNP calling/VBG for/IN admission,/NN and/CC they/PRP opened/VBD the/DT door/NN with/IN some/DT difficulty,/NN for/IN the/DT lock/NN was/VBD rusty./VBG Mr./NNP Marston/NNP had/VBD ordered/VBN them/PRP to/TO leave/VB the/DT things/NNS as/IN they/PRP were,/VBD and/CC had/VBD used/VBN very/RB stern/JJ language/NN to/TO the/DT witness./NN They/PRP had/VBD then/RB left/VBN the/DT room,/NN securing/NN both/DT doors./NN This/DT witness/NN underwent/IN a/DT severe/JJ and/CC searching/VBG examination,/NN but/CC his/PRP$ evidence/NN was/VBD clear/JJ and/CC consistent./NN In/IN conclusion,/NN Marston/NNP produced/VBD a/DT dagger,/NN which/WDT was/VBD stained/VBN with/IN blood,/NN and/CC asked/VBD the/DT man/NN whether/IN he/PRP recognized/VBD it./PRP Smith/NNP at/IN once/RB stated/VBN this/DT to/TO have/VB been/VBN the/DT property/NN of/IN his/PRP$ late/JJ master,/NN who,/, when/WRB traveling,/NNS carried/VBD it,/RB together/RB with/IN his/PRP$ pistols,/NN along/IN with/IN him./PRP Since/IN his/PRP$ arrival/NN at/IN Gray/NNP Forest,/NNP it/PRP had/VBD lain/VBN upon/IN the/DT chimney-piece/NN in/IN his/PRP$ bedroom,/NN where/WRB he/PRP believed/VBD it/PRP to/TO have/VB been/VBN upon/IN the/DT previous/JJ night./NN James/NNP Carney,/NNP one/CD of/IN Marston's/NNP servants,/NN was/VBD next/JJ sworn/VBN and/CC examined./VBN He/PRP had,/VBD he/PRP said,/VBD observed/VBN a/DT strange/JJ and/CC unaccountable/JJ agitation/NN and/CC depression/NN in/IN Merton's/NNP manner/NN for/IN some/DT days/NNS past;/IN he/PRP had/VBD also/RB been/VBN several/JJ times/NNS disturbed/VBN at/IN night/NN by/IN his/PRP$ talking/VBG aloud/RB to/TO himself,/PRP and/CC walking/VBG to/TO and/CC fro/IN in/IN his/PRP$ room./NN Their/PRP$ bedrooms/NNS were/VBD separated/VBN by/IN a/DT thin/JJ partition,/NN in/IN which/WDT was/VBD a/DT window,/NN through/IN which/WDT Carney/NNP had,/VBD on/IN the/DT night/NN of/IN the/DT murder,/NN observed/VBD a/DT light/NN in/IN Merton's/NNP room,/NN and,/NNS on/IN looking/VBG in,/RB had/VBD seen/VBN him/PRP dressing/VBG hastily./. He/PRP also/RB saw/VBD him/PRP twice/RB take/VB up,/JJ and/CC again/RB lay/VBD down,/IN the/DT red-hafted/JJ knife/NN which/WDT had/VBD been/VBN found/VBN in/IN the/DT bed/NN of/IN the/DT murdered/VBN man./NN He/PRP knew/VBD it/PRP by/IN the/DT handle/NN being/VBG broken/VBN near/IN the/DT end./VBN He/PRP had/VBD no/DT suspicion/NN of/IN Merton/NNP having/VBG any/DT mischievous/JJ intentions,/NN and/CC lay/VBD down/RP again/RB to/TO rest./NNP He/PRP afterwards/RB heard/VBD him/PRP pass/VB out/RB of/IN his/PRP$ room,/NN and/CC go/VB slowly/RB up/IN the/DT back-stairs/NNS leading/VBG to/TO the/DT upper/JJ story./NN Shortly/RB after/IN this/DT he/PRP had/VBD fallen/VBN asleep,/RB and/CC did/VBD not/RB hear/VB or/CC see/VB him/PRP return./VB He/PRP then/RB described,/VBD as/IN Smith/NNP had/VBD already/RB done,/VBN the/DT scene/NN which/WDT presented/VBD itself/PRP in/IN the/DT morning,/NN on/IN his/PRP$ accompanying/VBG him/PRP into/IN Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP bedchamber./, The/DT next/JJ witness/NN examined/VBN was/VBD a/DT little/JJ Irish/JJ boy,/NN who/WP described/VBD himself/PRP as/IN "a/DT poor/JJ scholar."/NN His/PRP$ testimony/NN was/VBD somewhat/RB singular./JJ He/PRP deposed/VBD that/IN he/PRP had/VBD come/VBN to/TO the/DT house/NN on/IN the/DT preceding/VBG evening,/NN and/CC had/VBD been/VBN given/VBN some/DT supper,/NN and/CC was/VBD afterwards/RB permitted/VBN to/TO sleep/VB among/IN the/DT hay/NN in/IN one/CD of/IN the/DT lofts./NN He/PRP had,/VBD however,/RB discovered/VBN what/WP he/PRP considered/VBD a/DT snugger/NN berth./NN This/DT was/VBD an/DT unused/JJ stable,/NN in/IN the/DT further/JJ end/NN of/IN which/WDT lay/VBD a/DT quantity/NN of/IN hay./NN Among/IN this/DT he/PRP had/VBD lain/VBN down,/NN and/CC gone/VBN to/TO sleep./VB He/PRP was,/VBD however,/RB awakened/VBN in/IN the/DT course/NN of/IN the/DT night/NN by/IN the/DT entrance/NN of/IN a/DT man,/NN whom/WP he/PRP saw/VBD with/IN perfect/JJ distinctness/NN in/IN the/DT moonlight,/NN and/CC his/PRP$ description/NN of/IN his/PRP$ dress/NN and/CC appearance/NN tallied/VBD exactly/RB with/IN those/DT of/IN Merton./NNP This/DT man/NN occupied/VBD himself/PRP for/IN sometime/RB in/IN washing/VBG his/PRP$ hands/NNS and/CC face/NN in/IN a/DT stable/JJ bucket,/NN which/WDT happened/VBD to/TO stand/VB by/IN the/DT door;/NN and,/CC during/IN the/DT whole/NN of/IN this/DT process,/NN he/PRP continued/VBD to/TO moan/VB and/CC mutter,/NNS like/IN one/CD in/IN woeful/JJ perturbation./NN He/PRP said,/VBD distinctly,/RP twice/RB or/CC thrice,/DT "by/NN ----,/, I/PRP am/VBP done/VBN for;"/JJ and/CC every/DT now/RB and/CC then/RB he/PRP muttered,/MD "and/VB nothing/NN for/IN it,/RB after/IN all."/DT When/WRB he/PRP had/VBD done/VBN washing/VBG his/PRP$ hands,/NN he/PRP took/VBD something/NN from/IN his/PRP$ coat-pocket,/NN and/CC looked/VBD at/IN it,/PRP shaking/VBG his/PRP$ head;/NN at/IN this/DT time/NN he/PRP was/VBD standing/VBG with/IN his/PRP$ back/NN turned/VBD toward/IN the/DT boy,/NN so/RB that/IN he/PRP could/MD not/RB see/VB what/WP this/DT object/NN might/MD be./JJS The/DT man,/JJ however,/NN put/VBD it/PRP into/IN his/PRP$ breast,/NN and/CC then/RB began/VBD to/TO search/VB hurriedly,/NN as/IN it/PRP seemed,/VBD for/IN some/DT hiding/NN place/NN for/IN it./PRP After/IN looking/VBG at/IN the/DT pavement,/NN and/CC poking/VBG at/IN the/DT chinks/NNS of/IN the/DT wall,/NN he/PRP suddenly/RB went/VBD to/TO the/DT window,/NN and/CC forced/VBD up/IN the/DT stone/NN which/WDT formed/VBD the/DT sill./NN Under/IN this/DT he/PRP threw/VBD the/DT object/NN which/WDT the/DT boy/NN had/VBD seen/VBN him/PRP examine/VB with/IN so/RB much/JJ perplexity,/NN and/CC then/RB he/PRP readjusted/VBD the/DT stone,/NN and/CC removed/VBD the/DT evidences/NNS of/IN its/PRP$ having/VBG been/VBN recently/RB stirred./VBN The/DT boy/NN was/VBD a/DT little/JJ frightened,/NN but/CC very/RB curious/JJ about/IN all/DT that/IN he/PRP saw;/VBD and/CC when/WRB the/DT man/NN left/VBD the/DT stable/NN in/IN which/WDT he/PRP lay,/VBD he/PRP got/VBD up,/RB and/CC following/VBG to/TO the/DT door,/NN peeped/VBD after/IN him./PRP He/PRP saw/VBD him/PRP putting/VBG on/IN an/DT outside-coat/NN and/CC hat,/NN near/IN the/DT yard/NN gate;/NN and/CC then,/RB with/IN great/JJ caution,/NN unbolt/NN the/DT wicket,/NN constantly/RB looking/VBG back/RB towards/IN the/DT house,/NN and/CC so/RB let/VB himself/PRP out./RP The/DT boy/NN was/VBD uneasy,/JJ and/CC sat/VBD in/IN the/DT hay,/NN wide-awake,/JJ until/IN morning./NN He/PRP then/RB told/VBD the/DT servants/NNS what/WP he/PRP had/VBD seen,/VBN and/CC one/CD of/IN the/DT men/NNS having/VBG raised/VBN the/DT stone,/NN which/WDT he/PRP had/VBD not/RB strength/NN to/TO lift,/VB they/PRP found/VBD the/DT dagger,/NN which/WDT Smith/NNP had/VBD identified/VBN as/IN belonging/VBG to/TO his/PRP$ master./NN This/DT weapon/NN was/VBD stained/VBN with/IN blood;/NN and/CC some/DT hair,/NN which/WDT was/VBD found/VBN to/TO correspond/VB in/IN color/NN with/IN Sir/NNP Wynston's,/NNP was/VBD sticking/VBG in/IN the/DT crevice/NN between/IN the/DT blade/NN and/CC the/DT handle./NN "It/NN appears/VBZ very/RB strange/JJ that/IN one/CD man/NN should/MD have/VB employed/VBN two/CD distinct/JJ instruments/NNS of/IN this/DT kind,"/NN observed/VBD Mervyn,/NNP after/IN a/DT pause./NN A/DT silence/NN followed./VBN "Yes,/NNP strange;/NN it/PRP does/VBZ seem/VB strange,"/NN said/VBD Marston,/NNP clearing/VBG his/PRP$ voice./NN "Yet,/IN it/PRP is/VBZ clear,"/RB said/VBD another/DT of/IN the/DT jury,/NN "that/IN the/DT same/JJ hand/NN did/VBD employ/VB them./NN It/PRP is/VBZ proved/VBN that/IN the/DT knife/NN was/VBD in/IN Merton's/NNP possession/NN just/RB as/IN he/PRP left/VBD his/PRP$ chamber;/NN and/CC proved,/NN also,/RB that/IN the/DT dagger/NN was/VBD secreted/VBN by/IN him/PRP after/IN he/PRP quitted/VBD the/DT house."/NN "Yes,"/NN said/VBD Marston,/NNP with/IN a/DT grisly/JJ sort/NN of/IN smile,/NN and/CC glancing/VBG sarcastically/RB at/IN Mervyn,/NNP while/IN he/PRP addressed/VBD the/DT last/JJ speaker--"I/NN thank/VB you/PRP for/IN recalling/VBG my/PRP$ attention/NN to/TO the/DT facts./NN It/PRP certainly/RB is/VBZ not/RB a/DT very/RB pleasant/JJ suggestion,/NN that/IN there/EX still/RB remains/VBZ within/IN my/PRP$ household/NN an/DT undetected/JJ murderer."/NN Mervyn/NNP ruminated/VBD for/IN a/DT time,/NN and/CC said/VBD he/PRP should/MD wish/VB to/TO put/VB a/DT few/JJ more/JJR questions/NNS to/TO Smith/NNP and/CC Carney./NNP They/PRP were/VBD accordingly/RB recalled,/JJ and/CC examined/VBN in/IN great/JJ detail,/NN with/IN a/DT view/NN to/TO ascertain/VB whether/IN any/DT indication/NN of/IN the/DT presence/NN of/IN a/DT second/JJ person/NN having/VBG visited/VBD the/DT chamber/NN with/IN Merton/NNP was/VBD discoverable./VBG Nothing,/RB however,/RB appeared,/VB except/IN that/IN the/DT valet/NN mentioned/VBN the/DT noise/NN and/CC the/DT exclamations/NNS which/WDT he/PRP had/VBD indistinctly/RB heard./VBN "You/PRP did/VBD not/RB mention/VB that/IN before,/IN sir,"/NN said/VBD Marston,/NNP sharply./. "I/PRP did/VBD not/RB think/VB of/IN it,/DT sir,"/NN replied/VBD the/DT man,/JJ "the/, gentlemen/NNS were/VBD asking/VBG me/PRP so/RB many/JJ questions;/NNS but/CC I/PRP told/VBD you,/PRP sir,/RB about/IN it/PRP in/IN the/DT morning."/NN "Oh,/IN ah--yes,/JJ yes--I/NNS believe/VBP you/PRP did,"/VBP said/VBD Marston;/NNP "but/CC you/PRP then/RB said/VBD that/IN Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP often/RB talked/VBD when/WRB he/PRP was/VBD alone;/RB eh,/JJ sir?"/NN "Yes,/IN sir,/NN and/CC so/RB he/PRP used,/VBD which/WDT was/VBD the/DT reason/NN I/PRP did/VBD not/RB go/VB into/IN the/DT room/NN when/WRB I/PRP heard/VBD it,"/PRP replied/VBD the/DT man./NN "How/RB long/RB afterwards/RB was/VBD it/PRP when/WRB you/PRP saw/VBD Merton/NNP in/IN your/PRP$ own/JJ room?"/NN asked/VBD Mervyn./NNP "I/NNP could/MD not/RB say,/VB sir,"/NN answered/VBN Smith;/NNP "I/NNP was/VBD soon/RB asleep,/RB and/CC can't/VB say/VB how/WRB long/JJ I/PRP slept/VBD before/IN he/PRP came."/VBD "Was/IN it/PRP an/DT hour?"/NN pursued/VBN Mervyn./NNP "I/NNP can't/NN say,"/NNS said/VBD the/DT man,/NN doubtfully./VBD "Was/IN it/PRP five/CD hours?"/NNS asked/VBD Marston./NNP "No,/NNP Sir;/NNP I/PRP am/VBP sure/JJ it/PRP was/VBD not/RB five."/JJ "Could/NN you/PRP swear/VBP it/PRP was/VBD more/RBR than/IN half-an-hour?"/JJ persisted/VBD Marston./NNP "No,/IN I/PRP could/MD not/RB swear/VB that,"/DT answered/VBN he./PRP "I/RB am/VBP afraid,/JJ Mr./NNP Mervyn;/NNP you/PRP have/VBP found/VBN a/DT mare's/NN nest,"/NN said/VBD Marston,/NNP contemptuously./MD "I/RB have/VB done/VBN my/PRP$ duty,/NN sir,"/NN retorted/VBD Mervyn,/NNP cynically;/JJ "which/NNP plainly/RB requires/VBZ that/IN I/PRP shall/MD have/VB no/DT doubt,/NN which/WDT the/DT evidence/NN of/IN the/DT witness/NN can/MD clear/VB up,/RB unsifted/JJ and/CC unsatisfied./RBR I/PRP happened/VBD to/TO think/VB it/PRP of/IN some/DT moment/NN to/TO ascertain,/VB if/IN possible,/JJ whether/IN more/JJR persons/NNS than/IN one/CD were/VBD engaged/VBN in/IN this/DT atrocious/JJ murder./NN You/PRP don't/VBP seem/VB to/TO think/VB the/DT question/NN so/RB important/JJ a/DT one;/JJ different/JJ men,/NNS sir,/VBP take/VB different/JJ views."/NN "Views,/IN sir,/NN in/IN matters/NNS of/IN this/DT sort,/NN especially/RB where/WRB they/PRP tend/VBP to/TO multiply/VB suspicions,/NN and/CC to/TO implicate/VB others,/JJ ought/MD to/TO be/VB supported/VBN by/IN something/NN more/RBR substantial/JJ than/IN mere/JJ fancies,"/NNS retorted/VBD Marston./NNP "I/NNP don't/RB know/VBP what/WP you/PRP call/VBP fancies,"/JJ replied/VBD Mervyn,/NNP testily;/NN "but/IN here/RB are/VBP two/CD deadly/JJ weapons,/NNS a/DT knife/NN and/CC a/DT dagger,/NN each,/, it/PRP would/MD seem,/VB employed/VBN in/IN doing/VBG this/DT murder;/NN if/IN you/PRP see/VBP nothing/NN odd/JJ in/IN that,/DT I/PRP can't/MD enable/VB you/PRP to/TO do/VB so."/RB "Well,/DT sir,"/NN said/VBD Marston,/NNP grimly,/VBD "the/DT whole/JJ thing/NN is,/, as/IN you/PRP term/VBP it,/IN odd;/JJ and/CC I/PRP can/MD see/VB no/DT object/NN in/IN your/PRP$ picking/NN out/RP this/DT particular/JJ singularity/NN for/IN long-winded/JJ criticism,/NN except/IN to/TO cast/VB scandal/NN upon/IN my/PRP$ household,/NN by/IN leaving/VBG a/DT hideous/JJ and/CC vague/JJ imputation/NN floating/VBG among/IN the/DT members/NNS of/IN it./DT Sir,/NNP sir,/NN this/DT is/VBZ a/DT foul/JJ way,"/NN he/PRP cried,/VBD sternly,/RB "to/VBN gratify/RB a/DT paltry/NN spite."/NN "Mr./NNP Marston,"/NNP said/VBD Mervyn,/NNP rising,/, and/CC thrusting/VBG his/PRP$ hands/NNS into/IN his/PRP$ pockets,/NN while/IN he/PRP confronted/VBD him/PRP to/TO the/DT full/JJ as/IN sternly,/JJ "the/NN country/NN knows/VBZ in/IN which/WDT of/IN our/PRP$ hearts/NNS the/DT spite,/NN if/IN any/DT there/RB be/VB between/IN us,/NN is/VBZ harbored./VBN I/PRP owe/VBP you/PRP no/DT friendship,/NN but,/CC sir,/NN I/PRP cherish/VBP no/DT malice,/NN either;/RB and/CC against/IN the/DT worst/JJS enemy/NN I/PRP have/VBP on/IN earth/NN I/PRP am/VBP incapable/JJ of/IN perverting/VBG an/DT opportunity/NN like/IN this,/DT and/CC inflicting/VBG pain,/NN under/IN the/DT pretence/NN of/IN discharging/VBG a/DT duty."/NN Marston/NNP was/VBD on/IN the/DT point/NN of/IN retorting,/NN but/CC the/DT coroner/NN interposed,/NN and/CC besought/VBD them/PRP to/TO confine/VB their/PRP$ attention/NN strictly/RB to/TO the/DT solemn/JJ inquiry/NN which/WDT they/PRP were/VBD summoned/VBN together/RB to/TO prosecute./DT There/RB remained/VBD still/RB to/TO be/VB examined/VBN the/DT surgeon/NN who/WP had/VBD accompanied/VBN the/DT coroner,/NN for/IN the/DT purpose/NN of/IN reporting/VBG upon/IN the/DT extent/NN and/CC nature/NN of/IN the/DT injuries/NNS discoverable/NN upon/IN the/DT person/NN of/IN the/DT deceased./VBN He,/NNP accordingly,/NN deposed,/NN that/IN having/VBG examined/VBN the/DT body,/NN he/PRP found/VBD no/DT less/JJR than/IN three/CD deep/JJ wounds,/NNS inflicted/VBN with/IN some/DT sharp/JJ instrument;/NN two/CD of/IN them/PRP had/VBD actually/RB penetrated/VBN the/DT heart,/NN and/CC were,/NN of/IN course,/NN supposed/VBN to/TO cause/VB instant/NN death./NN Besides/IN these,/DT there/EX were/VBD two/CD contusions,/NN one/CD upon/IN the/DT back/NN of/IN the/DT head,/NN the/DT other/JJ upon/IN the/DT forehead,/NN with/IN a/DT slight/JJ abrasion/NN of/IN the/DT eyebrow./NN There/EX was/VBD a/DT large/JJ lock/NN of/IN hair/NN torn/VBN out/RB by/IN the/DT roots/NNS at/IN the/DT front/NN of/IN the/DT head,/NN and/CC the/DT palm/NN and/CC fingers/NNS of/IN the/DT right/JJ hand/NN were/VBD cut./VBG This/DT evidence/NN having/VBG been/VBN taken,/VBN the/DT jury/NN once/RB more/JJR repaired/VBN to/TO the/DT chamber/NN where/WRB the/DT body/NN lay,/, and/CC proceeded/VBD with/IN much/JJ minuteness/NN to/TO examine/VB the/DT room,/NN with/IN a/DT view/NN to/TO ascertain,/VB if/IN possible,/RB more/RBR particularly/RB the/DT exact/JJ circumstances/NNS of/IN the/DT murder./NN The/DT result/NN of/IN this/DT elaborate/JJ scrutiny/NN was/VBD as/IN follows:--The/DT deceased,/NN they/PRP conjectured,/VBP had/VBD fallen/VBN asleep/RB in/IN his/PRP$ easy/JJ chair,/NN and,/CC while/IN he/PRP was/VBD unconscious,/IN the/DT murderer/NN had/VBD stolen/VBN into/IN the/DT room,/NN and,/NN before/IN attacking/VBG his/PRP$ victim,/NN had/VBD secured/VBN the/DT bedroom-door/NN upon/IN the/DT inside./NN This/DT was/VBD argued/VBN from/IN the/DT non-discovery/JJ of/IN blood/NN upon/IN the/DT handle,/NN or/CC any/DT other/JJ part/NN of/IN the/DT door./NN It/PRP was/VBD supposed/VBN that/IN he/PRP had/VBD then/RB approached/VBN Sir/NNP Wynston,/NNP with/IN the/DT view/NN either/CC of/IN robbing,/NN or/CC of/IN murdering/VBG him/PRP while/IN he/PRP slept,/VBD and/CC that/IN the/DT deceased/JJ had/VBD awakened/VBN just/RB after/IN he/PRP had/VBD reached/VBN him;/NN that/IN a/DT brief/JJ and/CC desperate/JJ struggle/NN had/VBD ensued,/VBN in/IN which/WDT the/DT assailant/NN had/VBD struck/VBN his/PRP$ victim/NN with/IN his/PRP$ fist/NN upon/IN the/DT forehead,/NN and/CC having/VBG stunned/VBN him,/NN had/VBD hurriedly/RB clutched/VBN him/PRP by/IN the/DT hair,/NN and/CC stabbed/VBD him/PRP with/IN the/DT dagger,/NN which/WDT lay/VBD close/RB by/IN upon/IN the/DT chimneypiece,/NN forcing/VBG his/PRP$ head/NN violently/RB against/IN the/DT back/NN of/IN the/DT chair./NN This/DT part/NN of/IN the/DT conjecture/NN was/VBD supported/VBN by/IN the/DT circumstance/NN of/IN there/EX being/VBG discovered/VBN a/DT lock/NN of/IN hair/NN upon/IN the/DT ground/NN at/IN the/DT spot,/NN and/CC a/DT good/JJ deal/NN of/IN blood./VBG The/DT carpet,/NN too,/NN was/VBD tumbled,/VBN and/CC a/DT water-decanter,/NN which/WDT had/VBD stood/VBN upon/IN the/DT table/NN close/JJ by,/NNS was/VBD lying/VBG in/IN fragments/NNS upon/IN the/DT floor./NN It/PRP was/VBD supposed/VBN that/IN the/DT murderer/NN had/VBD then/RB dragged/VBN the/DT half-lifeless/JJ body/NN to/TO the/DT bed,/NN where,/IN having/VBG substituted/VBN the/DT knife,/NN which/WDT he/PRP had/VBD probably/RB brought/VBN to/TO the/DT room/NN in/IN the/DT same/JJ pocket/NN from/IN which/WDT the/DT boy/NN afterwards/RB saw/VBD him/PRP take/VB the/DT dagger,/NN he/PRP dispatched/VBD him;/RB and/CC either/RB hearing/VBG some/DT alarm--perhaps/NNS the/DT movement/NN of/IN the/DT valet/NN in/IN the/DT adjoining/VBG room,/NN or/CC from/IN some/DT other/JJ cause--he/NN dropped/VBD the/DT knife/NN in/IN the/DT bed,/NN and/CC was/VBD not/RB able/JJ to/TO find/VB it/PRP again./RB The/DT wounds/NNS upon/IN the/DT hand/NN of/IN the/DT dead/JJ man/NN indicated/VBD his/PRP$ having/VBG caught/VBN and/CC struggled/VBN to/TO hold/VB the/DT blade/NN of/IN the/DT weapon/NN with/IN which/WDT he/PRP was/VBD assailed./VBN The/DT impression/NN of/IN a/DT bloody/JJ hand/NN thrust/VBN under/IN the/DT bolster,/NN where/WRB it/PRP was/VBD Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP habit/NN to/TO place/VB his/PRP$ purse/NN and/CC watch,/NN when/WRB making/VBG his/PRP$ arrangements/NNS for/IN the/DT night,/NN supplied/VBD the/DT motive/NN of/IN this/DT otherwise/RB unaccountable/JJ atrocity./NN After/IN some/DT brief/JJ consultation,/NN the/DT jury/NN agreed/VBD upon/IN a/DT verdict/NN of/IN willful/JJ murder/NN against/IN John/NNP Merton,/NNP a/DT finding/NN of/IN which/WDT the/DT coroner/NN expressed/VBD his/PRP$ entire/JJ approbation./NN Marston,/NNP as/IN a/DT justice/NN of/IN the/DT peace,/NN had/VBD informations,/VBN embodying/VBG the/DT principal/JJ part/NN of/IN the/DT evidence/NN given/VBN before/IN the/DT coroner,/JJ sworn/VBN against/IN Merton,/NNP and/CC transmitted/VBD a/DT copy/NN of/IN them/PRP to/TO the/DT Home/NNP Office./NNP A/DT reward/NN for/IN the/DT apprehension/NN of/IN the/DT culprit/NN was/VBD forthwith/IN offered,/NN but/CC for/IN some/DT months/NNS without/IN effect./NN Marston/NNP had,/VBD in/IN the/DT interval,/NN written/VBN to/TO several/JJ of/IN Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP many/JJ relations,/NNS announcing/VBG the/DT catastrophe,/NN and/CC requesting/VBG that/IN steps/NNS might/MD immediately/RB be/VB taken/VBN to/TO have/VB the/DT body/NN removed./VBN Meanwhile/RB undertakers/NNS were/VBD busy/JJ in/IN the/DT chamber/NN of/IN death./NN The/DT corpse/NN was/VBD enclosed/VBN in/IN lead,/JJ and/CC that/WDT again/RB in/IN cedar,/NN and/CC a/DT great/JJ oak/NN shell,/NN covered/VBN with/IN crimson/JJ cloth/NN and/CC goldheaded/VBD nails,/NN and/CC with/IN a/DT gilt/JJ plate,/NN recording/VBG the/DT age,/NN title,/NN &c./, &c.,/NN of/IN the/DT deceased,/NN was/VBD screwed/VBN down/RB firmly/RB over/IN all./DT Nearly/RB a/DT fortnight/JJ elapsed/JJ before/IN any/DT reply/NN to/TO Marston's/NNP letters/NNS was/VBD received./VBN A/DT short/JJ epistle/NN at/IN last/JJ arrived/VBN from/IN Lord/NNP H----,/NNP the/DT late/JJ Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP uncle,/NNP deeply/RB regretting/VBG the/DT "sad/NN and/CC inexplicable/JJ occurrence,"/NN and/CC adding,/NN that/IN the/DT will,/JJ which,/NN on/IN receipt/NN of/IN the/DT "distressing/NN intelligence,"/NN was/VBD immediately/RB opened/VBN and/CC read,/NNS contained/VBD no/DT direction/NN whatever/WDT respecting/VBG the/DT sepulture/NN of/IN the/DT deceased,/NN which/WDT had/VBD therefore/RB better/JJR be/VB completed/VBN as/IN modestly/RB and/CC expeditiously/RB as/IN possible,/NN in/IN the/DT neighborhood;/NN and,/CC in/IN conclusion,/NN he/PRP directed/VBD that/IN the/DT accounts/NNS of/IN the/DT undertakers,/JJ &c.,/NN employed/VBN upon/IN the/DT melancholy/NN occasion,/NN might/MD be/VB sent/VBN in/IN to/TO Mr./NNP Skelton,/NNP who/WP had/VBD kindly/RB undertaken/VBN to/TO leave/VB London/NNP without/IN any/DT delay,/NN for/IN the/DT purpose/NN of/IN completing/VBG these/DT last/JJ arrangements,/NN and/CC who/WP would,/VBP in/IN any/DT matter/NN of/IN business/NN connected/VBN with/IN the/DT deceased,/NN represent/VBP him,/IN Lord/NNP H----,/NNP as/IN executor/NN of/IN the/DT late/JJ baronet./NN This/DT letter/NN was/VBD followed,/VBN in/IN a/DT day/NN or/CC two,/CD by/IN the/DT arrival/NN of/IN Skelton,/NNP a/DT well-dressed,/JJ languid,/NN impertinent/JJ London/NNP tuft-hunter,/, a/DT good/JJ deal/NN faded,/NNS with/IN a/DT somewhat/RB sallow/JJ and/CC puffy/JJ face,/NN charged/VBN with/IN a/DT pleasant/JJ combination/NN at/IN once/RB of/IN meanness,/NN insolence,/NN and/CC sensuality--just/NN such/JJ a/DT person/NN as/IN Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP parasite/NN might/MD have/VB been/VBN expected/VBN to/TO prove./VB However/RB well/RB disposed/VBN to/TO impress/VB the/DT natives/NNS with/IN high/JJ notions/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ extraordinary/JJ refinement/NN and/CC importance,/NN he/PRP very/RB soon/RB discovered/VBN that,/IN in/IN Marston,/NNP he/PRP had/VBD stumbled/VBN upon/IN a/DT man/NN of/IN the/DT world,/NN and/CC one/CD thoroughly/RB versed/VBN in/IN the/DT ways/NNS and/CC characters/NNS of/IN London/NNP life./NN After/IN some/DT ineffectual/JJ attempts,/NN therefore,/, to/TO overawe/VB and/CC astonish/VB his/PRP$ host,/NN Mr./NNP Skelton/NNP became/VBD aware/JJ of/IN the/DT fruitlessness/NN of/IN the/DT effort,/NN and/CC condescended/VBD to/TO abate/VB somewhat/RB of/IN his/PRP$ pretensions./NN Marston/NNP could/MD not/RB avoid/VB inviting/VBG this/DT person/NN to/TO pass/VB the/DT night/NN at/IN his/PRP$ house,/NN an/DT invitation/NN which/WDT was/VBD accepted,/VBN of/IN course;/NN and/CC next/JJ morning,/NN after/IN a/DT late/JJ breakfast,/NN Mr./NNP Skelton/NNP observed,/, with/IN a/DT yawn--"And/JJ now,/JJ about/IN this/DT body--poor/JJ Berkley!--what/CC do/VBP you/PRP propose/VB to/TO do/VB with/IN him?"/PRP "I/RB have/VBP no/DT proposition/NN to/TO make,"/NN said/VBD Marston,/NNP drily./VBD "It/PRP is/VBZ no/DT affair/NN of/IN mine,/NN except/IN that/IN the/DT body/NN may/MD be/VB removed/VBN without/IN more/JJR delay./NN I/PRP have/VBP no/DT suggestion/NN to/TO offer."/VB "H----'s/JJ notion/NN was/VBD to/TO have/VB him/PRP buried/VBN as/RB near/IN the/DT spot/NN as/RB may/MD be,"/VB said/VBD Skelton./NNP Marston/NNP nodded./, "There/RB is/VBZ a/DT kind/NN of/IN vault,/NN is/VBZ not/RB there,/RB in/IN the/DT demesne,/NN a/DT family/NN burial-place?"/NN inquired/VBD the/DT visitor./NN "Yes,/NN sir,"/NN replied/VBD Marston,/NNP curtly./. "Well?"/'' drawled/VBD Skelton./NNP "Well,/NNP sir,/VBD what/WP then?"/DT responded/VBD Marston./NNP "Why,/NNP as/IN the/DT wish/NN of/IN the/DT parties/NNS is/VBZ to/TO have/VB him/PRP buried--poor/JJ fellow!--as/JJ quietly/RB as/IN possible,/NNS I/PRP think/VBP he/PRP might/MD just/RB as/RB well/RB be/VB laid/VBN there/RB as/RB anywhere/RB else!"/RB "Had/VBD I/PRP desired/VBD it,/IN Mr./NNP Skelton,/NNP I/PRP should/MD myself/PRP have/VB made/VBN the/DT offer,"/NN said/VBD Marston,/NNP abruptly./MD "Then/RB you/PRP don't/VBP wish/NN it?"/VBP said/VBD Skelton./NNP "No,/NNP sir;/NN certainly/RB not--most/RB peremptorily/RB not,"/RB answered/VBD Marston,/NNP with/IN more/JJR sharpness/NN than,/IN in/IN his/PRP$ early/JJ days,/NN he/PRP would/MD have/VB thought/VBN quite/RB consistent/JJ with/IN politeness./DT "Perhaps,"/NNP replied/VBD Skelton,/NNP for/IN want/NN of/IN something/NN better/JJR to/TO say,/VB and/CC with/IN a/DT callous/JJ sort/NN of/IN levity;/NNS "perhaps/RB you/PRP hold/VBP the/DT idea--some/JJ people/NNS do--that/JJ murdered/VBN men/NNS can't/IN rest/NN in/IN their/PRP$ graves/NNS until/IN their/PRP$ murderers/NNS have/VBP expiated/VBN their/PRP$ guilt?"/NN Marston/NNP made/VBD no/DT reply,/NN but/CC shot/VBD two/CD or/CC three/CD lurid/JJ glances/NNS from/IN under/IN his/PRP$ brow/NN at/IN the/DT speaker./NN "Well,/NN then,/, at/IN all/DT events,"/NN continued/VBD Skelton,/NNP indolently/RB resuming/VBG his/PRP$ theme,/NN "if/IN you/PRP decline/VBP your/PRP$ assistance,/NN may/MD I,/VB at/IN least,/JJS hope/NN for/IN your/PRP$ advice?/NN Knowing/VBG nothing/NN of/IN this/DT country,/NN I/PRP would/MD ask/VB you/PRP whither/IN you/PRP would/MD recommend/VB me/PRP to/TO have/VB the/DT body/NN conveyed?"/NN "I/IN don't/RB care/NN to/TO advise/VB in/IN the/DT matter,"/NN said/VBD Marston;/NNP "but/IN if/IN I/PRP were/VBD directing,/RB I/PRP should/MD have/VB the/DT remains/NNS buried/VBN in/IN Chester./NNP It/PRP is/VBZ not/RB more/RBR than/IN twenty/CD miles/NNS from/IN this;/NN and/CC if,/NN at/IN any/DT future/NN time,/IN his/PRP$ family/NN should/MD desire/VB to/TO remove/VB the/DT body,/NN it/PRP could/MD be/VB effected/VBN more/RBR easily/RB from/IN thence./DT But/CC you/PRP can/MD decide."/VB "Egad!/IN I/PRP believe/VBP you/PRP are/VBP right,"/RB said/VBD Skelton,/NNP glad/JJ to/TO be/VB relieved/VBN of/IN the/DT trouble/NN of/IN thinking/VBG about/IN the/DT matter;/NN "and/CC I/PRP shall/MD take/VB your/PRP$ advice."/NN In/IN accordance/NN with/IN this/DT declaration/NN the/DT body/NN was,/VBD within/IN four-and-twenty/CD hours,/NN removed/VBN to/TO Chester,/NNP and/CC buried/VBN there,/, Mr./NNP Skelton/NNP attending/VBG on/IN behalf/NN of/IN Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP numerous/JJ and/CC afflicted/JJ friends/NNS and/CC relatives./NN There/EX are/VBP certain/JJ heartaches/NNS for/IN which/WDT time/NN brings/VBZ no/DT healing;/NN nay,/NN which/WDT grow/VBP but/CC the/DT sorer/NN and/CC fiercer/RB as/IN days/NNS and/CC years/NNS roll/VBP on;/RB of/IN this/DT kind,/NN perhaps,/NN were/VBD the/DT stern/JJ and/CC bitter/JJ feelings/NNS which/WDT now/RB darkened/VBD the/DT face/NN of/IN Marston/NNP with/IN an/DT almost/RB perpetual/JJ gloom./NN His/PRP$ habits/NNS became/VBD even/RB more/JJR unsocial/JJ than/IN before./PRP The/DT society/NN of/IN his/PRP$ son/NN he/PRP no/RB longer/RB seemed/VBD to/TO enjoy./VB Long/NNP and/CC solitary/JJ rambles/NNS in/IN his/PRP$ wild/JJ and/CC extensive/JJ demesne/NN consumed/VBD the/DT listless/JJ hours/NNS or/CC his/PRP$ waking/VBG existence;/NN and/CC when/WRB the/DT weather/NN prevented/VBD this,/NN he/PRP shut/VBD himself/PRP up,/RP upon/IN pretence/NN of/IN business,/NN in/IN his/PRP$ study./NN He/PRP had/VBD not,/RB since/IN the/DT occasion/NN we/PRP have/VBP already/RB mentioned,/VB referred/VBN to/TO the/DT intended/JJ departure/NN of/IN Mademoiselle/NNP de/NNP Barras./NNP Truth/NNP to/TO say,/VB his/PRP$ feelings/NNS with/IN respect/NN to/TO that/DT young/JJ lady/NN were/VBD of/IN a/DT conflicting/NN and/CC mysterious/JJ kind;/NN and/CC as/RB often/RB as/IN his/PRP$ dark/JJ thoughts/NNS wandered/VBD to/TO her/PRP$ (which,/NN indeed,/NN was/VBD frequently/RB enough),/VBN his/PRP$ muttered/VBD exclamation/NN seemed/VBD to/TO imply/VB some/DT painful/JJ and/CC horrible/JJ suspicions/NNS respecting/VBG her./PRP "Yes,"/IN he/PRP would/MD mutter,/RB "I/VB thought/VBN I/PRP heard/VBD your/PRP$ light/JJ foot/NN upon/IN the/DT lobby,/NN on/IN that/DT accursed/VBN night./NN Fancy!/NNP Well,/NNP it/PRP may/MD have/VB been,/VBN but/CC assuredly/RB a/DT strange/JJ fancy./NN I/PRP cannot/MD comprehend/VB that/DT woman./NN She/PRP baffles/VBZ my/PRP$ scrutiny./NN I/PRP have/VBP looked/VBN into/IN her/PRP$ face/NN with/IN an/DT eye/NN she/PRP might/MD well/RB understand,/VB were/VBD it/PRP indeed/RB as/IN I/PRP sometimes/RB suspect,/VB and/CC she/PRP has/VBZ been/VBN calm/JJ and/CC unmoved./JJ I/PRP have/VBP watched/VBN and/CC studied/VBN her;/PRP$ still--doubt,/JJ doubt,/NN hideous/JJ doubt!--is/NN she/PRP what/WP she/PRP seems,/VBP or--a/DT tigress?"/JJ Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP on/IN the/DT other/JJ hand,/NN procrastinated/VBN from/IN day/NN to/TO day/NN the/DT painful/JJ task/NN of/IN announcing/VBG to/TO Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras/NNP the/DT stern/JJ message/NN with/IN which/WDT she/PRP had/VBD been/VBN charged/VBN by/IN her/PRP$ husband./NN And/CC thus/RB several/JJ weeks/NNS had/VBD passed,/VBN and/CC she/PRP began/VBD to/TO think/VB that/IN his/PRP$ silence/NN upon/IN the/DT subject,/NN notwithstanding/IN his/PRP$ seeing/VBG the/DT young/JJ French/JJ lady/NN at/IN breakfast/NN every/DT morning,/NN amounted/VBD to/TO a/DT kind/NN of/IN tacit/JJ intimation/NN that/IN the/DT sentence/NN of/IN banishment/NN was/VBD not/RB to/TO be/VB carried/VBN into/IN immediate/JJ execution,/NN but/CC to/TO be/VB kept/VBN suspended/VBN over/IN the/DT unconscious/JJ offender./NN It/PRP was/VBD now/RB six/CD or/CC eight/CD weeks/NNS since/IN the/DT hearse/NN carrying/VBG away/RP the/DT remains/NNS of/IN the/DT ill-fated/JJ Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP Berkley/NNP had/VBD driven/VBN down/IN the/DT dusky/JJ avenue;/NN the/DT autumn/NN was/VBD deepening/VBG into/IN winter,/NN and/CC as/IN Marston/NNP gloomily/NN trod/VBD the/DT woods/NNS of/IN Gray/NNP Forest,/NNP the/DT withered/VBN leaves/NNS whirled/VBD drearily/RB along/IN his/PRP$ pathway,/NN and/CC the/DT gusts/NNS that/IN swayed/VBD the/DT mighty/JJ branches/NNS above/IN him/PRP were/VBD rude/JJ and/CC ungenial./JJ It/PRP was/VBD a/DT bleak/JJ and/CC somber/NN day,/NN and/CC as/IN he/PRP broke/VBD into/IN a/DT long/JJ and/CC picturesque/JJ vista,/JJ deep/JJ among/IN the/DT most/RBS sequestered/JJ woods,/NN he/PRP suddenly/RB saw/VBD before/IN him,/PRP and/CC scarcely/RB twenty/CD paces/NNS from/IN the/DT spot/NN on/IN which/WDT he/PRP stood,/VBD an/DT apparition,/NN which/WDT for/IN some/DT moments/NNS absolutely/RB froze/VBD him/PRP to/TO the/DT earth./NN Travel-soiled,/NNP tattered,/, pale,/VB and/CC wasted,/VB John/NNP Merton,/NNP the/DT murderer,/NN stood/VBD before/IN him./PRP He/PRP did/VBD not/RB exhibit/VB the/DT smallest/JJS disposition/NN to/TO turn/VB about/RB and/CC make/VB his/PRP$ escape./NN On/IN the/DT contrary,/NN he/PRP remained/VBD perfectly/RB motionless,/RBR looking/VBG upon/IN his/PRP$ former/JJ master/NN with/IN a/DT wild/JJ and/CC sorrowful/JJ gaze./NN Marston/NNP twice/RB or/CC thrice/VB essayed/VBN to/TO speak;/VB his/PRP$ face/NN was/VBD white/JJ as/IN death,/NN and/CC had/VBD he/PRP beheld/VBD the/DT specter/NN of/IN the/DT murdered/VBN baronet/NN himself,/, he/PRP could/MD not/RB have/VB met/VBN the/DT sight/NN with/IN a/DT countenance/NN of/IN ghastlier/FW horror./. "Take/. me,/NN sir,"/NN said/VBD Merton,/NNP doggedly./, Still/RB Marston/NNP did/VBD not/RB stir./JJR "Arrest/NN me,/NN sir,/NN in/IN God's/NNP name!/NN here/RB I/PRP am,"/VBP he/PRP repeated,/VB dropping/VBG his/PRP$ arms/NNS by/IN his/PRP$ side;/NN "I'll/RB go/VB with/IN you/PRP wherever/WRB you/PRP tell/VBP me."/PRP "Murderer!"/'' cried/VBD Marston,/NNP with/IN a/DT sudden/JJ burst/NN of/IN furious/JJ horror,/NN "murderer--assassin--miscreant--take/NN that!"/, And,/NNP as/IN he/PRP spoke,/VBD he/PRP discharged/VBD one/CD of/IN the/DT pistols/NNS he/PRP always/RB carried/VBD about/IN him/PRP full/JJ at/IN the/DT wretched/JJ man./NN The/DT shot/NN did/VBD not/RB take/VB effect,/NN and/CC Merton/NNP made/VBD no/DT other/JJ gesture/NN but/CC to/TO clasp/VB his/PRP$ hands/NNS together,/RB with/IN an/DT agonized/JJ pressure,/NN while/IN his/PRP$ head/NN sunk/VBN upon/IN his/PRP$ breast./NN "Shoot/NN me;/NNS shoot/VBP me,"/, he/PRP said/VBD hoarsely;/NN "kill/MD me/PRP like/IN a/DT dog:/NN better/RBR for/IN me/PRP to/TO be/VB dead/JJ than/IN what/WP I/PRP am."/VBP The/DT report/NN of/IN Marston's/NNP pistol/NN had,/VBD however,/RB reached/VBN another/DT ear;/NN and/CC its/PRP$ ringing/NN echoes/NNS had/VBD hardly/RB ceased/VBN to/TO vibrate/VB among/IN the/DT trees,/NN when/WRB a/DT stern/JJ shout/NN was/VBD heard/VBN not/RB fifty/CD yards/NNS away,/RB and,/DT breathless/JJ and/CC amazed,/JJ Charles/NNP Marston/NNP sprang/VBD to/TO the/DT place./NN His/PRP$ father/NN looked/VBD from/IN Merton/NNP to/TO him,/VB and/CC from/IN him/PRP again/RB to/TO Merton,/NNP with/IN a/DT guilty/JJ and/CC stupefied/JJ scowl,/NN still/RB holding/VBG the/DT smoking/NN pistol/NN in/IN his/PRP$ hand./NN "What--how!/. Good/JJ God--Merton!"/NNP ejaculated/VBD Charles./NNP "Aye,/NNP sir,/NN Merton;/NNP ready/JJ to/TO go/VB to/TO gaol,/VB or/CC wherever/WRB you/PRP will,"/MD said/VBD the/DT man,/NN recklessly./VBZ "A/NNP murderer;/, a/DT madman;/JJ don't/NN believe/VBP him,"/PRP muttered/VBD Marston,/NNP scarce/JJ audibly,/NN with/IN lips/NNS as/RB white/JJ as/IN wax./NN "Do/IN you/PRP surrender/VB yourself,/PRP Merton?"/NNP demanded/VBD the/DT young/JJ man,/NN sternly,/NN advancing/VBG toward/IN him./PRP "Yes,/RB sir;/VBD I/PRP desire/VBP nothing/NN more;/JJR God/NNP knows/VBZ I/PRP wish/VBP to/TO die,"/VB responded/VBN he,/IN despairingly,/NNS and/CC advancing/VBG slowly/RB to/TO meet/VB Charles./NNP "Come,/NNP then,"/, said/VBD young/JJ Marston,/NNP seizing/VBG him/PRP by/IN the/DT collar,/NN "come/NN quietly/RB to/TO the/DT house./NN Guilty/NNP and/CC unhappy/JJ man,/NN you/PRP are/VBP now/RB my/PRP$ prisoner,/NN and,/CC depend/VB upon/IN it,/CC I/PRP shall/MD not/RB let/VB you/PRP go."/VB "I/PRP don't/RB want/VBP to/TO go,/VB I/PRP tell/VBP you,/PRP sir./MD I/PRP have/VBP traveled/VBN fifteen/CD miles/NNS today,/VBN to/TO come/VB here/RB and/CC give/VB myself/PRP up/RB to/TO the/DT master."/NN "Accursed/VBN madman,"/, said/VBD Marston/NNP unconsciously,/NNP gazing/VBG at/IN the/DT prisoner;/NN and/CC then/RB suddenly/RB rousing/JJ himself,/, he/PRP said,/VBD "Well,/RB miscreant,/VBN you/PRP wish/VB to/TO die,/VB and,/NNS by/IN ----,/JJ you/PRP are/VBP in/IN a/DT fair/JJ way/NN to/TO have/VB your/PRP$ wish."/NN "So/IN best,"/JJS said/VBD the/DT man,/NN doggedly./. "I/'' don't/RB want/VBP to/TO live;/VB I/PRP wish/VBP I/PRP was/VBD in/IN my/PRP$ grave;/NN I/PRP wish/VBP I/PRP was/VBD dead/JJ a/DT year/NN ago."/IN Some/DT fifteen/CD minutes/NNS afterwards,/IN Merton,/NNP accompanied/VBN by/IN Marston/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ son/NN Charles,/NNP entered/VBD the/DT hall/NN of/IN the/DT mansion/NN which,/, not/RB ten/CD weeks/NNS before,/IN he/PRP had/VBD quitted/VBN under/IN circumstances/NNS so/RB guilty/JJ and/CC terrible./NN When/WRB they/PRP reached/VBD the/DT house,/NN Merton/NNP seemed/VBD much/JJ agitated,/NN and/CC wept/VBD bitterly/RB on/IN seeing/VBG two/CD or/CC three/CD of/IN his/PRP$ former/JJ fellow/NN servants,/NN who/WP looked/VBD on/IN him/PRP in/IN silence/NN as/IN they/PRP passed,/VBP with/IN a/DT gloomy/JJ and/CC fearful/JJ curiosity./NN These,/DT too,/NNS were/VBD succeeded/VBN by/IN others,/JJ peeping/NN and/CC whispering,/NN and/CC upon/IN one/CD pretence/NN or/CC another/DT crossing/NN and/CC re-crossing/VBG the/DT hall,/NN and/CC stealing/VBG hurried/JJ glances/NNS at/IN the/DT criminal./NN Merton/NNP sate/NN with/IN his/PRP$ face/NN buried/VBN in/IN his/PRP$ hands,/NN sobbing,/NNS and/CC taking/VBG no/DT note/NN of/IN the/DT humiliating/JJ scrutiny/NN of/IN which/WDT he/PRP was/VBD the/DT subject./NN Meanwhile/RB Marston,/NNP pale/JJ and/CC agitated,/RB made/VBD out/RP his/PRP$ committal,/NN and/CC having/VBG sworn/VBN in/IN several/JJ of/IN his/PRP$ laborers/NNS and/CC servants/NNS as/IN special/JJ constables,/NN dispatched/VBD the/DT prisoner/NN in/IN their/PRP$ charge/NN to/TO the/DT county/NN gaol,/NN where,/, under/IN lock/NN and/CC key,/NN we/PRP leave/VBP him/PRP in/IN safe/JJ custody/NN for/IN the/DT present./NN After/IN this/DT event/NN Marston/NNP became/VBD excited/VBN and/CC restless./VBG He/PRP scarcely/RB ate/VBD or/CC slept,/VBD and/CC his/PRP$ health/NN seemed/VBD now/RB as/RB much/RB scattered/VBN as/IN his/PRP$ spirits/NNS had/VBD been/VBN before./RB One/CD day/NN he/PRP glided/VBD into/IN the/DT room/NN in/IN which,/NN as/IN we/PRP have/VBP said,/VBD it/PRP was/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston's/NNP habit/NN frequently/RB to/TO sit/VB alone./RP His/PRP$ wife/NN was/VBD there,/DT and,/NN as/IN he/PRP entered,/VBD she/PRP uttered/VBD an/DT exclamation/NN of/IN doubtful/JJ joy/NN and/CC surprise./VBD He/PRP sate/VBD down/RB near/IN her/PRP$ in/IN silence,/NN and/CC for/IN some/DT time/NN looked/VBD gloomily/RB on/IN the/DT ground./NN She/PRP did/VBD not/RB care/VB to/TO question/VB him,/PRP and/CC anxiously/RB waited/VBD until/IN he/PRP should/MD open/VB the/DT conversation./NN At/IN length/NN he/PRP raised/VBD his/PRP$ eyes,/NNS and,/CC looking/VBG full/JJ at/IN her,/PRP asked/VBD abruptly--"Well,/RB what/WP about/IN mademoiselle?"/VBN Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP was/VBD embarrassed,/JJ and/CC hesitated./PRP "I/RB told/VBD you/PRP what/WP I/PRP wished/VBD with/IN respect/NN to/TO that/DT young/JJ lady/NN some/DT time/NN ago,/RB and/CC commissioned/VBD you/PRP to/TO acquaint/VB her/PRP with/IN my/PRP$ pleasure;/NN and/CC yet/RB I/PRP find/VBP her/PRP still/RB here,/RB and/CC apparently/RB as/IN much/RB established/VBN as/IN ever."/NN Again/RB Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP hesitated./VBD She/PRP scarcely/RB knew/VBD how/WRB to/TO confess/VB to/TO him/PRP that/IN she/PRP had/VBD not/RB conveyed/VBN his/PRP$ message./NN "Don't/IN suppose,/NN Gertrude,/NNP that/IN I/PRP wish/VBP to/TO find/VB fault./NN I/PRP merely/RB wanted/VBD to/TO know/VB whether/IN you/PRP had/VBD told/VBN Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras/NNPS that/IN we/PRP were/VBD agreed/VBN as/IN to/TO the/DT necessity/NN or/CC expediency,/VB or/CC what/WP you/PRP please,/VBP of/IN dispensing/VBG henceforward/RB with/IN her/PRP$ services,/NN I/PRP perceive/VBP by/IN your/PRP$ manner/NN that/IN you/PRP have/VBP not/RB done/VBN so./NN I/PRP have/VBP no/DT doubt/NN your/PRP$ motive/NN was/VBD a/DT kind/NN one,/NN but/CC my/PRP$ decision/NN remains/VBZ unaltered;/JJ and/CC I/PRP now/RB assure/VBP you/PRP again/RB that/IN I/PRP wish/VBP you/PRP to/TO speak/VB to/TO her;/PRP I/PRP wish/VBP you/PRP explicitly/RB to/TO let/VB her/PRP know/VB my/PRP$ wishes/NNS and/CC yours."/PRP "Not/RB mine,/JJ Richard,"/NNP she/PRP answered/VBD faintly./RB "Well,/JJ mine,/NN then,"/, he/PRP replied,/VBD roughly;/JJ "we/IN shan't/NN quarrel/NN about/IN that."/DT "And/NN when--how/WRB soon--do/RB you/PRP wish/VBP me/PRP to/TO speak/VB to/TO her/PRP on/IN this,/NN to/TO both/DT of/IN us,/JJ most/RBS painful/JJ subject?"/NN asked/VBD she,/PRP with/IN a/DT sigh./NN "Today--this/. hour--this/POS minute,/NN if/IN you/PRP can;/, in/IN short/JJ the/DT sooner/RBR the/DT better,"/NN he/PRP replied,/VBD rising./VBG "I/PRP see/VBP no/DT reason/NN for/IN holding/VBG it/PRP back/RB any/DT longer./JJR I/PRP am/VBP sorry/JJ my/PRP$ wishes/NNS were/VBD not/RB complied/VBN with/IN immediately./DT Pray,/NNP let/VB there/EX be/VB no/DT further/JJ hesitation/NN or/CC delay./NN I/PRP shall/MD expect/VB to/TO learn/VB this/DT evening/NN that/IN all/DT is/VBZ arranged."/VBN Marston/NNP having/VBG thus/RB spoken,/VBN left/VBN her/PRP abruptly,/RB went/VBD down/RB to/TO his/PRP$ study/NN with/IN a/DT swift/JJ step,/NN shut/VBN himself/PRP in,/VBN and/CC throwing/VBG himself/PRP into/IN a/DT great/JJ chair,/NN gave/VBD a/DT loose/JJ to/TO his/PRP$ agitation,/NN which/WDT was/VBD extreme./DT Meanwhile/RB Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP had/VBD sent/VBN for/IN Mademoiselle/NNP de/NNP Barras,/NNP anxious/JJ to/TO get/VB through/IN her/PRP$ painful/JJ task/NN as/IN speedily/RB as/IN possible./DT The/DT fair/JJ French/JJ girl/NN quickly/RB presented/VBD herself./PRP "Sit/VB down,/RP mademoiselle,"/, said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP taking/VBG her/PRP$ hand/NN kindly,/JJ and/CC drawing/VBG her/PRP to/TO the/DT prie-dieu/NN chair/NN beside/IN herself./PRP Mademoiselle/NNP de/FW Barras/NNPS sate/NN down,/RB and,/RB as/IN she/PRP did/VBD so,/RB read/VB the/DT countenance/NN of/IN her/PRP$ patroness/NN with/IN one/CD rapid/JJ glance/NN of/IN her/PRP$ flashing/VBG eyes./NN These/DT eyes,/NNS however,/VBP when/WRB Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP looked/VBD at/IN her/PRP$ the/DT next/JJ moment,/NN were/VBD sunk/VBN softly/RB and/CC sadly/RB upon/IN the/DT floor./NN There/EX was/VBD a/DT heightened/JJ color,/NN however,/RB in/IN her/PRP$ cheek,/NN and/CC a/DT quicker/JJR heaving/NN of/IN her/PRP$ bosom,/NN which/WDT indicated/VBD the/DT excitement/NN of/IN an/DT anticipated/JJ and/CC painful/JJ disclosure./NN The/DT outward/JJ contrast/NN of/IN the/DT two/CD women,/NNS whose/WP$ hands/NNS were/VBD so/IN lovingly/RB locked/VBN together,/RP was/VBD almost/RB as/RB striking/JJ as/IN the/DT moral/JJ contrast/NN of/IN their/PRP$ hearts./NN The/DT one,/NNS so/RB chastened,/JJ sad,/NN and/CC gentle;/NN the/DT other,/NNS so/RB capable/JJ of/IN pride/NN and/CC passion;/NN so/RB darkly/RB excitable,/JJ and/CC yet/RB so/RB mysteriously/RB beautiful./, The/DT one,/NNS like/IN a/DT Niobe/NNP seen/VBN in/IN the/DT softest/NN moonshine;/NN the/DT other,/NNS a/DT Venus,/NNP lighted/VBD in/IN the/DT glare/NN of/IN distant/JJ conflagration./NN "Mademoiselle,/IN dear/JJ mademoiselle,/, I/PRP am/VBP so/RB much/JJ grieved/VBD at/IN what/WP I/PRP have/VBP to/TO say,/VB that/IN I/PRP hardly/RB know/VBP how/WRB to/TO speak/VB to/TO you,"/NNP said/VBD poor/JJ Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP pressing/VBG her/PRP$ hand;/NN "but/IN Mr./NNP Marston/NNP has/VBZ twice/RB desired/VBN me/PRP to/TO tell/VB you,/PRP what/WP you/PRP will/MD hear/VB with/IN far/RB less/JJR pain/NN than/IN it/PRP costs/VBZ me/PRP to/TO say/VB it."/IN Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras/NNPS stole/VBD another/DT flashing/VBG glance/NN at/IN her/PRP$ companion,/NN but/CC did/VBD not/RB speak./VB "Mr./NNP Marston/NNP still/RB persists,/RB mademoiselle,/VBN in/IN desiring/VBG that/IN we/PRP shall/MD part."/VB "Est-il/JJ possible?"/NN cried/VBD the/DT Frenchwoman,/NNP with/IN a/DT genuine/JJ start./NN "Indeed,/NN mademoiselle,/VBD you/PRP may/MD well/RB be/VB surprised,"/RB said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP encountering/VBG her/PRP$ full/JJ and/CC dilated/JJ gaze,/NN which,/, however,/RB dropped/VBD again/RB in/IN a/DT moment/NN to/TO the/DT ground./NN "You/PRP may,/MD indeed,/RB naturally/RB be/VB surprised/VBN and/CC shocked/VBN at/IN this,/NN to/TO me,/VB most/RBS severe/JJ decision."/NN "When/RB did/VBD he/PRP speak/VB last/JJ of/IN it?"/PRP said/VBD she,/PRP rapidly./VBD "But/IN a/DT few/JJ moments/NNS since,"/IN answered/VBN Mrs./NNP Marston./NNP "Ha,"/NNP said/VBD mademoiselle,/, and/CC remained/VBD silent/JJ and/CC motionless/JJ for/IN more/JJR than/IN a/DT minute./NN "Madame,"/IN she/PRP cried/VBD at/IN last,/JJ mournfully,/NN "I/IN suppose,/NN then,/, I/PRP must/MD go;/VB but/CC it/PRP tears/NNS my/PRP$ heart/NN to/TO leave/VB you/PRP and/CC dear/JJ Miss/NNP Rhoda./NNP I/PRP would/MD be/VB very/RB happy/JJ if,/NN before/IN departing,/NN you/PRP would/MD permit/VB me,/PRP dear/JJ madame,/, once/RB more/JJR to/TO assure/VB Mr./NNP Marston/NNP of/IN my/PRP$ innocence,/JJ and,/NN in/IN his/PRP$ presence,/NN to/TO call/VB heaven/NN to/TO witness/VB how/WRB unjust/RB are/VBP all/DT his/PRP$ suspicions."/NN "Do/IN so,/NN mademoiselle,/, and/CC I/PRP will/MD add/VB my/PRP$ earnest/JJ assurances/NNS again;/IN though,/DT heaven/NN knows,"/VBD she/PRP said,/VBD despondingly,/IN "I/PRP anticipate/VBP little/JJ success;/NN but/CC it/PRP is/VBZ well/RB to/TO leave/VB no/DT chance/NN untried."/IN Marston/NNP was/VBD sitting,/RB as/IN we/PRP have/VBP said,/VBN in/IN his/PRP$ library./NN His/PRP$ agitation/NN had/VBD given/VBN place/NN to/TO a/DT listless/JJ gloom,/NN and/CC he/PRP leaned/VBD back/RB in/IN his/PRP$ chair,/NN his/PRP$ head/NN supported/VBN by/IN his/PRP$ hand,/NN and/CC undisturbed,/JJ except/IN by/IN the/DT occasional/JJ fall/NN of/IN the/DT embers/NNS upon/IN the/DT hearth./NN There/EX was/VBD a/DT knock/NN at/IN the/DT chamber/NN door./NN His/PRP$ back/NN was/VBD towards/IN it,/DT and,/NN without/IN turning/VBG or/CC moving,/NNS he/PRP called/VBD to/TO the/DT applicant/JJ to/TO enter./VB The/DT door/NN opened--closed/JJ again:/IN a/DT light/NN tread/NN was/VBD audible--a/DT tall/JJ shadow/NN darkened/VBD the/DT wall:/NN Marston/NNP looked/VBD round,/RB and/CC Mademoiselle/NNP de/NNP Barras/NNP was/VBD standing/VBG before/IN him./PRP Without/IN knowing/VBG how/WRB or/CC why,/WRB he/PRP rose,/VBD and/CC stood/VBD gazing/VBG upon/IN her/PRP$ in/IN silence./NN "Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras!"/NNP he/PRP said,/VBD at/IN last,/JJ in/IN a/DT tone/NN of/IN cold/JJ surprise./NN "Yes,/IN poor/JJ Mademoiselle/NNP de/NNP Barras,"/NNP replied/VBD the/DT sweet/JJ voice/NN of/IN the/DT young/JJ Frenchwoman,/NNP while/IN her/PRP$ lips/NNS hardly/RB moved/VBD as/IN the/DT melancholy/JJ tones/NNS passed/VBD them./PRP "Well,/RB mademoiselle,/VBD what/WP do/VBP you/PRP desire?"/VB he/PRP asked,/RB in/IN the/DT same/JJ cold/JJ accents,/NN and/CC averting/VBG his/PRP$ eyes./NN "Ah,/IN monsieur,/NN do/VBP you/PRP ask?--can/VB you/PRP pretend/VB to/TO be/VB ignorant?/VBN Have/VBP you/PRP not/RB sent/VBD me/PRP a/DT message,/NN a/DT cruel,/JJ cruel/JJ message?"/NN She/PRP spoke/VBD so/RB low/JJ and/CC gently,/JJ that/IN a/DT person/NN at/IN the/DT other/JJ end/NN of/IN the/DT room/NN could/MD hardly/RB have/VB heard/VBN her/PRP words./. "Yes,/NNP Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras,/NNP I/PRP did/VBD send/VB you/PRP a/DT message,"/NN he/PRP replied,/VBD doggedly./VBG "A/RB cruel/JJ one/NN you/PRP will/MD scarcely/RB presume/VB to/TO call/VB it,/RB when/WRB you/PRP reflect/VBP upon/IN your/PRP$ own/JJ conduct,/NN and/CC the/DT circumstances/NNS which/WDT have/VBP provoked/VBN the/DT measures/NNS I/PRP have/VBP taken."/VBN "What/RB have/VBP I/PRP done,/VBN Monsieur?--what/JJ circumstances/NNS do/VBP you/PRP mean?"/VB asked/VBD she,/PRP plaintively./VBZ "What/RB have/VBP you/PRP done!/VB A/DT pretty/JJ question,/NN truly./NN Ha,/NNP ha!"/VBD he/PRP repeated,/VBD bitterly,/JJ and/CC then/RB added,/VB with/IN suppressed/JJ vehemence,/JJ "ask/NN your/PRP$ own/JJ heart,/NN mademoiselle."/VBD "I/PRP have/VBP asked,/RB I/PRP do/VBP ask,/RB and/CC my/PRP$ heart/NN answers--nothing,"/NN she/PRP replied,/VBD raising/VBG her/PRP$ fine/JJ melancholy/JJ eyes/NNS for/IN a/DT moment/NN to/TO his/PRP$ face./NN "It/IN lies,/NN then,"/, he/PRP retorted,/VBD with/IN a/DT fierce/JJ scoff./NN "Monsieur,/NN before/IN heaven/NN I/PRP swear,/VBP you/PRP wrong/JJ me/PRP foully,"/IN she/PRP said,/VBD earnestly,/VBN clasping/VBG her/PRP$ hands/NNS together./. "Did/NN ever/RB woman/NN say/VB she/PRP was/VBD accused/VBN rightly,/RB mademoiselle?"/VBN retorted/VBN Marston,/NNP with/IN a/DT sneer./NN "I/IN don't/RB know--I/JJ don't/NN care./NN I/PRP only/RB know/VBP that/IN I/PRP am/VBP innocent,"/JJ continued/VBD she,/NN piteously./NN "I/NNS call/VBP heaven/NN to/TO witness/VB you/PRP have/VBP wronged/VBN me."/NNS "Wronged/VBD you!--why,/JJ after/IN all,/DT with/IN what/WP have/VBP I/PRP charged/VBN you?"/PRP said/VBD he,/PRP scoffingly;/VBP "but/RB let/VB that/DT pass./NN I/PRP have/VBP formed/VBN my/PRP$ opinions,/NN arrived/VBD at/IN my/PRP$ conclusions./NN If/IN I/PRP have/VBP not/RB named/VBN them/PRP broadly,/IN you/PRP at/IN least/JJS seem/VB to/TO understand/VB their/PRP$ nature/NN thoroughly./VBD I/PRP know/VBP the/DT world./NN I/PRP am/VBP no/DT novice/NN in/IN the/DT arts/NNS of/IN women,/JJ mademoiselle./, Reserve/NNP your/PRP$ vows/NNS and/CC attestations/NNS for/IN schoolboys/NNS and/CC simpletons;/JJ they/PRP are/VBP sadly/RB thrown/VBN away/RB upon/IN me."/NNS Marston/NNP paced/VBD to/TO and/CC fro,/RB with/IN his/PRP$ hands/NNS thrust/VB into/IN his/PRP$ pockets,/NN as/IN he/PRP thus/RB spoke./VBD "Then/RB you/PRP don't,/VBP or/CC rather/RB you/PRP will/MD not/RB believe/VB what/WP I/PRP tell/VBP you?"/PRP said/VBD she,/PRP imploringly./VBD "No,"/IN he/PRP answered,/VBD drily/RB and/CC slowly,/RB as/IN he/PRP passed/VBD her./PRP "I/JJ don't,/NNS and/CC I/PRP won't/VBD (as/IN you/PRP say)/VBP believe/VB one/CD word/NN of/IN it;/DT so,/NN pray/NN spare/VB yourself/PRP further/JJ trouble/NN about/IN the/DT matter."/NN She/PRP raised/VBD her/PRP$ head,/NN and/CC darted/VBD after/IN him/PRP a/DT glance/NN that/WDT seemed/VBD absolutely/RB to/TO blaze,/VB and/CC at/IN the/DT same/JJ time/NN smote/VB her/PRP$ little/JJ hand/NN fast/RB clenched/VBD upon/IN her/PRP$ breast./NN The/DT words,/NN however,/RB that/IN trembled/VBD on/IN her/PRP$ pale/JJ lips/NNS were/VBD not/RB uttered;/VB her/PRP$ eyes/NNS were/VBD again/RB cast/VBN down,/NN and/CC her/PRP$ fingers/NNS played/VBD with/IN the/DT little/JJ locket/NN that/IN hung/VBD round/RB her/PRP$ neck./NN "I/NN must/MD make,/VB before/IN I/PRP go,"/VBD she/PRP said,/VBD with/IN a/DT deep/JJ sigh/NN and/CC a/DT melancholy/JJ voice,/NN "one/NN confidence--one/NN last/JJ confidence:/NN judge/VB me/PRP by/IN it./DT You/PRP cannot/MD choose/VB but/CC believe/VB me/PRP now:/RB it/PRP is/VBZ a/DT secret,/NN and/CC it/PRP must/MD even/RB here/RB be/VB whispered,/DT whispered,/NN whispered!"/NN As/IN she/PRP spoke,/VBD the/DT color/NN fled/VBN from/IN her/PRP$ face,/NN and/CC her/PRP$ tones/NNS became/VBD so/RB strange/JJ and/CC resolute,/JJ that/IN Marston/NNP turned/VBD short/RB upon/IN his/PRP$ heel,/NN and/CC stopped/VBD before/RB her./. She/PRP looked/VBD in/IN his/PRP$ face;/NN he/PRP frowned,/, but/CC lowered/VBD his/PRP$ eyes./NN She/PRP drew/VBD nearer,/RB laid/VBN her/PRP$ hand/NN upon/IN his/PRP$ shoulder,/NNS and/CC whispered/VBD for/IN a/DT few/JJ moments/NNS in/IN his/PRP$ ear./NN He/PRP raised/VBD his/PRP$ face/NN suddenly:/VBD its/PRP$ features/NNS were/VBD sharp/JJ and/CC fixed;/JJ its/PRP$ hue/NN was/VBD changed;/IN it/PRP was/VBD livid/JJ and/CC moveless,/NN like/IN a/DT face/NN cut/VBN in/IN gray/JJ stone./NN He/PRP staggered/VBD back/RB a/DT little/JJ and/CC a/DT little/JJ more,/NN and/CC then/RB a/DT little/JJ more,/NN and/CC fell/VBD backward./VBN Fortunately,/IN the/DT chair/NN in/IN which/WDT he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN sitting/VBG received/VBN him,/NN and/CC he/PRP lay/VBD there/RB insensible/JJ as/IN a/DT corpse./NN When/WRB at/IN last/JJ his/PRP$ eyes/NNS opened,/, there/EX was/VBD no/DT gleam/NN of/IN triumph,/NN no/DT shade/NN of/IN anger,/NNS nothing/NN perceptible/NN of/IN guilt/NN or/CC menace,/NN in/IN the/DT young/JJ woman's/NNS countenance./, The/DT flush/NN had/VBD returned/VBN to/TO her/PRP cheeks;/IN her/PRP$ dimpled/JJ chin/NN had/VBD sunk/VBN upon/IN her/PRP$ full/JJ white/JJ throat;/NN sorrow,/JJ shame,/NN and/CC pride/NN seemed/VBD struggling/VBG in/IN her/PRP$ handsome/JJ face,/NN and/CC she/PRP stood/VBD before/IN him/PRP like/IN a/DT beautiful/JJ penitent,/NN who/WP has/VBZ just/RB made/VBN a/DT strange/JJ and/CC humbling/JJ shrift/NN to/TO her/PRP$ father/NN confessor./VBD Next/JJ day,/NN Marston/NNP was/VBD mounting/VBG his/PRP$ horse/NN for/IN a/DT solitary/JJ ride/NN through/IN his/PRP$ park,/NN when/WRB Doctor/NNP Danvers/NNPS rode/VBD abruptly/RB into/IN the/DT courtyard/NN from/IN the/DT back/NN entrance./NN Marston/NNP touched/VBD his/PRP$ hat,/NN and/CC said--/DT "I/NNP don't/VBD stand/VB on/IN forms/NNS with/IN you,/JJ doctor,/NN and/CC you,/NN I/PRP know,/VBP will/MD waive/VB ceremony/NN with/IN me./NN You/PRP will/MD find/VB Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP at/IN home."/NN "Nay,/IN my/PRP$ dear/JJ sir,"/NN interrupted/VBD the/DT clergyman,/NN sitting/VBG firm/NN in/IN his/PRP$ saddle,/NN "my/NN business/NN lies/VBZ with/IN you/PRP today."/RB "The/DT devil/NN it/PRP does!"/VBZ said/VBD Marston,/NNP with/IN discontented/JJ surprise./NN "Truly/RB it/PRP does,/VBZ sir,"/RB repeated/VBN he,/NN with/IN a/DT look/NN of/IN gentle/JJ reproof,/NN for/IN the/DT profanity/NN of/IN Marston's/NNP ejaculation,/, far/RB more/JJR than/IN the/DT rudeness/NN of/IN his/PRP$ manner,/NN offended/VBD him;/PRP "and/CC I/PRP grieve/VBP that/IN your/PRP$ surprise/NN should/MD have/VB somewhat/RB carried/VBN you/PRP away--"/RB "Well,/RB then,/, Doctor/NNP Danvers,"/NNP interrupted/VBD Marston,/NNP drily,/NN and/CC without/IN heeding/VBG his/PRP$ concluding/VBG remark,/NNS "if/IN you/PRP really/RB have/VBP business/NN with/IN me,/NNS it/PRP is,/VBZ at/IN all/DT events,/NN of/IN no/DT very/RB pressing/VBG kind,/NN and/CC may/MD be/VB as/RB well/RB told/VBN after/IN supper/NN as/IN now./DT So,/NNP pray,/NNS go/VBP into/IN the/DT house/NN and/CC rest/NN yourself:/IN we/PRP can/MD talk/VB together/RB in/IN the/DT evening."/JJ "My/JJ horse/NN is/VBZ not/RB tired,"/RB said/VBD the/DT clergyman,/NN patting/VBG his/PRP$ steed's/NNS neck;/RB "and/CC if/IN you/PRP do/VBP not/RB object,/VB I/PRP will/MD ride/VB by/IN your/PRP$ side/NN for/IN a/DT short/JJ time,/NN and/CC as/IN we/PRP go,/VBP I/PRP can/MD say/VB out/RP what/WP I/PRP have/VBP to/TO tell."/VB "Well,/NNS well,/RB be/VB it/PRP so,"/RB said/VBD Marston,/NNP with/IN suppressed/JJ impatience,/NN and/CC without/IN more/JJR ceremony,/NN he/PRP rode/VBD slowly/RB along/IN the/DT avenue,/NN and/CC turned/VBD off/RP upon/IN the/DT soft/JJ sward/NN in/IN the/DT direction/NN of/IN the/DT wildest/JJ portion/NN of/IN his/PRP$ wooded/JJ demesne,/NN the/DT clergyman/NN keeping/VBG close/JJ beside/IN him./PRP They/PRP proceeded/VBD some/DT little/JJ way/NN at/IN a/DT walk/NN before/IN Doctor/NNP Danvers/NNPS spoke./VBD "I/PRP have/VBP been/VBN twice/RB or/CC thrice/VB with/IN that/DT unhappy/JJ man,"/NN at/IN length/NN he/PRP said./VBD "What/IN unhappy/JJ man?/NN Unhappiness/NN is/VBZ no/DT distinguishing/NN singularity,/NN is/VBZ it?"/RB said/VBD Marston,/NNP sharply./MD "No,/VB truly,/NN you/PRP have/VBP well/RB said,"/VBN replied/VBD Doctor/NNP Danvers./NNP "True/IN it/PRP is/VBZ that/DT man/NN is/VBZ born/VBN unto/IN trouble/NN as/IN the/DT sparks/NNS fly/VBP upward./RB I/PRP speak,/VBP however,/RB of/IN your/PRP$ servant,/NN Merton--a/. most/RBS unhappy/JJ wretch."/NN "Ha!/IN you/PRP have/VBP been/VBN with/IN him,/NN you/PRP say?"/VBP replied/VBD Marston,/NNP with/IN evident/JJ interest/NN and/CC anxiety./DT "Yes,/NNP several/JJ times,/NN and/CC conversed/VBD with/IN him/PRP long/RB and/CC gravely,"/VB continued/VBD the/DT clergyman./NN "Humph!/IN I/PRP thought/VBD that/IN had/VBD been/VBN the/DT chaplain's/NNS business,/NN not/RB yours,/IN my/PRP$ good/JJ friend,"/NN observed/VBD Marston./NNP "He/NNP has/VBZ been/VBN unwell,"/JJ replied/VBD Dr./NNP Danvers;/NNP "and/NNP thus,/, for/IN a/DT day/NN or/CC two,/NNS I/PRP took/VBD his/PRP$ duty,/NN and/CC this/DT poor/JJ man,/NN Merton,/IN having/VBG known/VBN something/NN of/IN me,/RB preferred/VBN seeing/VBG me/PRP rather/RB than/IN a/DT stranger;/NN and/CC so,/NN at/IN the/DT chaplain's/NNS desire/NN and/CC his,/NN I/PRP continued/VBD my/PRP$ visits."/NN "Well,/NN and/CC you/PRP have/VBP taught/VBN him/PRP to/TO pray/VB and/CC sing/VB psalms,/NN I/PRP suppose;/VBP and/CC what/WP has/VBZ come/VBN of/IN it/PRP all?"/RB demanded/VBD Marston,/NNP testily./, "He/NNP does/VBZ pray,/NNS indeed,/RB poor/JJ man!/NN and/CC I/PRP trust/VBP his/PRP$ prayers/NNS are/VBP heard/VBN with/IN mercy/NN at/IN the/DT throne/NN of/IN grace,"/NN said/VBD his/PRP$ companion,/NN in/IN his/PRP$ earnestness/NN disregarding/VBG the/DT sneering/VBG tone/NN of/IN his/PRP$ companion./NN "He/NN is/VBZ full/JJ of/IN compunction,/NN and/CC admits/VBZ his/PRP$ guilt."/NN "Ho!/NN that/WDT is/VBZ well--well/RB for/IN himself--well/NN for/IN his/PRP$ soul,/NN at/IN least;/JJS you/PRP are/VBP sure/JJ of/IN it;/PRP$ he/PRP confesses;/VBD confesses/VBZ his/PRP$ guilt?"/NN Marston/NNP put/VBD his/PRP$ question/NN so/RB rapidly/RB and/CC excitedly,/VBD that/IN the/DT clergyman/NN looked/VBD with/IN a/DT slight/JJ expression/NN of/IN surprise;/JJ and/CC recovering/VBG himself,/NNS he/PRP added,/VBD in/IN an/DT unconcerned/JJ tone--/, "Well,/JJ well--it/NN was/VBD just/RB as/RB well/RB he/PRP did/VBD so;/RB the/DT evidence/NN is/VBZ too/RB clear/JJ for/IN doubt/NN or/CC mystification;/NN he/PRP knew/VBD he/PRP had/VBD no/DT chance,/NN and/CC has/VBZ taken/VBN the/DT seemliest/JJS course;/NN and,/CC doubtless,/VB the/DT best/JJS for/IN his/PRP$ hopes/NNS hereafter."/IN "I/PRP did/VBD not/RB question/VB him/PRP upon/IN the/DT subject,"/NN said/VBD Doctor/NNP Danvers;/NNP "I/NNP even/RB declined/VBD to/TO hear/VB him/PRP speak/VB upon/IN it/PRP at/IN first;/JJ but/CC he/PRP told/VBD me/PRP he/PRP was/VBD resolved/VBN to/TO offer/VB no/DT defense,/NN and/CC that/IN he/PRP saw/VBD the/DT finger/NN of/IN God/NNP in/IN the/DT fate/NN which/WDT had/VBD overtaken/VBN him."/PRP "He/PRP will/MD plead/VB guilty,/JJ then,/, I/PRP suppose?"/VBP suggested/VBN Marston,/RB watching/VBG the/DT countenance/NN of/IN his/PRP$ companion/NN with/IN an/DT anxious/JJ and/CC somewhat/RB sinister/JJ eye./NN "His/IN words/NNS seem/VBP to/TO imply/VB so/RB much,"/JJ answered/VBD he;/PRP "and/CC having/VBG thus/RB frankly/RB owned/VBN his/PRP$ guilt,/NN and/CC avowed/VBD his/PRP$ resolution/NN to/TO let/VB the/DT law/NN take/VBP its/PRP$ due/JJ course/NN in/IN his/PRP$ case,/NN without/IN obstruction/NN or/CC evasion,/NN I/PRP urged/VBD him/PRP to/TO complete/VB the/DT grand/JJ work/NN he/PRP had/VBD begun,/VBN and/CC to/TO confess/VB to/TO you,/VB or/CC to/TO some/DT other/JJ magistrate/NN fully,/, and/CC in/IN detail,/NN every/DT circumstance/NN connected/VBN with/IN the/DT perpetration/NN of/IN the/DT dreadful/JJ deed."/NN Marston/NNP knit/VB his/PRP$ brows,/NN and/CC rode/VBD on/IN for/IN some/DT minutes/NNS in/IN silence./NN At/IN length/NN he/PRP said,/VBD abruptly--/RB "In/IN this,/IN it/PRP seems/VBZ to/TO me,/VB sir,/NN you/PRP a/DT little/JJ exceeded/VBD your/PRP$ commission."/JJ "How/NN so,/IN my/PRP$ dear/NN sir?"/NN asked/VBD the/DT clergyman./NN "Why,/IN sir,"/NN answered/VBD Marston,/NNP "the/DT man/NN may/MD possibly/RB change/VB his/PRP$ mind/NN before/IN the/DT day/NN of/IN trial,/NN and/CC it/PRP is/VBZ the/DT hangman's/NN office,/NN not/RB yours,/IN my/PRP$ good/JJ sir,/NN to/TO fasten/VB the/DT halter/NN about/IN his/PRP$ neck./NN You/PRP will/MD pardon/VB my/PRP$ freedom;/JJ but,/NN were/VBD this/DT deposition/NN made/VBD as/IN you/PRP suggest,/VBP it/PRP would/MD undoubtedly/RB hang/VB him."/NN "God/JJ forbid,/IN Mr./NNP Marston,"/NNP rejoined/VBD Danvers,/NNP "that/IN I/PRP should/MD induce/VB the/DT unhappy/JJ man/NN to/TO forfeit/VB his/PRP$ last/JJ chances/NNS of/IN escape,/JJ and/CC to/TO shut/VB the/DT door/NN of/IN human/JJ mercy/NN against/IN himself,/PRP but/CC on/IN this/DT he/PRP seems/VBZ already/RB resolved;/VBN he/PRP says/VBZ so;/IN he/PRP has/VBZ solemnly/RB declared/VBN his/PRP$ resolution/NN to/TO me;/NNS and/CC even/RB against/IN my/PRP$ warning,/NN again/RB and/CC again/RB reiterated/VBD the/DT same/JJ declaration."/NN "That/IN I/PRP should/MD have/VB thought/VBN quite/RB enough,/RB were/VBD I/PRP in/IN your/PRP$ place,/NN without/IN inviting/VBG a/DT detailed/JJ description/NN of/IN the/DT whole/JJ process/NN by/IN which/WDT this/DT detestable/JJ butchery/NN was/VBD consummated./VBN What/WP more/JJR than/IN the/DT simple/JJ knowledge/NN of/IN the/DT man's/JJ guilt/NN does/VBZ any/DT mortal/JJ desire;/NN guilty,/NN or/CC not/RB guilty,/NN is/VBZ the/DT plain/JJ question/NN which/WDT the/DT law/NN asks,/RB and/CC no/DT more;/JJR take/VB my/PRP$ advice,/NN sir,/NN as/IN a/DT poor/JJ Protestant/JJ layman,/NNS and/CC leave/VB the/DT acts/NNS of/IN the/DT confessional/JJ and/CC inquisition/NN to/TO Popish/NNP priests."/NN "Nay,/IN Mr./NNP Marston,/NNP you/PRP greatly/RB misconceive/JJ me;/NN as/IN matters/NNS stand,/VBP there/RB exists/VBZ among/IN the/DT coroner's/JJ jury,/NN and/CC thus/RB among/IN the/DT public,/NN some/DT faint/JJ and/CC unfounded/JJ suspicion/NN of/IN the/DT possibility/NN of/IN Merton's/NNP having/VBG had/VBD an/DT accessory/JJ or/CC accomplice/NN in/IN the/DT perpetration/NN of/IN this/DT foul/JJ murder."/NN "It/NN is/VBZ a/DT lie,/NN sir--a/NN malignant,/NN d----d/JJ lie--the/JJ jury/NN believe/VB no/DT such/JJ thing,/NN nor/CC the/DT public/JJ neither,"/NN said/VBD Marston,/NNP starting/VBG in/IN his/PRP$ saddle,/NN and/CC speaking/VBG in/IN a/DT voice/NN of/IN thunder;/JJ "you/NNS have/VBP been/VBN crammed/VBN with/IN lies,/NN sir;/NN malicious,/NN unmeaning,/JJ vindictive/JJ lies;/NN lies/VBZ invented/VBN to/TO asperse/VB my/PRP$ family,/NN and/CC torture/NN my/PRP$ feelings;/NN suggested/VBD in/IN my/PRP$ presence/NN by/IN that/DT scoundrel/NN Mervyn,/NNP and/CC scouted/VBN by/IN the/DT common/JJ sense/NN of/IN the/DT jury."/NN "I/PRP do/VBP assure/VB you,"/PRP replied/VBD Doctor/NNP Danvers,/NNP in/IN a/DT voice/NN which/WDT seemed/VBD scarcely/RB audible,/VB after/IN the/DT stunning/JJ and/CC passionate/JJ explosion/NN of/IN Marston's/NNP wrath,/, "I/NNP did/VBD not/RB imagine/VB that/IN you/PRP could/MD feel/VB thus/RB sorely/RB upon/IN the/DT point;/NN nay,/RB I/PRP thought/VBD that/IN you/PRP yourself/PRP were/VBD not/RB without/IN such/JJ painful/JJ doubts."/NN "Again,/NNS I/PRP tell/VBP you,/PRP sir,"/NN said/VBD Marston,/NNP in/IN a/DT tone/NN somewhat/RB calmer,/JJ but/CC no/DT less/JJR stern,/NN "such/RB doubts/VBZ as/IN you/PRP describe/VBP have/VB no/DT existence;/NN your/PRP$ unsuspecting/JJ ear/NN has/VBZ been/VBN alarmed/VBN by/IN a/DT vindictive/JJ wretch,/NN an/DT old/JJ scoundrel/NN who/WP has/VBZ scarce/JJ a/DT passion/NN left/VBN but/CC spite/NN towards/IN me;/NNS few/JJ such/JJ there/EX are,/VBP thank/VB God;/NNP few/JJ such/JJ villains/NNS as/IN would,/NNS from/IN a/DT man's/NN very/RB calamities,/JJ distil/NN poison/NN to/TO kill/VB the/DT peace/NN and/CC character/NN of/IN his/PRP$ family."/JJ "I/NN am/VBP sorry,/JJ Mr./NNP Marston,"/NNP said/VBD the/DT clergyman,/NN "you/PRP have/VBP formed/VBN so/RB ill/JJ an/DT opinion/NN of/IN a/DT neighbor,/NN and/CC I/PRP am/VBP very/RB sure/JJ that/IN Mr./NNP Mervyn/NNP meant/VBD you/PRP no/RB ill/RB in/IN frankly/RB expressing/VBG whatever/WDT doubts/NNS still/RB rested/VBD on/IN his/PRP$ mind,/NN after/IN the/DT evidence/NN was/VBD taken."/VBN "He/NNP did--the/, scoundrel!"/NN said/VBD Marston,/NNP furiously/RB striking/VBG his/PRP$ hand,/NN in/IN which/WDT his/PRP$ whip/NN was/VBD clutched,/VBN upon/IN his/PRP$ thigh;/NN "he/, did/VBD mean/VB to/TO wound/VB and/CC torture/VB me;/NNS and/CC with/IN the/DT same/JJ object/NN he/PRP persists/VBZ in/IN circulating/VBG what/WP he/PRP calls/VBZ his/PRP$ doubts./NN Meant/IN me/PRP no/DT ill,/JJ forsooth!/NNS why,/IN my/PRP$ great/JJ God,/NNP sir,/NN could/MD any/DT man/NN be/VB so/RB stupid/JJ as/IN not/RB to/TO perceive/VB that/IN the/DT suggestion/NN of/IN such/JJ suspicions--absurd,/JJ contradictory,/NN incredible/JJ as/IN they/PRP were--was/VBD precisely/RB the/DT thing/NN to/TO exasperate/VB feelings/NNS sufficiently/RB troubled/VBD already,/RB and/CC not/RB content/JJ with/IN raising/VBG the/DT question,/NN where/WRB it/PRP was/VBD scouted,/VBN as/IN I/PRP said,/VBD as/RB soon/RB as/IN named,/VBN the/DT vindictive/JJ slanderer/NN proceeds/NNS to/TO propagate/VB and/CC publish/VB his/PRP$ pretended/VBN surmises--d----n/JJ him."/NN "Mr./NNP Marston,/NNP you/PRP will/MD pardon/VB me/PRP when/WRB I/PRP say/VBP that,/, as/IN a/DT Christian/NNP minister,/NN I/PRP cannot/MD suffer/VB a/DT spirit/NN so/RB ill/JJ as/IN that/IN you/PRP manifest,/VBP and/CC language/NN so/RB unseemly/JJ as/IN that/IN you/PRP have/VBP just/RB uttered,/VB to/TO pass/VB unreproved,"/RB said/VBD Danvers,/NNP solemnly./VBD "If/IN you/PRP will/MD cherish/VB those/DT bitter/JJ and/CC unchristian/JJ feelings,/NNS at/IN least/JJS for/IN the/DT brief/JJ space/NN that/IN I/PRP am/VBP with/IN you,/PRP command/VB your/PRP$ fierce,/JJ unbecoming/JJ words."/NN Marston/NNP was/VBD about/IN to/TO make/VB a/DT sneering/NN retort,/NN but/CC restrained/VBD himself,/PRP and/CC turned/VBD his/PRP$ head/NN away./VBD "The/DT wretched/JJ man/NN himself/PRP appears/VBZ now/RB very/RB anxious/JJ to/TO make/VB some/DT further/JJ disclosures,"/NN resumed/VBD Doctor/NNP Danvers,/NNP after/IN a/DT pause,/NN "and/CC I/PRP recommended/VBD him/PRP to/TO make/VB them/PRP to/TO you,/VB Mr./NNP Marston,/NNP as/IN the/DT most/RBS natural/JJ depository/NN of/IN such/JJ a/DT statement."/NN "Well,/IN Mr./NNP Danvers,/NNP to/TO cut/VB the/DT matter/NN short,/JJ as/IN it/PRP appears/VBZ that/IN a/DT confession/NN of/IN some/DT sort/NN is/VBZ to/TO be/VB made,/VBN be/VB it/PRP so./. I/PRP will/MD attend/VB and/CC receive/VB it./DT The/DT judges/NNS will/MD not/RB be/VB here/RB for/IN eight/CD or/CC ten/CD weeks/NNS to/TO come,/VB so/RB there/EX is/VBZ no/DT great/JJ hurry/NN about/IN it./PRP$ I/PRP shall/MD ride/VB down/RB to/TO the/DT town,/NN and/CC see/VB him/PRP in/IN the/DT jail/NN some/DT time/NN in/IN the/DT next/JJ week."/NN With/IN this/DT assurance/NN Marston/NNP parted/VBD from/IN the/DT old/JJ clergyman,/NN and/CC rode/VBD on/IN alone/RB through/IN the/DT furze/NN and/CC fern/NN of/IN his/PRP$ wild/JJ and/CC somber/NN park./NN After/IN supper/NN that/WDT evening/NN Marston/NNP found/VBD himself/PRP alone/RB in/IN the/DT parlor/NN with/IN his/PRP$ wife./NN Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP availed/VBD herself/PRP of/IN the/DT opportunity/NN to/TO redeem/VB her/PRP$ pledge/NN to/TO Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras./NNP She/PRP was/VBD not/RB aware/JJ of/IN the/DT strange/JJ interview/NN which/WDT had/VBD taken/VBN place/NN between/IN him/PRP and/CC the/DT lady/NN for/IN whom/WP she/PRP pleaded./VBD The/DT result/NN of/IN her/PRP$ renewed/VBN entreaties/NNS perhaps/RB the/DT reader/NN has/VBZ anticipated./VBN Marston/NNP listened,/NN doubted,/NN listened,/NNS hesitated/VBD again,/RB put/VBN questions,/NNS pondered/VBD the/DT answers;/NN debated/VBD the/DT matter/NN inwardly,/RB and/CC at/IN last/JJ gruffly/NN consented/VBD to/TO give/VB the/DT young/JJ lady/NN another/DT trial,/NN and/CC permit/VB her/PRP to/TO remain/VB some/DT time/NN longer./, Poor/NNP Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP little/RB suspecting/VBG the/DT dreadful/JJ future,/NN overwhelmed/VBD her/PRP$ husband/NN with/IN gratitude/NN for/IN granting/VBG to/TO her/PRP$ entreaties/NNS (as/IN he/PRP had/VBD predetermined/VBN to/TO do)/VB this/DT fatal/JJ boon./NN Not/RB caring/VBG to/TO protract/VB this/DT scene--either/NN from/IN a/DT disinclination/NN to/TO listen/VB to/TO expressions/NNS of/IN affection,/NN which/WDT had/VBD long/RB lost/VBN their/PRP$ charm/NN for/IN him,/NN and/CC had/VBD become/VBN even/RB positively/RB distasteful,/JJ or/CC perhaps/RB from/IN some/DT instinctive/JJ recoil/NN from/IN the/DT warm/JJ expression/NN of/IN gratitude/NN from/IN lips/NNS which,/WDT were/VBD the/DT truth/NN revealed,/NN might/MD justly/RB have/VB trembled/VBD with/IN execration/NN and/CC reproach--he/DT abruptly/RB left/VBN the/DT room,/NN and/CC Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP full/JJ of/IN her/PRP$ good/JJ news,/NN hastened,/, in/IN the/DT kindness/NN of/IN her/PRP$ heart,/NN to/TO communicate/VB the/DT fancied/JJ result/NN of/IN her/PRP$ advocacy/NN to/TO Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras./NNP It/PRP was/VBD about/IN a/DT week/NN after/IN this,/NN that/IN Marston/NNP was/VBD one/CD evening/NN surprised/VBN in/IN his/PRP$ study/NN by/IN the/DT receipt/NN of/IN the/DT following/VBG letter/NN from/IN Dr./NNP Danvers:--/NNP "My/NNP Dear/NNP Sir,/NNP "You/NNP will/MD be/VB shocked/VBN to/TO hear/VB that/IN Merton/NNP is/VBZ most/RBS dangerously/RB ill,/JJ and/CC at/IN this/DT moment/NN in/IN imminent/JJ peril./NN He/PRP is/VBZ thoroughly/RB conscious/JJ of/IN his/PRP$ situation,/NN and/CC himself/PRP regards/VBZ it/PRP as/IN a/DT merciful/JJ interposition/NN of/IN Providence/NNP to/TO spare/VB him/PRP the/DT disgrace/NN and/CC terror/NN of/IN the/DT dreadful/NN fate,/NN which/WDT he/PRP anticipated./MD The/DT unhappy/JJ man/NN has/VBZ twice/RB repeated/VBN his/PRP$ anxious/JJ desire,/NN this/DT day,/NN to/TO state/VB some/DT facts/NNS connected/VBN with/IN the/DT murder/NN of/IN the/DT late/JJ Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP Berkley,/NNP which,/, he/PRP says,/VBZ it/PRP is/VBZ of/IN the/DT utmost/JJ moment/NN that/IN you/PRP should/MD hear./VB He/PRP says/VBZ that/IN he/PRP could/MD not/RB leave/VB the/DT world/NN in/IN peace/NN without/IN having/VBG made/VBN this/DT disclosure,/NN which/WDT he/PRP especially/RB desires/VBZ to/TO make/VB to/TO yourself,/VB and/CC entreats/VBZ that/IN you/PRP will/MD come/VB to/TO receive/VB his/PRP$ communication/NN as/RB early/RB as/IN you/PRP can/MD in/IN the/DT morning./NN This/DT is/VBZ indeed/RB needful,/VBN as/IN the/DT physician/NN says/VBZ that/IN he/PRP is/VBZ fast/RB sinking./VBG I/PRP offer/VBP no/DT apology/NN for/IN adding/VBG my/PRP$ earnest/NN solicitations/NNS to/TO those/DT or/CC the/DT dying/VBG man;/JJ and/CC am,/JJ dear/NN sir,/NNS your/VBP very/RB obedient/JJ servant,/NN "J./NNP Danvers"/NNP "He/NNP regards/VBZ it/PRP as/IN a/DT merciful/JJ interposition/NN of/IN Providence,"/NNP muttered/VBD Marston,/NNP as/IN he/PRP closed/VBD the/DT letter,/NN with/IN a/DT sneer./NN "Well,/IN some/DT men/NNS have/VBP odd/JJ notions/NNS of/IN mercy/NN and/CC providence,/NN to/TO be/VB sure;/JJ but/CC if/IN it/PRP pleases/VBZ him,/PRP certainly/RB I/PRP shall/MD not/RB complain/VB for/IN one."/JJ Marston/NNP was/VBD all/RB this/DT evening/NN in/IN better/JJR spirits/NNS than/IN he/PRP had/VBD enjoyed/VBN for/IN months,/NN or/CC even/RB years./NNP A/NNP mountain/NN seemed/VBD to/TO have/VB been/VBN lifted/VBN from/IN his/PRP$ heart./NN He/PRP joined/VBD in/IN the/DT conversation/NN during/IN and/CC after/IN supper,/NNS listened/VBD with/IN apparent/JJ interest,/NN talked/VBD with/IN animation,/JJ and/CC even/RB laughed/VBD and/CC jested./VBD It/PRP is/VBZ needless/JJ to/TO say/VB all/PDT this/DT flowed/VBD not/RB from/IN the/DT healthy/JJ cheer/NN of/IN a/DT heart/NN at/IN ease,/JJ but/CC from/IN the/DT excited/JJ and/CC almost/RB feverish/JJ sense/NN of/IN sudden/JJ relief./NNP Next/NNP morning,/NN Marston/NNP rode/VBD into/IN the/DT old-fashioned/JJ town,/NN at/IN the/DT further/JJ end/NN of/IN which/WDT the/DT dingy/JJ and/CC grated/JJ front/NN of/IN the/DT jail/NN looked/VBD warningly/RB out/IN upon/IN the/DT rustic/JJ passengers./NN He/PRP passed/VBD the/DT sentries/NNS and/CC made/VBD his/PRP$ inquiries/NNS of/IN the/DT official/NN at/IN the/DT hatch./NN He/PRP was/VBD relieved/VBN from/IN the/DT necessity/NN of/IN pushing/VBG these/DT into/IN detail,/NNS however,/RB by/IN the/DT appearance/NN of/IN the/DT physician,/NN who/WP at/IN that/DT moment/NN passed/VBN from/IN the/DT interior/NN of/IN the/DT prison./NN "Dr./NNP Danvers/NNP told/VBD me/PRP he/PRP expected/VBD to/TO see/VB you/PRP here/RB this/DT morning,"/NN said/VBD the/DT medical/JJ man,/NN after/IN the/DT customary/JJ salutation/NN had/VBD been/VBN interchanged./VBN "Your/RB call,/, I/PRP believe,/VBP is/VBZ connected/VBN with/IN the/DT prisoner,/NN John/NNP Merton?"/NNP "Yes,/NNP sir,/NN so/IN it/PRP is,"/VBZ said/VBD Marston./NNP "Is/NNP he/PRP in/IN a/DT condition,/NN pray,/NN to/TO make/VB a/DT statement/NN of/IN considerable/JJ length?"/NN "Far/NN from/IN it,/PRP$ Mr./NNP Marston;/NNP he/PRP has/VBZ but/CC a/DT few/JJ hours/NNS to/TO live,"/VB answered/VBN the/DT physician,/NN "and/CC is/VBZ now/RB insensible;/JJ but/CC I/PRP believe/VBP he/PRP last/JJ night/NN saw/VBD Dr./NNP Danvers,/NNP and/CC told/VBD him/PRP whatever/WDT was/VBD weighing/VBG upon/IN his/PRP$ mind."/NN "Ha!--And/CC can/MD you/PRP say/VB where/WRB Dr./NNP Danvers/NNP now/RB is?"/VBZ inquired/VBN Marston,/NNP anxiously/RB and/CC hurriedly./VBD "Not/RB here,/PRP is/VBZ he?"/JJ "No;/NN but/CC I/PRP saw/VBD him,/PRP as/IN I/PRP came/VBD here,/RB not/RB ten/CD minutes/NNS since,/RB ride/VB into/IN the/DT town./NN It/PRP is/VBZ market-day,/JJ and/CC you/PRP will/MD probably/RB find/VB him/PRP somewhere/RB in/IN the/DT high/JJ street/NN for/IN an/DT hour/NN or/CC two/CD to/TO come,"/VB answered/VBN he./. Marston/NNP thanked/VBD him,/PRP and,/CC lost/VBN in/IN abstraction,/NN rode/VBD down/RB to/TO the/DT little/JJ inn,/NN entered/VBD a/DT sitting/VBG room,/NN and/CC wrote/VBD a/DT hurried/JJ line/NN to/TO Dr./NNP Danvers,/NNP entreating/VBG his/PRP$ attendance/NN there,/, as/IN a/DT place/NN where/WRB they/PRP might/MD converse/VB less/RBR interruptedly/RB than/IN in/IN the/DT street;/JJ and/CC committing/VBG this/DT note/NN to/TO the/DT waiter,/NN with/IN the/DT injunction/NN to/TO deliver/VB it/PRP at/IN once,/RB and/CC an/DT intimation/NN of/IN where/WRB Dr./NNP Danvers/NNP was/VBD probably/RB to/TO be/VB found,/VBN he/PRP awaited,/RB with/IN intense/JJ and/CC agitating/JJ anxiety,/IN the/DT arrival/NN of/IN the/DT clergyman./NN It/PRP was/VBD not/RB for/IN nearly/RB ten/CD minutes,/NNS however,/, which/WDT his/PRP$ impatience/NN magnified/VBD into/IN an/DT eternity,/NN that/IN the/DT well-known/JJ voice/NN of/IN Dr./NNP Danvers/NNP reached/VBD him/PRP from/IN the/DT little/JJ hall./NN It/PRP was/VBD in/IN vain/JJ that/IN Marston/NNP strove/VBD to/TO curb/VB his/PRP$ violent/JJ agitation:/NN his/PRP$ heart/NN swelled/VBD as/IN if/IN it/PRP would/MD smother/VB him;/IN he/PRP felt,/VBD as/IN it/PRP were,/VBD the/DT chill/NN of/IN death/NN pervade/IN his/PRP$ frame,/NN and/CC he/PRP could/MD scarcely/RB see/VB the/DT door/NN through/IN which/WDT he/PRP momentarily/RB expected/VBD the/DT entrance/NN of/IN the/DT clergyman./NN A/DT few/JJ minutes/NNS more,/, and/CC Dr./NNP Danvers/NNP entered/VBD the/DT little/JJ apartment./NN "My/RB dear/JJ sir,"/NN said/VBD he,/NN gravely/RB and/CC earnestly,/RB as/IN he/PRP grasped/VBD the/DT cold/JJ hand/NN of/IN Marston,/NNP "I/NNP am/VBP rejoiced/VBN to/TO see/VB you./PRP I/PRP have/VBP matters/NNS of/IN great/JJ moment/NN and/CC the/DT strangest/JJ mystery/NN to/TO lay/VB before/IN you."/JJ "I/NN dare/NN say--I/. was/VBD sure--that/JJ is,/IN I/PRP suspected/VBD so/RB much,"/RB answered/VBN Marston,/NNP breathing/NN fast,/RB and/CC looking/VBG very/RB pale./. "I/JJ heard/VBN at/IN the/DT prison/NN that/IN the/DT murderer,/NN Merton,/NNP was/VBD fast/RB dying,/, and/CC now/RB is/VBZ in/IN an/DT unconscious/JJ state;/NN and/CC from/IN the/DT physician,/NN that/IN you/PRP had/VBD seen/VBN him,/PRP at/IN his/PRP$ urgent/JJ entreaty,/NN last/JJ night./NN My/PRP$ mind/NN misgives/NNS me,/, sir,/NN I/PRP fear/VBP I/PRP know/VBP not/RB what./WP I/PRP long,/RB yet/RB dread,/VB to/TO hear/VB the/DT wretched/JJ man's/NN confession./NN For/IN God's/NNP sake/FW tell/VB me,/PRP does/VBZ it/PRP implicate/VB anybody/NN else/RB in/IN the/DT guilt?"/NN "No;/IN no/DT one/CD specifically;/NN but/CC it/PRP has/VBZ thrown/VBN a/DT hideous/JJ additional/JJ mystery/NN over/IN the/DT occurrence./NN Listen/VB to/TO me,/VB my/PRP$ dear/JJ sir,/NN and/CC the/DT whole/JJ narrative,/JJ as/IN he/PRP stated/VBD it/PRP to/TO me,/VB shall/MD be/VB related/VBN now/RB to/TO you,"/NNP said/VBD Dr./NNP Danvers./NNP Marston/NNP had/VBD closed/VBN the/DT door/NN carefully,/NN and/CC they/PRP sate/VBP down/RP together/RB at/IN the/DT further/JJ end/NN of/IN the/DT apartment./NN Marston,/NNP breathless/JJ and/CC ghastly/JJ pale;/VB his/PRP$ lips/NNS compressed--his/. brows/NNS knit--and/CC his/PRP$ dark,/JJ dilated/JJ gaze/NN fixed/VBN immovably/RB upon/IN the/DT speaker./NN Dr./NNP Danvers,/NNP on/IN the/DT other/JJ hand,/NN tranquil/NN and/CC solemn,/JJ and/CC with,/IN perhaps,/RB some/DT shade/NN of/IN awe/NN overcasting/VBG the/DT habitual/JJ sweetness/NN of/IN his/PRP$ countenance./NN "His/IN confession/NN was/VBD a/DT strange/JJ one,"/NNS renewed/VBN Dr./NNP Danvers,/NNP shaking/VBG his/PRP$ head/NN gravely./, "He/NNP said/VBD that/IN the/DT first/JJ idea/NN of/IN the/DT crime/NN was/VBD suggested/VBN by/IN Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP man/NN accidentally/RB mentioning,/VBD a/DT few/JJ days/NNS after/IN their/PRP$ arrival,/NN that/IN his/PRP$ master/NN slept/VBD with/IN his/PRP$ bank-notes,/NN to/TO the/DT amount/NN of/IN some/DT hundreds/NNS of/IN pounds,/NN in/IN a/DT pocketbook/NN under/IN his/PRP$ pillow./NN He/PRP declared/VBD that/IN as/IN the/DT man/NN mentioned/VBD this/DT circumstance,/NN something/NN muttered/VBD the/DT infernal/JJ suggestion/NN in/IN his/PRP$ ear,/NN and/CC from/IN that/DT moment/NN he/PRP was/VBD the/DT slave/NN of/IN that/DT one/CD idea;/NN it/PRP was/VBD ever/RB present/JJ with/IN him./PRP He/PRP contended/VBD against/IN it/PRP in/IN vain;/JJ he/PRP dreaded/VBD and/CC abhorred/VBD it;/PRP but/CC still/RB it/PRP possessed/VBD him;/IN he/PRP felt/VBD his/PRP$ power/NN of/IN resistance/NN yielding./'' This/DT horrible/JJ stranger/NN which/WDT had/VBD stolen/VBN into/IN his/PRP$ heart,/NN waxed/VBD in/IN power/NN and/CC importunity,/JJ and/CC tormented/JJ him/PRP day/NN and/CC night./NN He/PRP resolved/VBD to/TO fly/VB from/IN the/DT house./NN He/PRP gave/VBD notice/NN to/TO you/PRP and/CC Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP of/IN his/PRP$ intended/JJ departure;/NN but/CC accident/NN protracted/VBD his/PRP$ stay/NN until/IN that/DT fatal/JJ night/NN which/WDT sealed/VBD his/PRP$ doom./NN The/DT influence/NN which/WDT had/VBD mastered/VBN him/PRP forced/VBD him/PRP to/TO rise/VB from/IN his/PRP$ bed,/NN and/CC take/VB the/DT knife--the/JJ discovery/NN of/IN which/WDT afterwards/RB helped/VBD to/TO convict/VB him--and/CC led/VBD him/PRP to/TO Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP chamber;/NN he/PRP entered;/VBD it/PRP was/VBD a/DT moonlight/NN night."/NN Here/RB the/DT clergyman,/NN glancing/VBG round/RB the/DT room,/NN lowered/VBD his/PRP$ voice,/NN and/CC advanced/VBD his/PRP$ lips/NNS so/RB near/IN to/TO Marston,/NNP that/IN their/PRP$ heads/NNS nearly/RB touched./VBN In/IN this/DT tone/NN and/CC attitude/NN he/PRP continued/VBD his/PRP$ narrative/NN for/IN a/DT few/JJ minutes./NN At/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN this/DT brief/JJ space,/NN Marston/NNP rose/VBD up/IN slowly,/NN and/CC with/IN a/DT movement/NN backward,/RB every/DT feature/NN strung/VBD with/IN horror,/NN and/CC saying,/NNS in/IN a/DT long/JJ whisper,/NN the/DT one/CD word,/NN "yes,"/NN which/WDT seemed/VBD like/IN the/DT hiss/NNS of/IN a/DT snake/NN before/IN he/PRP makes/VBZ his/PRP$ last/JJ deadly/JJ spring./NN Both/DT were/VBD silent/JJ for/IN a/DT time./NN At/IN last/JJ Marston/NNP broke/VBD out/RP with/IN hoarse/JJ vehemence./JJ "Dreadful--horrible--oh,/JJ God!/NNP God!--My/NNP God!/NNP How/WRB frightful!"/VBN And/CC throwing/VBG himself/PRP into/IN a/DT chair,/NN he/PRP clasped/VBD his/PRP$ hands/NNS across/IN his/PRP$ eyes/NNS and/CC forehead,/NNS while/IN the/DT sweat/NN of/IN agony/NN literally/RB poured/VBD down/RB his/PRP$ pale/JJ face./NN "Truly/RB it/PRP is/VBZ so,"/RB said/VBD the/DT clergyman,/NN scarcely/RB above/IN his/PRP$ breath;/NN and,/CC after/IN a/DT long/JJ interval--"horrible/JJ indeed!"/NN "Well,"/NN said/VBD Marston,/NNP rising/VBG suddenly/RB to/TO his/PRP$ feet,/NNS wiping/VBG the/DT dews/NN of/IN horror/NN from/IN his/PRP$ face,/NN and/CC looking/VBG wildly/RB round,/JJ like/IN one/CD newly/RB awoke/VBD from/IN a/DT nightmare,/NN "I/NN must/MD make/VB the/DT most/RBS of/IN this/DT momentous/JJ and/CC startling/JJ disclosure./NN I/PRP shall/MD spare/VB no/DT pains/NNS to/TO come/VB at/IN the/DT truth,"/NN said/VBD he,/PRP energetically./VBD "Meanwhile,/IN my/PRP$ dear/JJ sir,/NN for/IN the/DT sake/NN of/IN justice/NN and/CC of/IN mercy,/NNS observe/VBP secrecy./JJ Leave/VB me/PRP to/TO sift/VB this/DT matter;/NN give/VB no/DT note/NN anywhere/RB that/IN we/PRP suspect./VBD Observe/NNP this/DT reserve/NN and/CC security,/NN and/CC with/IN it/PRP detection/NN will/MD follow./VB Breathe/NNP but/CC one/CD word,/NN and/CC you/PRP arm/VB the/DT guilty/JJ with/IN double/JJ caution,/NN and/CC turn/VB licentious/JJ gossip/NN loose/RB upon/IN the/DT fame/NN of/IN an/DT innocent/JJ and/CC troubled/JJ family./NN Once/RB more/RBR I/PRP entreat--I/VBP expect--I/JJ implore/NN silence--silence,/NN at/IN least,/NNS for/IN the/DT present--silence!"/NN "I/NN quite/RB agree/VBP with/IN you,/PRP my/PRP$ dear/JJ Mr./NNP Marston,"/NNP answered/VBD Dr./NNP Danvers./NNP "I/NNP have/VBP not/RB divulged/VBN one/CD syllable/NN of/IN that/DT poor/JJ wretch's/NN confession,/NN save/IN to/TO yourself/PRP alone./RB You,/NNP as/IN a/DT magistrate,/NN a/DT relative/JJ of/IN the/DT murdered/VBN gentleman,/NN and/CC the/DT head/NN of/IN that/DT establishment/NN among/IN whom/WP the/DT guilt/NN rests,/NNS are/VBP invested/VBN with/IN an/DT interest/NN in/IN detecting,/NN and/CC powers/NNS of/IN sifting/VBG the/DT truth/NN in/IN this/DT matter,/NN such/JJ as/IN none/NN other/JJ possesses./NN I/PRP clearly/RB see,/VBP with/IN you,/PRP too,/, the/DT inexpediency/NN and/CC folly/NN of/IN talking,/NN for/IN talking's/NNS sake,/NN of/IN this/DT affair./NN I/PRP mean/VBP to/TO keep/VB my/PRP$ counsel,/NN and/CC shall/MD most/JJS assuredly,/NN irrespectively/RB even/RB of/IN your/PRP$ request--which/JJ should,/NNS however,/RB of/IN course,/NNS have/VBP weight/NN with/IN me--maintain/JJ a/DT strict/JJ and/CC cautious/JJ silence/NN upon/IN this/DT subject."/NN Some/DT little/JJ time/NN longer/RB they/PRP remained/VBD together,/RB and/CC Marston,/NNP buried/VBD in/IN strange/JJ thoughts,/NNS took/VBD his/PRP$ leave,/NN and/CC rode/VBD slowly/RB back/RB to/TO Gray/NNP Forest./NNP Months/NNPS passed/VBD away--a/DT year,/NN and/CC more--and/NN though/IN no/DT new/JJ character/NN appeared/VBD upon/IN the/DT stage,/NN the/DT relations/NNS which/WDT had/VBD subsisted/VBN among/IN the/DT old/JJ ones/NNS became,/RB in/IN some/DT respects,/NN very/RB materially/RB altered./VBN A/DT gradual/JJ and/CC disagreeable/JJ change/NN came/VBD over/IN Mademoiselle/NNP de/NNP Barras's/NNP manner;/VBD her/PRP$ affectionate/JJ attentions/NNS to/TO Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP became/VBD less/RBR and/CC less/RBR frequent;/JJ nor/CC was/VBD the/DT change/NN merely/RB confined/VBN to/TO this/DT growing/VBG coldness;/NN there/EX was/VBD something/NN of/IN a/DT positive/JJ and/CC still/RB more/JJR unpleasant/JJ kind/NN in/IN the/DT alteration/NN we/PRP have/VBP noted./VBN There/EX was/VBD a/DT certain/JJ independence/NN and/CC carelessness,/NN conveyed/VBD in/IN a/DT hundred/CD intangible/JJ but/CC significant/JJ little/JJ incidents/NNS and/CC looks--a/VBD something/NN which,/WDT without/IN being/VBG open/JJ to/TO formal/JJ rebuke/NN or/CC remonstrance,/NNS yet/RB bordered,/VBN in/IN effect,/NN upon/IN impertinence,/JJ and/CC even/RB insolence./DT This/DT indescribable/JJ and/CC provoking/JJ self-assertion,/JJ implied/VBN in/IN glances,/NN tones,/NN emphasis,/NN and/CC general/JJ bearing,/NN surprised/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP far/RB more/RBR than/IN it/PRP irritated/VBD her./. As/RB often/RB as/IN she/PRP experienced/VBD one/CD of/IN these/DT studied/VBN slights/NNS or/CC insinuated/JJ impertinences,/NN she/PRP revolved/VBD in/IN her/PRP$ own/JJ mind/NN all/DT the/DT incidents/NNS of/IN their/PRP$ past/JJ intercourse,/NN in/IN the/DT vain/JJ endeavor/NN to/TO recollect/VB some/DT one/CD among/IN them/PRP which/WDT could/MD possibly/RB account/VB for/IN the/DT offensive/JJ change/NN so/RB manifest/JJ in/IN the/DT conduct/NN of/IN the/DT young/JJ Frenchwoman./NNP Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP although/IN she/PRP sometimes/RB rebuked/VBD these/DT artful/JJ affronts/NNS by/IN a/DT grave/NN look,/IN a/DT cold/JJ tone,/NN or/CC a/DT distant/JJ manner,/NN yet/RB had/VBD too/RB much/JJ dignity/NN to/TO engage/VB in/IN a/DT petty/JJ warfare/NN of/IN annoyance,/NN and/CC had,/NN in/IN reality,/NN no/DT substantial/JJ and/CC well-defined/JJ ground/NN of/IN complaint/NN against/IN her,/PRP$ such/JJ as/IN would/MD have/VB warranted/VBN her/PRP$ either/RB in/IN taking/VBG the/DT young/JJ lady/NN herself/PRP to/TO task,/VB or/CC in/IN bringing/VBG her/PRP$ conduct/NN under/IN the/DT censure/NN of/IN Marston./NNP One/CD evening,/NN it/PRP happened/VBD that/IN Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP and/CC Mademoiselle/NNP de/NNP Barras/NNP had/VBD been/VBN left/VBN alone/RB together./, After/IN the/DT supper-party/NN had/VBD dispersed,/VBN they/PRP had/VBD been/VBN for/IN a/DT long/JJ time/NN silent./NN Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP resolved/VBD to/TO improve/VB the/DT Tate-a-Tate,/NNP for/IN the/DT purpose/NN of/IN eliciting/VBG from/IN mademoiselle/VBG an/DT explanation/NN of/IN her/PRP$ strange/JJ behavior./NN "Mademoiselle,"/NN said/VBD she,/PRP "I/RB have/VBP lately/RB observed/VBD a/DT very/RB marked/JJ change/NN in/IN your/PRP$ conduct/NN to/TO me."/CD "Indeed!"/NN said/VBD the/DT Frenchwoman./NNP "Yes,/NNP mademoiselle;/VBD you/PRP must/MD be/VB yourself/PRP perfectly/RB aware/JJ of/IN that/DT change;/NN it/PRP is/VBZ a/DT studied/VBN and/CC intentional/JJ one,"/NNS continued/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP in/IN a/DT gentle/JJ but/CC dignified/JJ tone./NN "Although/IN I/PRP have/VBP felt/VBN some/DT doubt/NN as/IN to/TO whether/IN it/PRP were/VBD advisable,/VBN so/RB long/RB as/IN you/PRP observe/VBP toward/IN me/PRP the/DT forms/NNS of/IN external/JJ respect,/NN and/CC punctually/RB discharge/VB the/DT duties/NNS you/PRP have/VBP undertaken,/VBN to/TO open/VB any/DT discussion/NN whatever/WDT upon/IN the/DT subject;/NN yet/RB I/PRP have/VBP thought/VBN it/PRP better/RBR to/TO give/VB you/PRP a/DT fair/JJ opportunity/NN of/IN explaining/VBG frankly,/NNS should/MD you/PRP desire/VB to/TO do/VB so,/RB the/DT feelings/NNS and/CC impressions/NNS under/IN which/WDT you/PRP are/VBP acting."/JJ "Ah,/IN you/PRP are/VBP very/RB obliging,/JJ madame,"/, said/VBD she,/PRP coolly./VBZ "It/PRP is/VBZ quite/RB clear,/JJ mademoiselle,/, that/IN you/PRP have/VBP either/DT misunderstood/VBN me,/NN or/CC that/IN you/PRP are/VBP dissatisfied/VBN with/IN your/PRP$ situation/NN among/IN us:/NNS your/PRP$ conduct/NN cannot/MD otherwise/RB be/VB accounted/VBN for,"/RB said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP gravely./JJS "My/NN conduct--_ma/NN foi!_/IN what/WP conduct?"/NN retorted/VBD the/DT handsome/JJ Frenchwoman,/NNP confidently,/NN and/CC with/IN a/DT disdainful/JJ glance./NN "If/IN you/PRP question/VBP the/DT fact,/NN mademoiselle,"/VBD said/VBD the/DT elder/JJR lady,/NN "it/NN is/VBZ enough./VBG Your/PRP$ ungracious/JJ manner/NN and/CC ungentle/JJ looks,/NN I/PRP presume,/VBP arise/VB from/IN what/WP appears/VBZ to/TO you/PRP a/DT sufficient/JJ and/CC well-defined/JJ cause,/NN of/IN which,/DT however,/NN I/PRP know/VBP nothing."/NN "I/NNS really/RB was/VBD not/RB aware,"/RB said/VBD Mademoiselle/NNP de/NNP Barras,/NNP with/IN a/DT supercilious/JJ smile,/NN "that/IN my/PRP$ looks/NNS and/CC my/PRP$ manner/NN were/VBD subjected/VBN to/TO so/RB strict/JJ a/DT criticism,/NN or/CC that/IN it/PRP was/VBD my/PRP$ duty/NN to/TO regulate/VB both/DT according/VBG to/TO so/RB nice/JJ and/CC difficult/JJ a/DT standard."/JJ "Well,/NN mademoiselle,"/VBD continued/VBN Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP "it/NNP is/VBZ plain/JJ that/IN whatever/WDT may/MD be/VB the/DT cause/NN of/IN your/PRP$ dissatisfaction,/NN you/PRP are/VBP resolved/VBN against/IN confiding/VBG it/PRP to/TO me./MD I/PRP only/RB wish/VBP to/TO know/VB frankly/RB from/IN your/PRP$ own/JJ lips,/NN whether/IN you/PRP have/VBP formed/VBN a/DT wish/NN to/TO leave/VB this/DT situation./NN If/IN so,/NN I/PRP entreat/VBP you/PRP to/TO declare/VB it/PRP freely."/JJ "You/PRP are/VBP very/RB obliging,/JJ indeed,/NN madame,"/, said/VBD the/DT pretty/JJ foreigner,/JJ drily,/NN "but/IN I/PRP have/VBP no/DT such/JJ wish,/NN at/IN least/JJS at/IN present."/JJS "Very/RB well,/JJ mademoiselle,"/, replied/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP with/IN gentle/JJ dignity;/NN "I/IN regret/NN your/PRP$ want/NN of/IN candor,/NN on/IN your/PRP$ own/JJ account./NN You/PRP would,/MD I/PRP am/VBP sure,/RB be/VB much/JJ happier,/NN were/VBD you/PRP to/TO deal/VB frankly/RB with/IN me."/NNS "May/IN I/PRP now/RB have/VBP your/PRP$ permission,/JJ madame,/JJ to/TO retire/VB to/TO my/PRP$ room?"/NN asked/VBD the/DT French/JJ girl,/NN rising,/NNS and/CC making/VBG a/DT low/JJ courtesy--"that/NN is,/IN if/IN madame/PRP has/VBZ nothing/NN further/JJ to/TO censure."/VB "Certainly,/NNP mademoiselle;/, I/PRP have/VBP nothing/NN further/JJ to/TO say,"/VB replied/VBD the/DT elder/JJR lady./NN The/DT Frenchwoman/NNP made/VBD another/DT and/CC a/DT deeper/JJR courtesy,/NN and/CC withdrew./VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP however,/RB heard,/VBD as/IN she/PRP was/VBD designed/VBN to/TO do,/VB the/DT young/JJ lady/NN tittering/NN and/CC whispering/NN to/TO herself,/PRP as/IN she/PRP lighted/VBD her/PRP$ candle/NN in/IN the/DT hall./NN This/DT scene/NN mortified/VBD and/CC grieved/VBD poor/JJ Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP inexpressibly./, She/PRP was/VBD little,/RB if/IN at/IN all,/DT accessible/JJ to/TO emotions/NNS of/IN anger/NN and/CC certainly,/JJ none/NN such/JJ mingled/VBN in/IN the/DT feelings/NNS with/IN which/WDT she/PRP regarded/VBD Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras./NNP But/CC she/PRP had/VBD found/VBN in/IN this/DT girl/NN a/DT companion,/NN and/CC even/RB a/DT confidante/NN in/IN her/PRP$ melancholy/NN solitude;/NN she/PRP had/VBD believed/VBN her/PRP affectionate,/JJ sympathetic,/NN tender,/NN and/CC the/DT disappointment/NN was/VBD as/RB bitter/JJ as/IN unimagined./JJ The/DT annoyances/NNS which/WDT she/PRP was/VBD fated/VBN to/TO receive/VB from/IN Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras/NNPS were/VBD destined,/VBN however,/RB to/TO grow/VB in/IN number/NN and/CC in/IN magnitude./NN The/DT Frenchwoman/NNP sometimes/RB took/VBD a/DT fancy,/NN for/IN some/DT unrevealed/JJ purpose,/NN to/TO talk/VB a/DT good/JJ deal/NN to/TO Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP and/CC on/IN such/JJ occasions/NNS would/MD persist,/RB notwithstanding/RB that/IN lady's/NNS marked/VBN reserve/NN and/CC discouragement,/NN in/IN chatting/VBG away,/RB as/IN if/IN she/PRP were/VBD conscious/JJ that/IN her/PRP$ conversation/NN was/VBD the/DT most/JJS welcome/JJ entertainment/NN possible/JJ to/TO her/PRP really/RB unwilling/JJ auditor./NN No/DT one/NN of/IN their/PRP$ interviews/NNS did/VBD she/PRP ever/RB suffer/VBP to/TO close/VB without/IN in/IN some/DT way/NN or/CC other/JJ suggesting/VBG or/CC insinuating/VBG something/NN mysterious/JJ and/CC untold/JJ to/TO the/DT prejudice/NN of/IN Mr./NNP Marston./NNP Those/DT vague/JJ and/CC intangible/JJ hints,/NN the/DT meaning/NN of/IN which,/NN for/IN an/DT instant/NN legible/JJ and/CC terrific,/JJ seemed/VBD in/IN another/DT moment/NN to/TO dissolve/VB and/CC disappear,/VB tortured/JJ Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP like/IN the/DT intrusion/NN of/IN a/DT specter;/NN and/CC this,/DT along/IN with/IN the/DT portentous/JJ change,/NN rather/RB felt/VBD than/IN visible,/NNS in/IN mademoiselle's/NNS conduct/NN toward/IN her,/PRP invested/VBD the/DT beautiful/JJ Frenchwoman,/NNP in/IN the/DT eyes/NNS of/IN her/PRP$ former/JJ friend/NN and/CC patroness,/NN with/IN an/DT indefinable/JJ character/NN that/WDT was/VBD not/RB only/RB repulsive/JJ but/CC formidable./JJ Mrs./NNP Marston's/NNP feelings/NNS with/IN respect/NN to/TO this/DT person/NN were/VBD still/RB further/JJ disturbed/VBN by/IN the/DT half-conveyed/JJ hints/NNS and/CC innuendoes/NNS of/IN her/PRP$ own/JJ maid,/NN who/WP never/RB lost/VBD an/DT opportunity/NN of/IN insinuating/VBG her/PRP$ intense/JJ dislike/NN of/IN the/DT Frenchwoman,/NNP and/CC appeared/VBD perpetually/RB to/TO be/VB upon/IN the/DT very/JJ verge/NN of/IN making/VBG some/DT explicit/JJ charges,/NN or/CC some/DT shocking/JJ revelations,/NN respecting/VBG her,/PRP which,/, however,/RB she/PRP as/RB invariably/RB evaded;/VB and/CC even/RB when/WRB Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP once/RB or/CC twice/RB insisted/VBD upon/IN her/PRP$ explaining/VBG her/PRP$ meaning/NN distinctly,/NN she/PRP eluded/VBD her/PRP$ mistress's/NNS desire,/, and/CC left/VBD her/PRP still/RB in/IN the/DT same/JJ uneasy/JJ uncertainty./NN Marston,/NNP on/IN his/PRP$ part,/NN however/RB much/JJ his/PRP$ conduct/NN might/MD tend/VB to/TO confirm/VB suspicion,/NN certainly/RB did/VBD nothing/NN to/TO dissipate/VB the/DT painful/JJ and/CC undefined/JJ apprehension/NN respecting/NN himself,/, which/WDT Mademoiselle/NNP de/NNP Barras,/NNP with/IN such/JJ malign/JJ and/CC mysterious/JJ industry,/NN labored/VBD to/TO raise./RP His/PRP$ spirits/NNS and/CC temper/NN were/VBD liable/JJ to/TO strange/JJ fluctuations./NN In/IN the/DT midst/NN of/IN that/DT excited/JJ gaiety,/NN to/TO which,/CD until/IN lately,/JJ he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN so/RB long/RB a/DT stranger,/NN would/MD sometimes/RB intervene/VB paroxysms/NNS of/IN the/DT blackest/JJS despair,/IN all/PDT the/DT ghastlier/FW for/IN the/DT contrast,/NN and/CC with/IN a/DT suddenness/NN so/RB abrupt/JJ and/CC overwhelming,/JJ that/IN one/PRP might/MD have/VB fancied/VBN him/PRP crossed/VBN by/IN the/DT shadow/NN of/IN some/DT terrific/JJ apparition./NN Sometimes/RB for/IN a/DT whole/JJ day,/NN or/CC even/RB more,/JJR he/PRP would/MD withdraw/VB himself/PRP from/IN the/DT society/NN of/IN his/PRP$ family,/NN and,/CC in/IN morose/NN and/CC moody/JJ solitude,/NNS take/VB his/PRP$ meals/NNS alone/RB in/IN his/PRP$ library,/NN and/CC steal/VB out/RB unattended/VBN to/TO wander/VB among/IN the/DT thickets/NNS and/CC glades/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ park./NN Sometimes,/RB again,/IN he/PRP would/MD sit/VB for/IN hours/NNS in/IN the/DT room/NN which/WDT had/VBD been/VBN Sir/NNP Wynston's,/NNP and,/CC with/IN a/DT kind/NN of/IN horrible/JJ resolution,/NNS often/RB loiter/RBR there/EX till/IN after/IN nightfall./NN In/IN such/JJ hours,/NN the/DT servants/NNS would/MD listen/VB with/IN curious/JJ awe,/NN as/IN they/PRP heard/VBD his/PRP$ step,/JJ pacing/NN to/TO and/CC fro,/RB in/IN that/DT deserted/JJ and/CC inauspicious/JJ chamber,/NN while/IN his/PRP$ voice,/NN in/IN broken/JJ sentences,/NN was/VBD also/RB imperfectly/RB audible,/VB as/IN if/IN maintaining/VBG a/DT muttered/VBD dialogue./NN These/DT eccentric/JJ practices/NNS gradually/RB invested/VBD him,/RB in/IN the/DT eyes/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ domestics,/NN with/IN a/DT certain/JJ preternatural/JJ mystery,/NN which/WDT enhanced/VBD the/DT fear/NN with/IN which/WDT they/PRP habitually/RB regarded/VBD him,/NN and/CC was/VBD subsequently/RB confirmed/VBN by/IN his/PRP$ giving/VBG orders/NNS to/TO have/VB the/DT furniture/NN taken/VBN out/IN of/IN the/DT ominous/JJ suite/NN of/IN rooms,/NN and/CC the/DT doors/NNS nailed/VBN up/RB and/CC secured./VBN He/PRP gave/VBD no/DT reason/NN for/IN this/DT odd/JJ and/CC abrupt/JJ measure,/NNS and/CC gossip/NN of/IN course/NN reported/VBD that/IN the/DT direction/NN had/VBD originated/VBN in/IN his/PRP$ having/VBG encountered/VBN the/DT specter/NN of/IN the/DT murdered/VBN baronet,/NN in/IN one/CD of/IN these/DT strange/JJ and/CC unseasonable/JJ visits/NNS to/TO the/DT scene/NN of/IN the/DT fearful/JJ catastrophe./NN In/IN addition/NN to/TO all/DT this,/JJ Marston's/NNP conduct/NN towards/IN his/PRP$ wife/NN became/VBD strangely/RB capricious./. He/PRP avoided/VBD her/PRP society/NN more/RBR than/IN ever;/RB and/CC when/WRB he/PRP did/VBD happen/VB to/TO exchange/VB a/DT few/JJ words/NNS with/IN her,/PRP$ they/PRP were/VBD sometimes/RB harsh/JJ and/CC violent,/JJ and/CC at/IN others/NNS remorsefully/RB gentle/JJ and/CC sad,/JJ and/CC this/DT without/IN any/DT changes/NNS of/IN conduct/NN upon/IN her/PRP$ part/NN to/TO warrant/VB the/DT wayward/JJ uncertainty/NN of/IN his/PRP$ treatment./NN Under/IN all/PDT these/DT circumstances,/NNS Mrs./NNP Marston's/NNP unhappiness/NN and/CC uneasiness/NN greatly/RB increased./VBN Mademoiselle/NNP de/FW Barras,/NNPS too,/RB upon/IN several/JJ late/JJ occasions,/NN had/VBD begun/VBN to/TO assume/VB a/DT tone/NN of/IN authority/NN and/CC dictation,/NN which/WDT justly/RB offended/VBD the/DT mistress/NN of/IN the/DT establishment./NN Meanwhile/RB Charles/NNP Marston/NNP had/VBD returned/VBN to/TO Cambridge;/NNP and/CC Rhoda,/NNP no/RB longer/RBR enjoying/VBG happy/JJ walks/NNS with/IN her/PRP$ brother,/NN pursued/VBD her/PRP$ light/NN and/CC easy/JJ studies/NNS with/IN Mademoiselle/NNP de/NNP Barras,/NNP and/CC devoted/VBD her/PRP leisure/NN hours/NNS to/TO the/DT loved/VBN society/NN of/IN her/PRP$ mother./NN One/CD day/NN Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP sitting/VBG in/IN her/PRP$ room/NN with/IN Rhoda,/NNP had/VBD happened/VBN to/TO call/VB her/PRP$ own/JJ maid,/NN to/TO take/VB down/RP and/CC carefully/RB dust/VB some/DT richly/JJ bound/JJ volumes/NNS which/WDT filled/VBD a/DT bookcase/NN in/IN the/DT little/JJ chamber./NN "You/PRP have/VBP been/VBN crying,/VBG Willett,"/NNP said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP observing/VBG that/IN the/DT young/JJ woman's/NNS eyes/NNS were/VBD red/JJ and/CC swollen./VBD "Indeed,/NNP and/CC I/PRP was,/VBD ma'am,"/NN she/PRP replied,/VBD reluctantly,/JJ "and/CC I/PRP could/MD not/RB help/VB it,/PRP so/IN I/PRP could/MD not."/RB "Why,/VB what/WP has/VBZ happened/VBN to/TO vex/VB you?/JJ Has/VBZ anyone/NN ill-treated/JJ you?"/NN said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP who/WP had/VBD an/DT esteem/NN for/IN the/DT poor/JJ girl./NN "Come,/IN come,/NN you/PRP must/MD not/RB fret/VB about/IN it;/PRP only/RB tell/VB me/PRP what/WP has/VBZ vexed/VBN you."/JJ "Oh!/NN Ma'am,/IN no/DT one/NN has/VBZ ill-used/JJ me,/NNS ma'am;/, but/CC I/PRP can't/MD but/CC be/VB vexed/VBN sometimes,/RB ma'am,/, and/CC fretted/VBD to/TO see/VB how/WRB things/NNS is/VBZ going/VBG on./RP I/PRP have/VBP one/CD wish,/NN just/RB one/CD wish,/NN ma'am,/NN and/CC if/IN I/PRP got/VBD that,/DT I'd/NNP ask/VBP no/DT more,"/JJR said/VBD the/DT girl./NN "And/CC what/WP is/VBZ it?"/RB asked/VBN Mrs./NNP Marston;/NNP "what/RB do/VBP you/PRP wish/VB for?/VBP Speak/VB plainly,/NN Willett;/IN what/WP is/VBZ it?"/VBN "Ah!/IN Ma'am,/NNP if/IN I/PRP said/VBD it,/IN maybe/RB you/PRP might/MD not/RB be/VB pleased./VBN Don't/NNP ask/VBP me,/NNS ma'am,"/NNS said/VBD the/DT girl/NN dusting/VBG the/DT books/NNS very/RB hard,/RB and/CC tossing/VBG them/PRP down/RP again/RB with/IN angry/JJ emphasis./NN "I/IN don't/VBN desire/NN anybody's/NN harm,/NN God/NNP knows;/VBZ but,/NNS for/IN all/DT that,/IN I/PRP wish/VBP what/WP I/PRP wish,/VBP and/CC that/DT is/VBZ the/DT truth."/NN "Why,/IN Willett,/NNP I/PRP really/RB cannot/MD account/VB for/IN your/PRP$ strange/JJ habit/NN of/IN lately/RB hinting,/, and/CC insinuating,/NN and/CC always/RB speaking/VBG riddles,/NNS and/CC refusing/VBG to/TO explain/VB your/PRP$ meaning./NN What/WP do/VBP you/PRP mean?/VB Speak/VB plainly./NN If/IN there/EX are/VBP any/DT dishonest/JJ practices/NNS going/VBG on,/IN it/PRP is/VBZ your/PRP$ duty/NN to/TO say/VB so/RB distinctly."/JJ "Oh!/NN Ma'am,/IN it/PRP is/VBZ just/RB a/DT wish/NN I/PRP have./VBD I/PRP wish--;/, but/CC it's/VBD no/DT matter./NN If/IN I/PRP could/MD once/RB see/VB the/DT house/NN clear/JJ of/IN that/DT Frenchwoman--"/JJ "If/NN you/PRP mean/VBP Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras,/NNP she/PRP is/VBZ a/DT lady,"/NN interrupted/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston./NNP "Well,/NNP ma'am,/, I/PRP beg/VBP pardon,"/NN continued/VBD the/DT woman;/NN "lady/NN or/CC no/DT lady,/NN it/PRP is/VBZ all/DT one/CD to/TO me;/VB for/IN I/PRP am/VBP very/RB sure,/JJ ma'am,/NN she'll/MD never/RB leave/VB the/DT house/NN till/IN there/EX is/VBZ something/NN bad/JJ comes/VBZ about;/RB and--and--./DT I/PRP can't/MD bring/VB myself/PRP to/TO talk/VB to/TO you/PRP about/IN her,/PRP ma'am./, I/PRP can't/MD say/VB what/WP I/PRP want/VBP to/TO tell/VB you:/PRP but--but--./. Oh,/NNP ma'am,/, for/IN God's/NNP sake,/NNS try/VBP and/CC get/VBP her/PRP out,/IN any/DT way,/NN no/DT matter/NN how;/IN try/NN and/CC get/VB rid/JJ of/IN her."/PRP As/IN she/PRP said/VBD this,/IN the/DT poor/JJ girl/NN burst/VBD into/IN a/DT passionate/JJ agony/NN of/IN tears,/NN and/CC Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP and/CC Rhoda/NNP looked/VBD on/IN in/IN silent/JJ amazement,/NN while/IN she/PRP for/IN some/DT minutes/NNS continued/VBN to/TO sob/VB and/CC weep./DT The/DT party/NN were/VBD suddenly/RB recalled/VBN from/IN their/PRP$ various/JJ reveries/NNS by/IN a/DT knock/NN at/IN the/DT chamber-door./NN It/PRP opened,/RB and/CC the/DT subject/NN of/IN the/DT girl's/NNS deprecatory/JJ entreaty/NN entered./VBN There/EX was/VBD something/NN unusually/RB excited/JJ and/CC assured/VBN in/IN Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras's/NNP air/NN and/CC countenance;/NN perhaps/RB she/PRP had/VBD a/DT suspicion/NN that/IN she/PRP had/VBD been/VBN the/DT topic/NN of/IN their/PRP$ conversation./NN At/IN all/DT events,/NN she/PRP looked/VBD round/RB upon/IN them/PRP with/IN a/DT smile,/NN in/IN which/WDT there/EX was/VBD something/NN supercilious,/JJ and/CC even/RB defiant;/JJ and,/NNS without/IN waiting/VBG to/TO be/VB invited,/VBN sate/JJ herself/PRP down,/RB with/IN a/DT haughty/JJ air./NN "I/NN was/VBD about/RB to/TO ask/VB you/PRP to/TO sit/VB down,/RB mademoiselle,/VBN but/CC you/PRP have/VBP anticipated/VBN me,"/NN said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP gravely./JJS "You/PRP have/VBP something/NN to/TO say/VB to/TO me,/VB I/PRP suppose;/VBP I/PRP am/VBP quite/RB at/IN leisure,/NN so/RB pray/JJ let/VB me/PRP hear/VB it/PRP now."/RB "Thank/VB you,/PRP thank/VB you,/PRP madame,"/VB replied/VBD she,/PRP with/IN a/DT sharp,/NN and/CC even/RB scornful/JJ glance;/NN "I/NN ought/MD to/TO have/VB asked/VBN your/PRP$ permission/NN to/TO sit;/VB I/PRP forgot;/RB but/CC you/PRP have/VBP condescended/VBN to/TO give/VB it/PRP without/IN my/PRP$ doing/VBG so;/NN that/WDT was/VBD very/RB kind,/RB very/RB kind,/JJ indeed."/NN "But/NN I/PRP wish/VBP to/TO know,/VB mademoiselle,/VBN whether/IN you/PRP have/VBP anything/NN very/RB particular/JJ to/TO say/VB to/TO me?"/PRP said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston./NNP "You/RB wish/VB to/TO know!--and/VB why,/JJ pray/NN madame?"/VBD asked/VBN Mademoiselle/NNP de/FW Barras,/NNP sharply./NN "Because,/NN unless/IN it/PRP is/VBZ something/NN very/RB urgent,/VBD I/PRP should/MD prefer/VB your/PRP$ talking/VBG to/TO me/PRP some/DT other/JJ time;/NN as,/NN at/IN present,/NN I/PRP desire/VBP to/TO be/VB alone/RB with/IN my/PRP$ daughter."/NN "Oh,/IN ho!/NN I/PRP ought/MD to/TO ask/VB pardon/VB again,"/RB said/VBD mademoiselle,/VBN with/IN the/DT same/JJ glance,/NN and/CC the/DT same/JJ smile./NN "I/NNS find/VBP I/PRP am/VBP de/JJ trop--quite/NN in/IN the/DT way./NN Helas!/IN I/PRP am/VBP very/RB unfortunate/JJ today."/NN Mademoiselle/NNP de/NNP Barras/NNP made/VBD not/RB the/DT slightest/JJS movement,/NN and/CC it/PRP was/VBD evident/JJ that/IN she/PRP was/VBD resolved/VBN to/TO prolong/VB her/PRP$ stay,/NN in/IN sheer/JJ defiance/NN of/IN Mrs./NNP Marston's/NNP wishes./VBD "Mademoiselle,/PRP I/PRP conclude/VBP from/IN your/PRP$ silence/NN that/IN you/PRP have/VBP nothing/NN very/RB pressing/VBG to/TO say,/VB and,/DT therefore,/RB must/MD request/VB that/IN you/PRP will/MD have/VB the/DT goodness/NN to/TO leave/VB me/PRP for/IN the/DT present,"/NN said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP who/WP felt/VBD that/IN the/DT spirit/NN of/IN the/DT French/NNP girl's/NNP conduct/NN was/VBD too/RB apparent/JJ not/RB to/TO have/VB been/VBN understood/VBN by/IN Rhoda/NNP and/CC the/DT servant,/NN and/CC that/IN it/PRP was/VBD of/IN a/DT kind,/NN for/IN example/NN sake,/NNS impossible/JJ to/TO be/VB submitted/VBN to,/, or/CC tolerated./VBD Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras/NNP darted/VBD a/DT fiery/JJ and/CC insolent/JJ glance/NN at/IN Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP and/CC was,/VBD doubtless,/RB upon/IN the/DT point/NN of/IN precipitating/VBG the/DT open/JJ quarrel/NN which/WDT was/VBD impending,/VBN by/IN setting/VBG her/PRP authority/NN at/IN defiance;/NN but/CC she/PRP checked/VBD herself,/PRP and/CC changed/VBD her/PRP$ line/NN of/IN operations./NN "We/NN are/VBP not/RB alone/RB madame,"/VB she/PRP said,/VBD with/IN a/DT heightened/JJ color,/NN and/CC a/DT slight/JJ toss/NN of/IN the/DT head./NN "I/NN was/VBD about/IN to/TO speak/VB of/IN Mr./NNP Marston./NNP I/PRP had/VBD something,/RB not/RB much,/RB I/PRP confess,/VBP to/TO say;/VB but/CC before/IN servants/NNS I/PRP shan't/MD speak;/VB nor,/JJ indeed,/NN now/RB at/IN all./DT So,/NNP madame,/, as/IN you/PRP desire/VBP it,/IN I/PRP shall/MD no/DT further/JJ interrupt/JJ you./PRP Come,/NNP Miss/NNP Rhoda,/NNP come/VB to/TO the/DT music-room,/NN if/IN you/PRP please,/VBP and/CC finish/VBP your/PRP$ practice/NN for/IN today."/NN "You/NNS forget,/IN mademoiselle,/VBN that/IN I/PRP wish/VBP to/TO have/VB my/PRP$ daughter/NN with/IN me/PRP at/IN present,"/NN said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston./NNP "I/NNP am/VBP very/RB sorry,/JJ madame,"/, said/VBD the/DT French/JJ lady,/NN with/IN the/DT same/JJ heightened/JJ color/NN and/CC unpleasant/JJ smile,/NN and/CC her/PRP$ finely-penciled/JJ brows/NNS just/RB discernibly/RB knit,/VB so/RB as/RB to/TO give/VB a/DT novel/NN and/CC menacing/NN expression/NN to/TO her/PRP$ beautiful/JJ face--"I/NN am/VBP very/RB sorry,/JJ madame,/, but/CC she/PRP must,/MD so/RB long/RB as/IN I/PRP remain/VBP accountable/JJ for/IN her/PRP$ education,/NN complete/VB her/PRP$ allotted/JJ exercises/NNS at/IN the/DT appointed/VBN hours;/NN and/CC nothing/NN shall,/NNS I/PRP assure/VBP you,/PRP with/IN my/PRP$ consent,/NN interfere/VB with/IN these/DT duties./NN Come,/IN Miss/NNP Rhoda,/NNP precede/VB me,/PRP if/IN you/PRP please,/VBP to/TO the/DT music-room./NN Come,/NNP come."/VBD "Stay/NNP where/WRB you/PRP are,/VBP Rhoda,"/NNP said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP firmly/RB and/CC gently,/RB and/CC betraying/VBG no/DT symptom/NN of/IN excitement,/NN except/IN in/IN a/DT slight/JJ tremor/NN of/IN her/PRP$ voice,/NN and/CC a/DT faint/JJ flush/NN upon/IN her/PRP$ cheek--"Stay/NN where/WRB you/PRP are,/VBP my/PRP$ dear/JJ child./NN I/PRP am/VBP your/PRP$ mother,/NN and,/CC next/JJ to/TO your/PRP$ father,/NN have/VBP the/DT first/JJ claim/NN upon/IN your/PRP$ obedience./NN Mademoiselle,"/IN she/PRP continued,/VBP addressing/VBG the/DT Frenchwoman,/JJ calmly/RB but/CC firmly,/RB "my/JJ daughter/NN will/MD remain/VB here/RB for/IN some/DT time/NN longer,/RB and/CC you/PRP will/MD have/VB the/DT goodness/NN to/TO withdraw./MD I/PRP insist/VBP upon/IN it,/VBN Mademoiselle/NNP de/FW Barras."/NNP "I/NNP will/MD not/RB leave/VB the/DT room,/NN I/PRP assure/VBP you,/PRP madame,/, without/IN my/PRP$ pupil,"/NN retorted/VBD mademoiselle,/VBN with/IN resolute/NN insolence./, "Your/PRP$ husband,/NN madame,/, has/VBZ invested/VBN me/PRP with/IN this/DT authority,/NN and/CC she/PRP shall/MD obey/VB me./PRP Miss/NNP Rhoda,/NNP I/PRP say/VBP again,/RB go/VB down/RB to/TO the/DT music-room."/JJ "Remain/NN where/WRB you/PRP are,/VBP Rhoda,"/NNP said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP again./VBD "Mademoiselle;/IN you/PRP have/VBP long/RB been/VBN acting/VBG as/IN if/IN your/PRP$ object/NN were/VBD to/TO provoke/VB me/PRP to/TO part/NN with/IN you./PRP I/PRP find/VBP it/PRP impossible/JJ any/DT longer/JJR to/TO overlook/VB this/DT grossly/RB disrespectful/JJ conduct;/NN conduct/NN of/IN which/WDT I/PRP had,/VBD indeed,/RB believed/VBN you/PRP absolutely/RB incapable./VBD Willett,"/NNP she/PRP continued,/VBP addressing/VBG the/DT maid,/NN who/WP was/VBD evidently/RB bursting/VBG with/IN rage/NN at/IN the/DT scene/NN she/PRP had/VBD just/RB witnessed,/VBN "your/PRP$ master/NN is,/IN I/PRP believe,/VBP in/IN the/DT library;/NN go/VB down,/RP and/CC tell/VB him/PRP that/IN I/PRP entreat/VBP him/PRP to/TO come/VB here/RB immediately."/RB The/DT maid/NN started/VBD on/IN her/PRP$ mission/NN with/IN angry/JJ alacrity,/NN darting/VBG a/DT venomous/JJ glance/NN at/IN the/DT handsome/JJ Frenchwoman/NNP as/IN she/PRP passed./VBD Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras,/NNP meanwhile,/, sate,/VBD listless/JJ and/CC defiant,/JJ in/IN her/PRP$ chair,/NN and/CC tapping/VBG her/PRP$ little/JJ foot/NN with/IN angry/JJ excitement/NN upon/IN the/DT floor./NN Rhoda/NNP sate/VBD close/RB by/IN her/PRP$ mother,/NN holding/VBG her/PRP$ hand/NN fast,/RB and/CC looking/VBG frightened,/JJ perplexed,/NNS and/CC as/IN if/IN she/PRP were/VBD on/IN the/DT point/NN of/IN weeping./VBG Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP though/IN flushed/VBN and/CC excited,/NN yet/RB maintained/VBD her/PRP$ dignified/JJ and/CC grave/JJ demeanor./. And/CC thus,/RB in/IN silence,/JJ did/VBD they/PRP all/DT three/CD await/VBP the/DT arrival/NN of/IN the/DT arbiter/NN to/TO whom/WP Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP had/VBD so/RB promptly/RB appealed./VBN A/DT few/JJ minutes/NNS more,/, and/CC Marston/NNP entered/VBD the/DT room./NN Mademoiselle's/NNP expression/NN changed/VBD as/IN he/PRP did/VBD so/RB to/TO one/CD of/IN dejected/VBN and/CC sorrowful/JJ submission;/JJ and,/NNS as/IN Marston's/NNP eye/NN lighted/VBN upon/IN her,/PRP his/PRP$ brow/NN darkened/VBN and/CC his/PRP$ face/NN grew/VBD pale./VBG "Well,/JJ well--what/JJ is/VBZ it?--What/DT is/VBZ all/DT this?"/IN he/PRP said,/VBD glancing/VBG with/IN a/DT troubled/JJ eye/NN from/IN one/CD to/TO the/DT other./NNP "Speak,/NNP someone./VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP you/PRP sent/VBD for/IN me;/NN what/WP is/VBZ it?"/VBN "I/RB want/VBP to/TO know,/VB Mr./NNP Marston,/NNP from/IN your/PRP$ own/JJ lips,"/NN said/VBD the/DT lady,/NN in/IN reply,/NN "whether/NN Rhoda/NNP is/VBZ to/TO obey/VB me/PRP or/CC Mademoiselle/NNP de/IN Barras?"/NNP "Bah!--A/NNP question/NN of/IN women's/NNS prerogative,"/NNS said/VBD Marston,/NNP with/IN muttered/VBD vehemence./JJ "Of/IN a/DT wife's/NN and/CC a/DT mother's/NN prerogative,/NN Richard,"/NNP said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP with/IN gentle/JJ emphasis./NN "A/IN very/RB simple/JJ question,/NN and/CC one/CD I/PRP should/MD have/VB thought/VBN needing/VBG no/DT deliberation/NN to/TO decide/VB it."/IN "Well,/JJ child,"/NNS sad/JJ he,/NN turning/VBG to/TO Rhoda,/NNP with/IN angry/JJ irony,/NN "pray/NN what/WP is/VBZ all/PDT this/DT fuss/NN about?/IN You/PRP are/VBP a/DT very/RB ill/JJ used/VBN young/JJ lady,/NN I/PRP dare/MD aver./VB Pray/NNP what/WP cruelties/NNS does/VBZ Mademoiselle/NNP de/FW Barras/NNPS propose/VBP inflicting/VBG upon/IN you,/PRP that/IN you/PRP need/VBP to/TO appeal/VB thus/RB to/TO your/PRP$ mother/NN for/IN protection?"/NN "You/PRP quite/RB mistake/NN me,/, Richard,"/NNP interposed/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston;/NNP "Rhoda/NNP is/VBZ perfectly/RB passive/JJ in/IN the/DT matter./NN I/PRP simply/RB wish/VB to/TO learn/VB from/IN you,/NNP in/IN mademoiselle's/VBG presence,/NN whether/IN I/PRP or/CC she/PRP is/VBZ to/TO command/VB my/PRP$ daughter?"/NN "Command!"/'' said/VBD Marston,/NNP evading/VBG the/DT direct/JJ appeal;/NN "and/CC pray/VB what/WP is/VBZ all/PDT this/DT commanding/JJ about?--What/CC do/VBP you/PRP want/VB the/DT girl/NN to/TO do?"/VB "I/PRP wish/VB her/PRP$ to/TO remain/VB here/RB with/IN me/PRP for/IN a/DT little/JJ time,/NN and/CC mademoiselle,/VBD knowing/VBG this,/DT desires/VBZ her/PRP$ instantly/RB to/TO go/VB to/TO the/DT music-room,/NN and/CC leave/VB me./PRP That/DT is/VBZ all,"/RB said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston./NNP "And/CC pray,/NN is/VBZ there/RB nothing/NN to/TO make/VB her/PRP going/VBG to/TO the/DT music-room/NN advisable/NN or/CC necessary?/JJ Has/VBZ she/PRP no/DT music/NN to/TO learn,/VB or/CC studies/NNS to/TO pursue?/VB Pshaw!/NNP Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP what/WP needs/VBZ all/PDT this/DT noise/NN about/IN nothing?/NN Go,/NNP miss,"/, he/PRP added,/VBD sharply/RB and/CC peremptorily,/RB addressing/VBG Rhoda,/NNP "go/IN this/DT moment/NN to/TO the/DT music-room."/JJ The/DT girl/NN glided/VBD from/IN the/DT room,/NN and/CC mademoiselle,/VBD as/IN she/PRP followed,/VBD shot/VBN a/DT glance/NN at/IN Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP which/WDT wounded/JJ and/CC humbled/VBD her/PRP in/IN the/DT dust./NN "Oh!/IN Richard,/NNP Richard,/NNP if/IN you/PRP knew/VBD all,/IN you/PRP would/MD not/RB have/VB subjected/VBN me/PRP to/TO this/DT indignity,"/NN she/PRP said;/VBD and/CC throwing/VBG her/PRP$ arms/NNS about/IN his/PRP$ neck,/NN she/PRP wept,/VBD for/IN the/DT first/JJ time/NN for/IN many/JJ a/DT long/JJ year,/NN upon/IN his/PRP$ breast./NN Marston/NNP was/VBD embarrassed/VBN and/CC agitated./VBN He/PRP disengaged/VBD her/PRP$ arms/NNS from/IN his/PRP$ neck,/NN and/CC placed/VBD her/PRP gently/RB in/IN a/DT chair./NN She/PRP sobbed/VBD on/IN for/IN some/DT time/NN in/IN silence--a/JJ silence/NN which/WDT Marston/NNP himself/PRP did/VBD not/RB essay/NN to/TO break./VB He/PRP walked/VBD to/TO the/DT door,/NN apparently/RB with/IN the/DT intention/NN of/IN leaving/VBG her./PRP He/PRP hesitated/VBD however,/RB and/CC returned;/VB took/VBD a/DT hurried/JJ turn/NN through/IN the/DT room;/NN hesitated/VBD again;/RB sat/VBN down;/IN then/RB returned/VBD to/TO the/DT door,/NN not/RB to/TO depart,/VB but/CC to/TO close/VB it/PRP carefully,/, and/CC walked/VBD gloomily/RB to/TO the/DT window,/NN whence/IN he/PRP looked/VBD forth,/RB buried/VBN in/IN agitating/VBG and/CC absorbing/VBG thoughts./DT "Richard,/NN to/TO you/PRP this/DT seems/VBZ a/DT trifling/JJ thing;/NN but,/, indeed/RB it/PRP is/VBZ not/RB so,"/RB said/VBD Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP sadly./VBZ "You/PRP are/VBP very/RB right,/JJ Gertrude,"/IN he/PRP said,/VBD quickly,/RB and/CC almost/RB with/IN a/DT start;/JJ "it/NN is/VBZ very/RB far/RB from/IN a/DT trifling/JJ thing;/NN it/PRP is/VBZ very/RB 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arrangements./NN I/PRP have/VBP written/VBN to/TO your/PRP$ cousin,/NN and/CC former/JJ guardian,/NN Mr./NNP Latimer,/NNP telling/VBG him/PRP how/WRB matters/NNS stand/VBP between/IN us./NNP You,/NNP I/PRP told/VBD him,/PRP shall/MD have,/VB without/IN opposition/NN from/IN me,/NN the/DT whole/NN of/IN your/PRP$ own/JJ fortune/NN to/TO your/PRP$ own/JJ separate/JJ use,/NN together/RB with/IN whatever/WDT shall/MD be/VB mutually/RB agreed/VBN upon/IN as/IN reasonable,/NN from/IN my/PRP$ income,/NN for/IN your/PRP$ support/NN and/CC that/DT of/IN my/PRP$ daughter./NN It/PRP will/MD be/VB necessary/JJ to/TO complete/VB your/PRP$ arrangements/NNS with/IN expedition,/NN as/IN I/PRP purpose/NN returning/VBG to/TO Gray/NNP Forest/NNP in/IN about/IN three/CD weeks;/NNS and/CC as,/NN of/IN course,/NNS a/DT meeting/NN between/IN you/PRP and/CC those/DT by/IN whom/WP I/PRP shall/MD be/VB accompanied/VBN is/VBZ wholly/RB out/IN of/IN the/DT question,/NN you/PRP will/MD see/VB the/DT expediency/NN of/IN losing/VBG no/DT time/NN in/IN adjusting/VBG everything/NN for/IN yours/PRP and/CC my/PRP$ daughter's/NN departure./NN In/IN the/DT details,/NN of/IN course,/NN I/PRP shall/MD not/RB interfere./, I/PRP think/VBP I/PRP have/VBP made/VBN myself/PRP clearly/RB intelligible,/JJ and/CC would/MD recommend/VB your/PRP$ communicating/NN at/IN once/RB with/IN Mr./NNP Latimer,/NNP with/IN a/DT view/NN to/TO completing/VBG temporary/JJ arrangements,/NN until/IN your/PRP$ final/JJ plans/NNS shall/MD have/VB been/VBN decided/VBN upon./RP "RICHARD/NNP MARSTON"/NNP The/DT reader/NN can/MD easily/RB conceive/VB the/DT feelings/NNS with/IN which/WDT this/DT letter/NN was/VBD perused./VBN We/PRP shall/MD not/RB attempt/VB to/TO describe/VB them;/PRP nor/CC shall/MD we/PRP weary/JJ his/PRP$ patience/NN by/IN a/DT detail/NN of/IN all/PDT the/DT circumstances/NNS attending/VBG Mrs./NNP Marston's/NNP departure./, Suffice/NNP it/PRP to/TO mention/VB that,/DT in/IN less/JJR than/IN a/DT fortnight/NN after/IN the/DT receipt/NN of/IN the/DT letter/NN which/WDT we/PRP have/VBP just/RB copied,/NNS she/PRP had/VBD forever/RB left/VBN the/DT mansion/NN of/IN Gray/NNP Forest./NNP In/IN a/DT small/JJ house,/NN in/IN a/DT sequestered/JJ part/NN of/IN the/DT rich/JJ county/NN of/IN Warwick,/NNP the/DT residence/NN of/IN Mrs./NNP Marston/NNP and/CC her/PRP$ daughter/NN was/VBD for/IN the/DT present/JJ fixed./VBN And/CC there,/RB for/IN a/DT time,/NN the/DT heart-broken/JJ and/CC desolate/JJ lady/NN enjoyed,/VBN at/IN least,/PRP$ the/DT privilege/NN of/IN an/DT immunity/NN from/IN the/DT intrusions/NNS of/IN all/DT external/JJ trouble./NN But/CC the/DT blow,/NN under/IN which/WDT the/DT feeble/JJ remains/NNS of/IN her/PRP$ health/NN and/CC strength/NN were/VBD gradually/RB to/TO sink,/VB had/VBD struck/VBN too/RB surely/RB home;/VBP and,/RB from/IN month/NN to/TO month--almost/VB from/IN week/NN to/TO week--the/DT progress/NN of/IN decay/NN was/VBD perceptible./NN Meanwhile,/RB though/IN grieved/JJ and/CC humbled,/JJ and/CC longing/VBG to/TO comfort/VB his/PRP$ unhappy/JJ mother/NN Charles/NNP Marston,/NNP for/IN the/DT present/JJ absolutely/RB dependant/JJ upon/IN his/PRP$ father,/NN had/VBD no/DT choice/NN but/CC to/TO remain/VB at/IN Cambridge,/NNP and/CC to/TO pursue/VB his/PRP$ studies/NNS there./, At/IN Gray/NNP Forest/NNP Marston/NNP and/CC the/DT partner/NN of/IN his/PRP$ guilt/NN continued/VBD to/TO live./VB The/DT old/JJ servants/NNS were/VBD all/DT gradually/RB dismissed,/VBN and/CC new/JJ ones/NNS hired/VBN by/IN Mademoiselle/NNP de/NNP Barras./NNP There/RB they/PRP dwelt,/VBP shunned/VBN by/IN everybody,/NN in/IN a/DT stricter/NN and/CC more/JJR desolate/JJ seclusion/NN than/IN ever./DT The/DT novelty/NN of/IN the/DT unrestraint/JJ and/CC licence/NN of/IN their/PRP$ new/JJ mode/NN of/IN life/NN speedily/RB passed/VBD away,/RB and/CC with/IN it/PRP the/DT excited/JJ and/CC guilty/JJ sense/NN of/IN relief/NN which/WDT had/VBD for/IN a/DT time/NN produced/VBN a/DT false/JJ and/CC hollow/JJ gaiety./. The/DT sense/NN of/IN security/NN prompted/VBD in/IN mademoiselle/VBG a/DT hundred/CD indulgences/NNS which,/, in/IN her/PRP$ former/JJ precarious/JJ position,/NN she/PRP would/MD not/RB have/VB dreamed/VBN of./RP Outbreaks/NNS of/IN temper,/JJ sharp/JJ and/CC sometimes/RB violent,/JJ began/VBD to/TO manifest/JJ themselves/PRP on/IN her/PRP$ part,/NN and/CC renewed/VBD disappointment/NN and/CC blacker/NN remorse/NN to/TO darken/VB the/DT soul/NN of/IN Marston/NNP himself./, Often,/NNP in/IN the/DT dead/NN of/IN the/DT night,/NN the/DT servants/NNS would/MD overhear/VB their/PRP$ bitter/JJ and/CC fierce/JJ altercations/NNS ringing/VBG through/IN the/DT melancholy/NN mansion,/NN and/CC often/RB the/DT reckless/JJ use/NN of/IN terrible/JJ and/CC mysterious/JJ epithets/NNS of/IN crime./NN Their/PRP$ quarrels/NNS increased/VBD in/IN violence/NN and/CC in/IN frequency,/JJ and,/NNS before/IN two/CD years/NNS had/VBD passed,/VBN feelings/NNS of/IN bitterness,/JJ hatred,/NN and/CC dread,/NN alone/RB seemed/VBD to/TO subsist/VB between/IN them./PRP Yet/RB upon/IN Marston/NNP she/PRP continued/VBD to/TO exercise/VB a/DT powerful/JJ and/CC mysterious/JJ influence./NN There/EX was/VBD a/DT dogged,/NN apathetic/NN submission/NN on/IN his/PRP$ part,/NN and/CC a/DT growing/VBG insolence/NN on/IN hers,/PRP constantly/RB more/RBR and/CC more/RBR strikingly/RB visible./, Neglect,/NNP disorder,/, and/CC decay,/NN too,/NNS were/VBD more/RBR than/IN ever/RB apparent/JJ in/IN the/DT dreary/JJ air/NN of/IN the/DT place./NN Doctor/NN Danvers,/NNP save/VB by/IN rumor/NN and/CC conjecture,/NN knew/VBD nothing/NN of/IN Marston/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ abandoned/JJ companion./NN He/PRP had,/VBD more/RBR than/IN once,/RB felt/VBN a/DT strong/JJ disposition/NN to/TO visit/VB Gray/NNP Forest,/NNP and/CC expostulate,/JJ face/NN to/TO face,/VB with/IN its/PRP$ guilty/JJ proprietor./NN This/DT idea,/NN however,/, he/PRP had,/VBD upon/IN consideration,/NN dismissed;/VBD not/RB on/IN account/NN of/IN any/DT shrinking/VBG from/IN the/DT possible/JJ repulses/NNS and/CC affronts/NNS to/TO which/WDT the/DT attempt/NN might/MD subject/VB him,/PRP but/CC from/IN a/DT thorough/JJ conviction/NN that/IN the/DT endeavor/NN would/MD be/VB utterly/RB fruitless/JJ for/IN good,/NNS while/IN it/PRP might,/MD very/RB obviously,/RB expose/VB him/PRP to/TO painful/JJ misinterpretation/NN and/CC suspicion,/NN and/CC leave/VB it/PRP to/TO be/VB imagined/VBN that/IN he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN influenced,/VBN if/IN by/IN no/DT meaner/NN motive,/NN at/IN least/JJS by/IN the/DT promptings/NNS of/IN a/DT coarse/JJ curiosity./NN Meanwhile/RB he/PRP maintained/VBD a/DT correspondence/NN with/IN Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP and/CC had/VBD even/RB once/RB or/CC twice/RB since/IN her/PRP$ departure/NN visited/VBD her./PRP Latterly,/RB however,/RB this/DT correspondence/NN had/VBD been/VBN a/DT good/JJ deal/NN interrupted,/, and/CC its/PRP$ intervals/NNS had/VBD been/VBN supplied/VBN occasionally/RB by/IN Rhoda,/NNP whose/WP$ letters,/NN although/IN she/PRP herself/PRP appeared/VBD unconscious/JJ of/IN the/DT mournful/JJ event/NN the/DT approach/NN of/IN which/WDT they/PRP too/RB plainly/RB indicated,/JJ were/VBD painful/JJ records/NNS of/IN the/DT rapid/JJ progress/NN of/IN mortal/JJ decay./NN He/PRP had/VBD just/RB received/VBN one/CD of/IN those/DT ominous/JJ letters,/NNS at/IN the/DT little/JJ post/NN office/NN in/IN the/DT town/NN we/PRP have/VBP already/RB mentioned,/VB and,/DT full/JJ of/IN the/DT melancholy/JJ news/NN it/PRP contained,/VBD Dr./NNP Danvers/NNP was/VBD returning/VBG slowly/RB towards/IN his/PRP$ home./NN As/IN he/PRP rode/VBD into/IN a/DT lonely/JJ road,/NN traversing/VBG an/DT undulating/JJ tract/NN of/IN some/DT three/CD miles/NNS in/IN length,/NN the/DT singularity,/NN it/PRP may/MD be,/VB of/IN his/PRP$ costume/NN attracted/VBD the/DT eye/NN of/IN another/DT passenger,/NN who/WP was,/VBD as/IN it/PRP turned/VBD out,/RP no/DT other/JJ than/IN Marston/NNP himself./. For/IN two/CD or/CC three/CD miles/NNS of/IN this/DT desolate/JJ road,/NN their/PRP$ ways/NNS happened/VBD to/TO lie/VB together./RP Marston's/NNP first/JJ impulse/NN was/VBD to/TO avoid/VB the/DT clergyman;/NN his/PRP$ second,/NN which/WDT he/PRP obeyed,/VBD was/VBD to/TO join/VB company,/JJ and/CC ride/VB along/RB with/IN him,/NN at/IN all/DT events,/NN for/IN so/RB long/JJ as/RB would/MD show/VB that/IN he/PRP shrank/VBD from/IN no/DT encounter/NN which/WDT fortune/NN or/CC accident/NN presented./NN There/RB was/VBD a/DT spirit/NN of/IN bitter/JJ defiance/NN in/IN this,/DT which/WDT cost/VBD him/PRP a/DT painful/JJ effort./NN "How/NNS do/VBP you/PRP do,/VB Parson/NNP Danvers?"/NNP said/VBD Marston,/NNP touching/VBG his/PRP$ hat/NN with/IN the/DT handle/NN of/IN his/PRP$ whip./WP Danvers/NNPS thought/VBD he/PRP had/VBD seldom/RB seen/VBN a/DT man/NN so/RB changed/VBD in/IN so/RB short/JJ a/DT time./NN His/PRP$ face/NN had/VBD grown/VBN sallow/NN and/CC wasted,/NN and/CC his/PRP$ figure/VBP slightly/RB stooped,/VB with/IN an/DT appearance/NN almost/RB of/IN feebleness./DT "Mr./NNP Marston,"/NNP said/VBD the/DT clergyman,/NN gravely,/NN and/CC almost/RB sternly,/JJ though/IN with/IN some/DT embarrassment,/JJ "it/NN is/VBZ a/DT long/JJ time/NN since/IN you/PRP and/CC I/PRP have/VBP seen/VBN one/CD another,/DT and/CC many/JJ and/CC painful/JJ events/NNS have/VBP passed/VBN in/IN the/DT interval./NN I/PRP scarce/JJ know/VBP upon/IN what/WP terms/NNS we/PRP meet./VBP I/PRP am/VBP prompted/VBN to/TO speak/VB to/TO you,/NNP and/CC in/IN a/DT tone,/NN perhaps,/NN which/WDT you/PRP will/MD hardly/RB brook;/NNS and/CC yet,/RB if/IN we/PRP keep/VBP company,/VBN as/IN it/PRP seems/VBZ likely/JJ we/PRP may,/MD I/PRP cannot,/VB and/CC I/PRP ought/MD not,/RB to/TO be/VB silent."/JJ "Well,/IN Mr./NNP Danvers,/NNP I/PRP accept/VBP the/DT condition--speak/NN what/WP you/PRP will,"/MD said/VBD Marston,/NNP with/IN a/DT gloomy/JJ promptitude./NN "If/IN you/PRP exceed/VBP your/PRP$ privilege,/JJ and/CC grow/VB uncivil,/IN I/PRP need/VBP but/CC use/VBP my/PRP$ spurs,/NN and/CC leave/VB you/PRP behind/IN me/PRP preaching/VBG to/TO the/DT winds."/NN "Ah!/IN Mr./NNP Marston,"/NNP said/VBD Dr./NNP Danvers,/NNP almost/RB sadly,/RB after/IN a/DT considerable/JJ pause,/NN "when/RB I/PRP saw/VBD you/PRP close/VB beside/IN me,/NN my/PRP$ heart/NN was/VBD troubled/VBN within/IN me."/NN "You/PRP looked/VBD on/IN me/PRP as/IN something/NN from/IN the/DT nether/JJ world,/NN and/CC expected/VBD to/TO see/VB the/DT cloven/NN hoof,"/NN said/VBD Marston,/NNP bitterly,/, and/CC raising/VBG his/PRP$ booted/JJ foot/NN a/DT little/JJ as/IN he/PRP spoke;/VBD "but,/VBN after/IN all,/DT I/PRP am/VBP but/CC a/DT vulgar/JJ sinner/NN of/IN flesh/NN and/CC blood,/NN without/IN enough/RB of/IN the/DT preternatural/JJ about/IN me/PRP to/TO frighten/VB an/DT old/JJ nurse,/NN much/RB less/JJR to/TO agitate/VB a/DT pillar/NN of/IN the/DT Church."/NNP "Mr./NNP Marston,/NNP you/PRP talk/VBP sarcastically,/NNS but/CC you/PRP feel/VBP that/IN recent/JJ circumstances,/NN as/RB well/RB as/IN old/JJ recollections,/NN might/MD well/RB disturb/VB and/CC trouble/VB me/PRP at/IN sight/NN of/IN you,"/JJ answered/VBN Dr./NNP Danvers./NNP "Well--yes--perhaps/NNP it/PRP is/VBZ so,"/RB said/VBD Marston,/NNP hastily/RB and/CC sullenly,/RB and/CC became/VBD silent/JJ for/IN a/DT while./NN "My/NN heart/NN is/VBZ full,/JJ Mr./NNP Marston;/NNP charged/VBD with/IN grief,/NNS when/WRB I/PRP think/VBP of/IN the/DT sad/JJ history/NN of/IN those/DT with/IN whom,/JJ in/IN my/PRP$ mind,/NN you/PRP must/MD ever/RB be/VB associated,"/VBN said/VBD Doctor/NNP Danvers./NNP "Aye,/NNP to/TO be/VB sure,"/RB said/VBD Marston,/NNP with/IN stern/JJ impatience;/NN "but,/VBD then,/, you/PRP have/VBP much/RB to/TO console/VB you./PRP You/PRP have/VBP got/VBD your/PRP$ comforts/NNS and/CC your/PRP$ respectability;/NN all/DT the/DT dearer,/NN too,/RB from/IN the/DT contrast/NN of/IN other/JJ people's/NNS misfortunes/NNS and/CC degradations;/NN then/RB you/PRP have/VBP your/PRP$ religion/NN moreover--"/'' "Yes,"/NN interrupted/VBD Danvers,/NNP earnestly,/, and/CC hastening/VBG to/TO avoid/VB a/DT sneer/NN upon/IN this/DT subject;/NN "God/NNP be/VB blessed,/VB I/PRP am/VBP an/DT humble/JJ follower/NN of/IN his/PRP$ gracious/JJ Son,/NNP our/PRP$ Redeemer;/NNP and/CC though,/VBD I/PRP trust,/IN I/PRP should/MD bear/VB with/IN patient/NN submission/NN whatever/WDT chastisement/NN in/IN his/PRP$ wisdom/NN and/CC goodness/NN he/PRP might/MD see/VB fit/VBN to/TO inflict/VB upon/IN me,/PRP yet/CC I/PRP do/VBP praise/NN and/CC bless/VB him/PRP for/IN the/DT mercy/NN which/WDT has/VBZ hitherto/VBN spared/VBN me,/, and/CC I/PRP do/VBP feel/VB that/IN mercy/NN all/PDT the/DT more/JJR profoundly,/NN from/IN the/DT afflictions/NNS and/CC troubles/NNS with/IN which/WDT I/PRP daily/RB see/VBP others/NNS overtaken."/IN "And/NN in/IN the/DT matter/NN of/IN piety/NN and/CC decorum,/NN doubtless,/VBP you/PRP bless/VB God/NNP also,"/RB said/VBD Marston,/NNP sarcastically,/VBD "that/IN you/PRP are/VBP not/RB as/IN other/JJ men/NNS are,/VBP nor/CC even/RB as/IN this/DT publican."/NN "Nay,/IN Mr./NNP Marston;/NNP God/NNP forbid/VBD I/PRP should/MD harden/VB my/PRP$ sinful/JJ heart/NN with/IN the/DT wicked/JJ pride/NN of/IN the/DT Pharisee./NNP Evil/NNP and/CC corrupt/JJ am/VBP I/PRP already/RB over/IN much./NNP Too/RB well/RB I/PRP know/VBP the/DT vileness/NN of/IN my/PRP$ heart,/NN to/TO make/VB myself/PRP righteous/JJ in/IN my/PRP$ own/JJ eyes,"/NN replied/VBD Dr./NNP Danvers,/NNP humbly./, "But,/NNP sinner/NN as/IN I/PRP am,/VBP I/PRP am/VBP yet/RB a/DT messenger/NN of/IN God,/NNP whose/WP$ mission/NN is/VBZ one/CD of/IN authority/NN to/TO his/PRP$ fellow-sinners;/JJ and/CC woe/NN is/VBZ me/PRP if/IN I/PRP speak/VBP not/RB the/DT truth/NN at/IN all/DT seasons,/NN and/CC in/IN all/DT places/NNS where/WRB my/PRP$ words/NNS may/MD be/VB profitably/RB heard."/VBN "Well,/IN Doctor/NNP Danvers,/NNPS it/PRP seems/VBZ you/PRP think/VBP it/PRP your/PRP$ duty/NN to/TO speak/VB to/TO me,/VB of/IN course,/NN respecting/VBG my/PRP$ conduct/NN and/CC my/PRP$ spiritual/JJ state./NN I/PRP shall/MD save/VB you/PRP the/DT pain/NN and/CC trouble/NN of/IN opening/VBG the/DT subject;/NN I/PRP shall/MD state/VB the/DT case/NN for/IN you/PRP in/IN two/CD words,"/NNS said/VBD Marston,/NNP almost/RB fiercely./. "I/PRP have/VBP put/VBN away/RP my/PRP$ wife/NN without/IN just/RB cause,/VBN and/CC am/VBP living/VBG in/IN sin/NN with/IN another/DT woman./NN Come,/IN what/WP have/VBP you/PRP to/TO say/VB on/IN this/DT theme?/NN Speak/NNP out./NNP Deal/NNP with/IN me/PRP as/RB roughly/RB as/IN you/PRP will,/IN I/PRP will/MD hear/VB it,/RB and/CC answer/VB you/PRP again."/RB "Alas,/IN Mr./NNP Marston!/NNP And/CC do/VB not/RB these/DT things/NNS trouble/NN you?"/, exclaimed/VBD Dr./NNP Danvers,/NNP earnestly./, "Do/NN they/PRP not/RB weigh/VB heavy/NN upon/IN your/PRP$ conscience?/NN Ah,/IN sir,/NN do/VBP you/PRP not/RB remember/VB that,/DT slowly/RB and/CC surely,/RB you/PRP are/VBP drawing/VBG towards/IN the/DT hour/NN of/IN death,/NN and/CC the/DT Day/NNP of/IN Judgment?"/NNP "The/NNP hour/NN or/CC death!/NN Yes,/NN I/PRP know/VBP it/PRP is/VBZ coming,/JJ and/CC I/PRP await/VBP it/PRP with/IN indifference./NN But,/CC for/IN the/DT Day/NNP of/IN Judgment,/NNP with/IN its/PRP$ books/NNS and/CC trumpets!/NN My/PRP$ dear/JJ doctor,/NN pray/NN don't/RB expect/VBP to/TO frighten/VB me/PRP with/IN that."/DT Marston/NNP spoke/VBD with/IN an/DT angry/JJ scorn,/NN which/WDT had/VBD the/DT effect/NN of/IN interrupting/VBG the/DT conversation/NN for/IN some/DT moments./NN They/PRP rode/VBD on,/IN side/NN by/IN side,/NN for/IN a/DT long/JJ time,/NN without/IN speaking./VBG At/IN length,/NN however,/, Marston/NNP unexpectedly/RB broke/VBD the/DT silence--/NNS "Doctor/NN Danvers,"/NNP said/VBD he,/PRP "you/VBD asked/VBN me/PRP some/DT time/NN ago/IN if/IN I/PRP feared/VBD the/DT hour/NN of/IN death,/NN and/CC the/DT Day/NNP of/IN Judgment./NNP I/PRP answered/VBD you/PRP truly,/RB I/PRP do/VBP not/RB fear/VB them;/PRP nay/RB death,/RB I/PRP think,/VBP I/PRP could/MD meet/VB with/IN a/DT happier/JJR and/CC a/DT quieter/NN heart/NN than/IN any/DT other/JJ chance/NN that/WDT can/MD befall/VB me;/NNS but/CC there/EX are/VBP other/JJ fears;/JJ fears/NNS that/WDT do/VBP trouble/VB me/PRP much."/RB Doctor/NNP Danvers/NNPS looked/VBD inquiringly/RB at/IN him;/NN but/CC neither/DT spoke/VBD for/IN a/DT time./NN "You/PRP have/VBP not/RB seen/VBN the/DT catastrophe/NN of/IN the/DT tragedy/NN yet,"/NN said/VBD Marston,/NNP with/IN a/DT stern,/NN stony/NN look,/VBD made/VBN more/RBR horrible/JJ by/IN a/DT forced/JJ smile/NN and/CC something/NN like/IN a/DT shudder./NN "I/IN wish/NN I/PRP could/MD tell/VB you--you,/JJ Doctor/NN Danvers--for/CC you/PRP are/VBP honorable/JJ and/CC gentle-hearted./JJ I/PRP wish/VBP I/PRP durst/IN tell/VBP you/PRP what/WP I/PRP fear;/VBP the/DT only,/JJ only/JJ thing/NN I/PRP really/RB do/VBP fear./DT No/DT mortal/NN knows/VBZ it/PRP but/CC myself,/PRP and/CC I/PRP see/VBP it/PRP coming/VBG upon/IN me/PRP with/IN slow,/JJ but/CC unconquerable/JJ power./NN Oh,/NNP God--dreadful/NNP Spirit--spare/NNP me!"/, Again/RB they/PRP were/VBD silent,/JJ and/CC again/RB Marston/NNP resumed--/, "Doctor/NN Danvers,/NNP don't/VBD mistake/NN me,"/NNS he/PRP 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me..../PRP "I/RB go/VBP to/TO church/NN every/DT Sunday,/NNP and/CC take/VB Willett/NNP along/IN with/IN me./PRP No/DT one/NN from/IN this/DT seems/VBZ to/TO think/VB of/IN doing/VBG so/RB but/CC ourselves./PRP I/PRP see/VBP the/DT Mervyns/NNP there./, Mrs./NNP Mervyn/NNP is/VBZ particularly/RB kind;/JJ and/CC I/PRP know/VBP that/IN she/PRP wishes/VBZ to/TO offer/VB me/PRP an/DT asylum/NN at/IN Newton/NNP Park;/NNP and/CC you/PRP cannot/MD think/VB with/IN how/WRB much/JJ tenderness/NN and/CC delicacy/NN she/PRP conveys/VBZ the/DT wish./NN But/CC I/PRP dare/VBP not/RB hint/VB the/DT subject/NN to/TO my/PRP$ father;/NN and,/RB earnestly/RB as/IN I/PRP desire/VBP it,/IN I/PRP could/MD not/RB but/CC feel/VB that/IN I/PRP should/MD go/VB there,/RB not/RB to/TO visit,/VB but/CC to/TO reside./NNP And/CC so/RB even/RB in/IN this,/NN in/IN many/JJ respects,/NNS delightful/JJ project,/NN is/VBZ mingled/VBN the/DT bitter/JJ apprehension/NN of/IN dependence--something/JJ so/IN humiliating,/JJ that,/IN kindly/RB and/CC delicately/RB as/IN the/DT offer/NN is/VBZ made,/VBN I/PRP could/MD not/RB bring/VB myself/PRP to/TO embrace/VB it./PRP I/PRP have/VBP a/DT great/JJ deal/NN to/TO say/VB to/TO you,/VB and/CC long/RB to/TO see/VB you.".../PRP These/DT extracts/NNS will/MD enable/VB the/DT reader/NN to/TO form/VB a/DT tolerably/RB accurate/JJ idea/NN of/IN the/DT general/JJ state/NN of/IN affairs/NNS at/IN Gray/NNP Forest./NNP Some/DT particulars/NNS must,/MD however,/RB be/VB added./VBN Marston/NNP continued/VBD to/TO be/VB the/DT same/JJ gloomy/JJ and/CC joyless/JJ being/VBG as/IN heretofore./PRP Sometimes/RB moody/JJ and/CC apathetic,/RB sometimes/RB wayward/JJ and/CC even/RB savage,/JJ but/CC never/RB for/IN a/DT moment/NN at/IN ease,/DT never/RB social--an/JJ isolated,/NN disdainful,/NN ruined/VBN man./NN One/CD day/NN as/IN Rhoda/NNP sate/NN and/CC read/VBD under/IN the/DT shade/NN of/IN some/DT closely-interwoven/JJ evergreens,/NN in/IN a/DT lonely/JJ and/CC sheltered/JJ part/NN of/IN the/DT neglected/VBN pleasure-grounds,/NN with/IN her/PRP$ honest/JJ maid/NN Willett/NNP in/IN attendance,/NN she/PRP was/VBD surprised/VBN by/IN the/DT sudden/JJ appearance/NN of/IN her/PRP$ father,/NN who/WP stood/VBD unexpectedly/RB before/IN her./PRP Though/IN his/PRP$ attitude/NN for/IN some/DT time/NN was/VBD fixed,/JJ his/PRP$ countenance/NN was/VBD troubled/VBN with/IN anxiety/NN and/CC pain,/NN and/CC his/PRP$ sunken/JJ eyes/NNS rested/VBD upon/IN her/PRP with/IN a/DT fiery/JJ and/CC fretted/JJ gaze./NN He/PRP seemed/VBD lost/VBN in/IN thought/NN for/IN a/DT while,/NN and/CC then,/JJ touching/VBG Willett/NNP sharply/RB on/IN the/DT shoulder,/NN said/VBD abruptly:/RB "Go;/IN I/PRP shall/MD call/VB you/PRP when/WRB you/PRP are/VBP wanted./VBN Walk/NNP down/IN that/DT alley."/RB And,/NNP as/IN he/PRP spoke,/VBD he/PRP indicated/VBD with/IN his/PRP$ walking-cane/NN the/DT course/NN he/PRP desired/VBD her/PRP$ to/TO take./NN When/WRB the/DT maid/NN was/VBD sufficiently/RB distant/JJ to/TO be/VB quite/RB out/IN of/IN hearing,/NN Marston/NNP sate/VBD down/RP beside/IN Rhoda/NNP upon/IN the/DT bench,/NN and/CC took/VBD her/PRP$ hand/NN in/IN silence./NN His/PRP$ grasp/NN was/VBD cold,/JJ and/CC alternately/RB relaxed/VBN and/CC contracted/VBN with/IN an/DT agitated/JJ uncertainty,/NN while/IN his/PRP$ eyes/NNS were/VBD fixed/VBN upon/IN the/DT ground,/NN and/CC he/PRP seemed/VBD meditating/VBG how/WRB to/TO open/VB the/DT conversation./NN At/IN last,/JJ as/IN if/IN suddenly/RB awaking/VBG from/IN a/DT fearful/JJ reverie,/NN he/PRP said--"You/VBD correspond/NN with/IN Charles?"/NNP "Yes,/NNP sir,"/NN she/PRP replied,/VBP with/IN the/DT respectful/JJ formality/NN prescribed/VBN by/IN the/DT usages/NNS of/IN the/DT time,/NN "we/IN correspond/NN regularly."/NNS "Aye,/IN aye;/DT and,/NNS pray,/, when/WRB did/VBD you/PRP last/JJ hear/VB from/IN him?"/NN he/PRP continued./VBD "About/IN a/DT month/NN since,/IN sir,"/NN she/PRP replied./VBD "Ha--and--and--was/. there/EX nothing/NN strange--nothing--nothing/JJ mysterious/JJ and/CC menacing/JJ in/IN his/PRP$ letter?/NN Come,/NNP come,/VBD you/PRP know/VBP what/WP I/PRP speak/VBP of."/IN He/PRP stopped/VBD abruptly,/RB and/CC stared/VBD in/IN her/PRP$ face/NN with/IN an/DT agitated/JJ gaze./NN "No,/IN indeed,/NN sir;/NN there/RB was/VBD not/RB anything/NN of/IN the/DT kind,"/NN she/PRP replied./VBD "I/PRP have/VBP been/VBN greatly/RB shocked,/JJ I/PRP may/MD say/VB incensed,"/NN said/VBD Marston/NNP excitedly,/, "by/IN a/DT passage/NN in/IN his/PRP$ last/JJ letter/NN to/TO me./VB Not/RB that/IN it/PRP says/VBZ anything/NN specific;/JJ but--but/CC it/PRP amazes/VBZ me--it/JJ enrages/NNS me."/RB He/PRP again/RB checked/VBD himself,/PRP and/CC Rhoda,/NNP much/RB surprised,/JJ and/CC even/RB shocked,/JJ said,/NNS stammeringly--/: "I/RB am/VBP sure,/JJ sir,/NN that/IN dear/JJ Charles/NNP would/MD not/RB intentionally/RB say/VB or/CC do/VB anything/NN that/WDT could/MD offend/VB you."/PRP "Ah,/RB as/IN to/TO that,/IN I/PRP believe/VBP so,/JJ too./TO But/CC it/PRP is/VBZ not/RB with/IN him/PRP I/PRP am/VBP indignant;/JJ no,/JJ no./NN Poor/NNP Charles!/NNP I/PRP believe/VBP he/PRP is,/VBZ as/IN you/PRP say,/VBP disposed/VBN to/TO conduct/VB himself/PRP as/IN a/DT son/NN ought/MD to/TO do,/VB respectfully/RB and/CC obediently./VBD Yes,/RB yes,/NN Charles/NNP is/VBZ very/RB well;/JJ but/CC I/PRP fear/VBP he/PRP is/VBZ leading/VBG a/DT bad/JJ life,/NN notwithstanding--a/NN very/RB bad/JJ life./NN He/PRP is/VBZ becoming/VBG subject/NN to/TO influences/NNS which/WDT never/RB visit/VBP or/CC torment/VBD the/DT good;/NNS believe/VBP me,/, he/PRP is."/VBZ Marston/NNP shook/VBD his/PRP$ head,/NN and/CC muttered/VBD to/TO himself,/PRP with/IN a/DT look/NN of/IN almost/RB craven/NN anxiety,/NN and/CC then/RB whispered/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ daughter--/NNS "Just/RB read/VBD this,/RB and/CC then/RB tell/VB me/PRP is/VBZ it/PRP not/RB so./. Read/VB it,/CC read/VB it,/RB and/CC pronounce."/RB As/IN he/PRP thus/RB spoke,/VBD he/PRP placed/VBD in/IN her/PRP$ hand/NN the/DT letter/NN of/IN which/WDT he/PRP had/VBD spoken,/VBN and/CC with/IN the/DT passage/NN to/TO which/WDT he/PRP invited/VBD her/PRP$ attention/NN folded/VBN down./NN It/PRP was/VBD to/TO the/DT following/VBG effect:--/NNS "I/VBP cannot/IN tell/VB you/PRP how/WRB shocked/JJ I/PRP have/VBP been/VBN by/IN a/DT piece/NN of/IN scandal,/NN as/IN I/PRP must/MD believe/VB it,/PRP conveyed/VBD to/TO me/PRP in/IN an/DT anonymous/JJ letter,/NN and/CC which/WDT is/VBZ of/IN so/RB very/RB delicate/JJ a/DT nature,/NN that/IN without/IN your/PRP$ special/JJ command/NN I/PRP should/MD hesitate/VB to/TO pain/NN you/PRP by/IN its/PRP$ recital./NN I/PRP trust/VBP it/PRP may/MD be/VB utterly/RB false./, Indeed/RB I/PRP assume/VBP it/PRP to/TO be/VB so./DT It/PRP is/VBZ enough/JJ to/TO say/VB that/IN it/PRP is/VBZ of/IN a/DT very/RB distressing/JJ nature,/NN and/CC affects/VBZ the/DT lady/NN (Mademoiselle/NNP de/NNP Barras)/NNP whom/WP you/PRP have/VBP recently/RB honored/VBN with/IN your/PRP$ hand."/NN "Now/RB you/PRP see,"/VBP cried/VBN Marston,/NNP with/IN a/DT shuddering/VBG fierceness,/JJ as/IN she/PRP returned/VBD the/DT letter/NN with/IN a/DT blanched/JJ cheek/NN and/CC trembling/VBG hand--"now/NN you/PRP see/VBP it/PRP all./DT Are/VBP you/PRP stupid?--the/JJ stamp/NN of/IN the/DT cloven/NN hoof--eh?"/JJ Rhoda,/NNP unable/JJ to/TO gather/VB his/PRP$ meaning,/NN but,/NN at/IN the/DT same/JJ time,/NN with/IN a/DT heart/NN full/JJ and/CC trembling/VBG very/RB much,/RB stammered/VBD a/DT few/JJ frightened/JJ words,/NNS and/CC became/VBD silent./JJ "It/NN is/VBZ he,/IN I/PRP tell/VBP you,/PRP that/IN does/VBZ it/PRP all;/RB and/CC if/IN Charles/NNP were/VBD not/RB living/VBG an/DT evil/JJ life,/NN he/PRP could/MD not/RB have/VB spread/VBN his/PRP$ nets/NNS for/IN him,"/PRP said/VBD Marston,/NNP vehemently./JJ "He/NN can't/NN go/VB near/IN anything/NN good;/NNS but,/, like/IN a/DT scoundrel,/NN he/PRP knows/VBZ where/WRB to/TO find/VB a/DT congenial/JJ nature;/NN and/CC when/WRB he/PRP does,/VBZ he/PRP has/VBZ skill/NN enough/RB to/TO practice/VB upon/IN it./PRP I/PRP know/VBP him/PRP well,/RB and/CC his/PRP$ arts/NNS and/CC his/PRP$ smiles;/NN aye,/NN and/CC his/PRP$ scowls/NNS and/CC his/PRP$ grins,/NNS too./. He/PRP goes,/VBD like/IN his/PRP$ master,/NN up/RB and/CC down,/RB and/CC to/TO and/CC fro/IN upon/IN the/DT earth,/NN for/IN ceaseless/JJ mischief./NN There/EX is/VBZ not/RB a/DT friend/NN of/IN mine/NN he/PRP can/MD get/VB hold/VB of,/RP but/CC he/PRP whispered/VBD in/IN his/PRP$ ear/NN some/DT damned/JJ slander/NN of/IN me./PRP$ He/PRP is/VBZ drawing/VBG them/PRP all/DT into/IN a/DT common/JJ understanding/NN against/IN me;/NNS and/CC he/PRP takes/VBZ an/DT actual/JJ pleasure/NN in/IN telling/VBG me/PRP how/WRB the/DT thing/NN goes/VBZ on--how,/JJ one/NN after/IN the/DT other,/JJ he/PRP has/VBZ converted/VBN my/PRP$ friends/NNS into/IN conspirators/NNS and/CC libelers,/VB to/TO blast/VB my/PRP$ character,/NN and/CC take/VB my/PRP$ life,/NN and/CC now/RB the/DT monster/NN essays/VBZ to/TO lure/VB my/PRP$ children/NNS into/IN the/DT hellish/JJ confederation."/NN "Who/NNP is/VBZ he,/JJ father,/NN who/WP is/VBZ he?"/RB faltered/VBN Rhoda./NNP "You/NNPS never/RB saw/VBD him,"/PRP retorted/VBD Marston,/NNP sternly./VBD "No,/RB no;/RB you/PRP can't/MD have/VB seen/VBN him,/PRP and/CC you/PRP probably/RB never/RB will;/JJ but/CC if/IN he/PRP does/VBZ come/VBN here/RB again,/RB don't/RB listen/VB to/TO him./PRP He/PRP is/VBZ half-fiend/JJ and/CC half-idiot,/JJ and/CC no/DT good/JJ comes/VBZ of/IN his/PRP$ mouthing/NN and/CC muttering./VBD Avoid/NNP him,/, I/PRP warn/VBP you,/JJ avoid/VBP him./PRP Let/VB me/PRP see:/VB how/WRB shall/MD I/PRP describe/VB him?/PRP Let/VB me/PRP see./. You/PRP remember--you/VBP remember/VB Berkley--Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP Berkley./NNP Well,/NNP he/PRP greatly/RB resembles/VBZ that/DT dead/JJ villain:/NN he/PRP has/VBZ all/PDT the/DT same/JJ grins,/NN and/CC shrugs,/NN and/CC monkey/NN airs,/NN and/CC his/PRP$ face/NN and/CC figure/NN are/VBP like./RB But/CC he/PRP is/VBZ a/DT grimed,/JJ ragged,/NN wasted/VBD piece/NN of/IN sin,/JJ little/JJ better/JJR than/IN a/DT beggar--a/NN shrunken,/NN malignant/JJ libel/NN on/IN the/DT human/JJ shape./NN Avoid/NNP him,/, I/PRP tell/VBP you,/PRP avoid/VB him:/NN he/PRP is/VBZ steeped/VBN in/IN lies/NNS and/CC poison,/NN like/IN the/DT very/RB serpent/JJ that/IN betrayed/VBD us./NNP Beware/NNP of/IN him,/NN I/PRP say,/VBP for/IN if/IN he/PRP once/RB gains/VBZ your/PRP$ ear,/NN he/PRP will/MD delude/VB you,/JJ spite/NN of/IN all/DT your/PRP$ vigilance;/NN he/PRP will/MD make/VB you/PRP his/PRP$ accomplice,/NN and/CC thenceforth,/DT inevitably,/NN there/EX is/VBZ nothing/NN but/CC mortal/JJ and/CC implacable/JJ hatred/NN between/IN us!"/NNS Frightened/VBN at/IN this/DT wild/JJ language,/NN Rhoda/NNP did/VBD not/RB answer,/NN but/CC looked/VBD up/RB in/IN his/PRP$ face/NN in/IN silence./JJ A/DT fearful/JJ transformation/NN was/VBD there--a/DT scowl/NN so/RB livid/JJ and/CC maniacal,/JJ that/IN her/PRP$ very/RB senses/NNS seemed/VBD leaving/VBG her/PRP with/IN terror./NN Perhaps/RB the/DT sudden/JJ alteration/NN observable/JJ in/IN her/PRP$ countenance,/NN as/IN this/DT spectacle/NN so/RB unexpectedly/RB encountered/VBN her,/PRP recalled/VBD him/PRP to/TO himself;/PRP for/IN he/PRP added,/VBD hurriedly,/NN and/CC in/IN a/DT tone/NN of/IN gentler/JJR meaning--/NNS "Rhoda,/IN Rhoda,/NNP watch/NN and/CC pray./VBD My/PRP$ daughter,/NN my/PRP$ child!/NNS keep/VBP your/PRP$ heart/NN pure,/NN and/CC nothing/NN bad/JJ can/MD approach/VB you/PRP for/IN ill./DT No,/NNP no;/NN you/PRP are/VBP good,/JJ and/CC the/DT good/JJ need/NN not/RB fear!"/JJ Suddenly/RB Marston/NNP burst/VBD into/IN tears,/NN as/IN he/PRP ended/VBD this/DT sentence,/NN and/CC wept/VBD long/RB and/CC convulsively./VBD She/PRP did/VBD not/RB dare/VB to/TO speak,/VB or/CC even/RB to/TO move;/VB but/CC after/IN a/DT while/NN he/PRP ceased,/RB appeared/VBD uneasy,/JJ half/NN ashamed/JJ and/CC half/JJ angry;/NN and/CC looking/VBG with/IN a/DT horrified/JJ and/CC bewildered/VBN glance/NN into/IN her/PRP$ face,/NN he/PRP said--/VBD "Rhoda,/NNP child,/NNS what--what/WP have/VBP I/PRP said?/VBD My/PRP$ God!/UH what/WP have/VBP I/PRP been/VBN saying?/VBG Did/VBD I--do/NNP I/PRP look/VBP ill?/JJ Oh,/NNP Rhoda,/NNP Rhoda,/NNP may/MD you/PRP never/RB feel/VBP this!"/DT He/PRP turned/VBD away/RB from/IN her/PRP$ without/IN awaiting/VBG her/PRP$ answer,/NN and/CC walked/VBD away/RB with/IN the/DT appearance/NN of/IN intense/JJ agitation,/NN as/IN if/IN to/TO leave/VB her./PRP He/PRP turned/VBD again,/RB however,/RB and/CC with/IN a/DT face/NN pallid/NN and/CC sunken/JJ as/IN death,/NN approached/VBD her/PRP slowly--/DT "Rhoda,"/NN said/VBD he,/RP "don't/RB tell/VB what/WP I/PRP have/VBP said/VBD to/TO anyone--don't,/DT I/PRP conjure/VBP you,/PRP even/RB to/TO Charles./NNP I/PRP speak/VBP too/RB much/RB at/IN random,/NNS and/CC say/VB more/JJR than/IN I/PRP mean--a/VBD foolish,/JJ rambling/NN habit:/NNS so/RB do/VBP not/RB repeat/VB one/CD word/NN of/IN it,/PRP not/RB one/CD word/NN to/TO any/DT living/NN mortal./NN You/PRP and/CC I,/NNP Rhoda,/NNP must/MD have/VB our/PRP$ little/JJ secrets."/NN He/PRP ended/VBD with/IN an/DT attempt/NN at/IN a/DT smile,/NN so/RB obviously/RB painful/JJ and/CC fear-stricken/JJ that/IN as/IN he/PRP walked/VBD hurriedly/RB away,/RB the/DT astounded/JJ girl/NN burst/VBD into/IN a/DT bitter/JJ flood/NN of/IN tears./DT What/WP was,/VBD what/WP could/MD be,/VB the/DT meaning/NN of/IN the/DT shocking/JJ scene/NN she/PRP had/VBD then/RB been/VBN forced/VBN to/TO witness?/VB She/PRP dared/VBD not/RB answer/VB the/DT question./NN Yet/RB one/CD ghastly/JJ doubt/NN haunted/VBD her/PRP like/IN her/PRP$ shadow--a/JJ suspicion/NN that/IN the/DT malignant/JJ and/CC hideous/JJ light/NN of/IN madness/NN was/VBD already/RB glaring/VBG upon/IN his/PRP$ mind./NN As,/IN leaning/VBG upon/IN the/DT arm/NN of/IN her/PRP$ astonished/JJ attendant,/NN she/PRP retracted/VBD her/PRP steps,/VB the/DT trees,/NN the/DT flowers,/NN the/DT familiar/JJ hall-door,/NN the/DT echoing/VBG passages--every/JJ object/NN that/WDT met/VBD her/PRP$ eye--seemed/NN strange/JJ and/CC unsubstantial,/JJ and/CC she/PRP gliding/VBG on/IN among/IN them/PRP in/IN a/DT horrid/NN dream./NN Time/NNP passed/VBD on:/IN there/EX was/VBD no/DT renewal/NN of/IN the/DT painful/JJ scene/NN which/WDT dwelt/VBD so/RB sensibly/RB in/IN the/DT affrighted/JJ imagination/NN of/IN Rhoda./NNP Marston's/NNP manner/NN was/VBD changed/VBN towards/IN her;/PRP$ he/PRP seemed/VBD shy,/JJ cowed,/NN and/CC uneasy/JJ in/IN her/PRP$ presence,/NN and/CC thenceforth/RB she/PRP saw/VBD less/RBR than/IN ever/RB of/IN him./PRP Meanwhile/RB the/DT time/NN approached/VBD which/WDT was/VBD to/TO witness/VB the/DT long/JJ expected,/NN and,/NNS by/IN Rhoda,/NNP the/DT intensely/RB prayed/VBN for/IN arrival/NN of/IN her/PRP$ brother./NN Some/DT four/CD or/CC five/CD days/NNS before/IN this/DT event,/NN Mr./NNP Marston,/NNP having,/, as/IN he/PRP said,/VBD some/DT business/NN in/IN Chester,/NNP and/CC further/JJ designing/VBG to/TO meet/VB his/PRP$ son/NN there,/, took/VBD his/PRP$ departure/NN from/IN Gray/NNP Forest,/NNP leaving/VBG poor/JJ Rhoda/NNP to/TO the/DT guardianship/NN of/IN her/PRP$ guilty/JJ stepmother;/NN and/CC although/IN she/PRP had/VBD seen/VBN so/RB little/RB of/IN her/PRP$ father,/NN yet/RB the/DT very/JJ consciousness/NN of/IN his/PRP$ presence/NN had/VBD given/VBN her/PRP a/DT certain/JJ confidence/NN and/CC sense/NN of/IN security,/NNS which/WDT vanished/VBD at/IN the/DT moment/NN of/IN his/PRP$ departure./NN Fear-stricken/JJ and/CC wretched/JJ as/IN he/PRP had/VBD been,/VBN his/PRP$ removal,/NNS nevertheless,/RB seemed/VBD to/TO her/PRP to/TO render/VB the/DT lonely/JJ and/CC inauspicious/JJ mansion/NN still/RB more/RBR desolate/JJ and/CC ominous/JJ than/IN before./RB She/PRP had,/VBD with/IN a/DT vague/JJ and/CC instinctive/JJ antipathy,/NN avoided/VBD all/DT contact/NN and/CC intercourse/NN with/IN Mrs./NNP Marston,/NNP or/CC as,/RB for/IN distinctness/NN sake,/NN we/PRP shall/MD continue/VB to/TO call/VB her,/PRP "Mademoiselle,"/RB since/IN her/PRP$ return;/NN and/CC she/PRP on/IN her/PRP$ part/NN had/VBD appeared/VBN to/TO acquiesce/VB with/IN a/DT sort/NN of/IN scornful/JJ nonchalance,/NNS in/IN the/DT tacit/JJ understanding/NN that/IN she/PRP and/CC her/PRP$ former/JJ pupil/NN should/MD see/VB and/CC hear/VB as/RB little/JJ as/IN might/MD be/VB of/IN one/CD another./DT Meanwhile/RB poor/JJ Willett,/NNP with/IN her/PRP$ good-natured/JJ honesty/NN and/CC her/PRP$ inexhaustible/JJ gossip,/NN endeavored/VBD to/TO amuse/VB and/CC reassure/VB her/PRP$ young/JJ mistress,/NN and/CC sometimes/RB even/RB with/IN some/DT partial/JJ success./NN We/PRP must/MD now/RB follow/VB Mr./NNP Marston/NNP in/IN his/PRP$ solitary/JJ expedition/NN to/TO Chester./NNP When/WRB he/PRP took/VBD his/PRP$ place/NN in/IN the/DT stagecoach/NN he/PRP had/VBD the/DT whole/JJ interior/NN of/IN the/DT vehicle/NN to/TO himself,/PRP and/CC thus/RB continued/VBD to/TO be/VB its/PRP$ solitary/JJ occupant/NN for/IN several/JJ miles./, The/DT coach,/NN however,/RB was/VBD eventually/RB hailed,/JJ brought/VBD to,/NN and/CC the/DT door/NN being/VBG opened,/JJ Dr./NNP Danvers/NNPS got/VBD in,/JJ and/CC took/VBD his/PRP$ place/NN opposite/IN to/TO the/DT passenger/NN already/RB established/VBN there./DT The/DT worthy/JJ man/NN was/VBD so/RB busied/JJ in/IN directing/VBG the/DT disposition/NN of/IN his/PRP$ luggage/NN from/IN the/DT window,/NN and/CC in/IN arranging/VBG the/DT sundry/JJ small/JJ parcels/NNS with/IN which/WDT he/PRP was/VBD charged,/VBN that/IN he/PRP did/VBD not/RB recognize/VB his/PRP$ companion/NN until/IN they/PRP were/VBD in/IN motion./NN When/WRB he/PRP did/VBD so/RB it/PRP was/VBD with/IN no/DT very/RB pleasurable/JJ feeling;/NN and/CC it/PRP is/VBZ probable/JJ that/IN Marston,/NNP too,/, would/MD have/VB gladly/RB escaped/VBN the/DT coincidence/NN which/WDT thus/RB reduced/VBD them/PRP once/RB more/RBR to/TO the/DT temporary/JJ necessity/NN of/IN a/DT Tate-a-Tate./NNP Embarrassing/NNP as/IN each/DT felt/VBD the/DT situation/NN to/TO be,/VB there/RB was,/, however,/RB no/DT avoiding/VBG it,/IN and,/NNS after/IN a/DT recognition/NN and/CC a/DT few/JJ forced/VBN attempts/NNS at/IN conversation,/NN they/PRP became,/RB by/IN mutual/JJ consent,/NN silent/JJ and/CC uncommunicative./JJ The/DT journey,/NN though/IN in/IN point/NN of/IN space/NN a/DT mere/JJ trifle,/NN was,/NN in/IN those/DT slowcoach/JJ days,/NN a/DT matter/NN of/IN fully/RB five/CD hours'/NNS duration;/JJ and/CC before/IN it/PRP was/VBD completed/VBN the/DT sun/NN had/VBD set,/VBN and/CC darkness/NN began/VBD to/TO close./VB Whether/IN it/PRP was/VBD that/IN the/DT descending/VBG twilight/NN dispelled/VBD the/DT painful/JJ constraint/NN under/IN which/WDT Marston/NNP had/VBD seemed/VBN to/TO labor,/VB or/CC that/IN some/DT more/JJR purely/RB spiritual/JJ and/CC genial/JJ influence/NN had/VBD gradually/RB dissipated/VBN the/DT repulsion/NN and/CC distrust/NN with/IN which,/NN at/IN first,/JJ he/PRP had/VBD shrunk/VBN from/IN a/DT renewal/NN of/IN intercourse/NN with/IN Dr./NNP Danvers,/NNP he/PRP suddenly/RB accosted/VBD him/PRP thus./DT "Dr./NNP Danvers,/NNP I/PRP have/VBP been/VBN fifty/CD times/NNS on/IN the/DT point/NN of/IN speaking/VBG to/TO you--confidentially/PRP$ of/IN course--while/NN sitting/VBG here/RB opposite/JJ to/TO you,/VB what/WP I/PRP believe/VBP I/PRP could/MD scarcely/RB bring/VB myself/PRP to/TO hint/VB to/TO any/DT other/JJ man/NN living;/VBD yet/RB I/PRP must/MD tell/VB it,/PRP and/CC soon,/RB too,/, or/CC I/PRP fear/VBP it/PRP will/MD have/VB told/VBN itself."/PRP Dr./NNP Danvers/NNP intimated/VBD his/PRP$ readiness/NN to/TO hear/VB and/CC advise,/VB if/IN desired;/NN and/CC Marston/NNP resumed/VBD abruptly,/RB after/IN a/DT pause--/NNS "Pray,/IN Doctor/NNP Danvers,/NNP have/VB you/PRP heard/VBN any/DT stories/NNS of/IN an/DT odd/JJ kind;/NN any/DT surmises--I/JJ don't/NN mean/NN of/IN a/DT moral/JJ sort,/NN for/IN those/DT I/PRP hold/VBP very/RB cheap--to/. my/PRP$ prejudice?/NN Indeed/RB I/PRP should/MD hardly/RB say/VB to/TO my/PRP$ prejudice;/NN I/PRP mean--I/RB ought/MD to/TO say--in/JJ short,/NNS have/VBP you/PRP heard/VBN people/NNS remark/VB upon/IN any/DT fancied/JJ eccentricities,/NN or/CC that/DT sort/NN of/IN thing,/NN about/IN me?"/NNS He/PRP put/VBD the/DT question/NN with/IN obvious/JJ difficulty,/NN and/CC at/IN last/JJ seemed/VBD to/TO overcome/VB his/PRP$ own/JJ reluctance/NN with/IN a/DT sort/NN of/IN angry/JJ and/CC excited/JJ self-contempt/NN and/CC impatience./NN Doctor/NNP Danvers/NNP was/VBD a/DT little/RB puzzled/VBN by/IN the/DT interrogatory,/NN and/CC admitted,/NN in/IN reply,/NN that/IN he/PRP did/VBD not/RB comprehend/VB its/PRP$ drift./NN "Doctor/NN Danvers,"/IN he/PRP resumed,/VBD sternly/RB and/CC dejectedly,/RB "I/JJ told/VBD you,/PRP in/IN the/DT chance/NN interview/NN we/PRP had/VBD some/DT months/NNS ago,/IN that/IN I/PRP was/VBD haunted/VBN by/IN a/DT certain/JJ fear./NN I/PRP did/VBD not/RB define/VB it,/PRP nor/CC do/VBP I/PRP think/VB you/PRP suspect/VB its/PRP$ nature./NN It/PRP is/VBZ a/DT fear/NN of/IN nothing/NN mortal,/NN but/CC of/IN the/DT immortal/JJ tenant/NN of/IN this/DT body./NN My/PRP$ mind;/NN sir,/NN is/VBZ beginning/VBG to/TO play/VB me/PRP tricks;/VB my/PRP$ guide/NN mocks/NNS and/CC terrifies/VBZ me."/JJ There/EX was/VBD a/DT perceptible/JJ tinge/NN of/IN horror/NN in/IN the/DT look/NN of/IN astonishment/NN with/IN which/WDT Dr./NNP Danvers/NNP listened./, "You/PRP are/VBP a/DT gentleman,/JJ sir,/NN and/CC a/DT Christian/NNP clergyman;/NN what/WP I/PRP have/VBP said/VBD and/CC shall/MD say/VB is/VBZ confided/VBN to/TO your/PRP$ honor;/NN to/TO be/VB held/VBN sacred/JJ as/IN the/DT confession/NN of/IN misery,/NN and/CC hidden/VBN from/IN the/DT coarse/JJ gaze/NN of/IN the/DT world./NN I/PRP have/VBP become/VBN subject/JJ to/TO a/DT hideous/JJ delusion./NN It/PRP comes/VBZ at/IN intervals./NN I/PRP do/VBP not/RB think/VB any/DT mortal/JJ suspects/NNS it,/IN except,/NNS maybe,/, my/PRP$ daughter/NN Rhoda./NNP It/PRP comes/VBZ and/CC disappears,/NN and/CC comes/VBZ again./RB I/PRP kept/VBD my/PRP$ pleasant/JJ secret/NN for/IN a/DT long/JJ time,/NN but/CC at/IN last/JJ I/PRP let/VBD it/PRP slip,/VBD and/CC committed/VBD myself/PRP fortunately,/RB to/TO but/CC one/CD person,/NN and/CC that/IN my/PRP$ daughter;/NN and,/CC even/RB so,/IN I/PRP hardly/RB think/VBP she/PRP understood/VBD me./, I/PRP recollected/VBD myself/PRP before/IN I/PRP had/VBD disclosed/VBN the/DT grotesque/JJ and/CC infernal/JJ chimera/NN that/IN haunts/NNS me."/VBP Marston/NNP paused./VBD He/PRP was/VBD stooped/VBN forward,/RB and/CC looking/VBG upon/IN the/DT floor/NN of/IN the/DT vehicle,/NN so/RB that/IN his/PRP$ companion/NN could/MD not/RB see/VB his/PRP$ countenance./NN A/DT silence/NN ensued,/, which/WDT was/VBD interrupted/VBN by/IN Marston,/NNP who/WP once/RB more/RBR resumed./VBN "Sir,"/NNS said/VBD he,/PRP "I/RB know/VBP not/RB why,/JJ but/CC I/PRP have/VBP longed,/RB intensely/RB longed,/JJ for/IN some/DT trustworthy/JJ ear/NN into/IN which/WDT to/TO pour/VB this/DT horrid/JJ secret;/NN why/WRB I/PRP repeat,/VBP I/PRP cannot/MD tell,/VB for/IN I/PRP expect/VBP no/DT sympathy,/NN and/CC hate/NN compassion./NN It/PRP is,/VBZ I/PRP suppose,/VBP the/DT restless/JJ nature/NN of/IN the/DT devil/NN that/WDT is/VBZ in/IN me;/NN but,/CC be/VB it/PRP what/WP it/PRP may,/VBD I/PRP will/MD speak/VB to/TO you,/VB but/CC to/TO you/PRP only,/RB for/IN the/DT present,/NN at/IN least,/NNS to/TO you/PRP alone."/IN Doctor/NNP Danvers/NNPS again/RB assured/VBD him/PRP that/IN he/PRP might/MD repose/VB the/DT most/RBS entire/JJ confidence/NN in/IN his/PRP$ secrecy./NN "The/DT human/JJ mind,/NN I/PRP take/VBP it,/PRP must/MD have/VB either/DT comfort/NN in/IN the/DT past/NN or/CC hope/NN in/IN the/DT future,"/NN he/PRP continued,/VBD "otherwise/RB it/PRP is/VBZ in/IN danger./VBG To/TO me,/VB sir,/IN the/DT past/NN is/VBZ intolerably/RB repulsive;/VBN one/CD boundless,/NN barren,/NN and/CC hideous/JJ Golgotha/NNP of/IN dead/JJ hopes/NNS and/CC murdered/VBN opportunities;/NN the/DT future,/NNS still/RB blacker/JJR and/CC more/JJR furious,/JJ peopled/VBN with/IN dreadful/JJ features/NNS of/IN horror/NN and/CC menace,/NNS and/CC losing/VBG itself/PRP in/IN utter/JJ darkness./NN Sir,/IN I/PRP do/VBP not/RB exaggerate./VB Between/IN such/PDT a/DT past/JJ and/CC such/JJ a/DT future/NN I/PRP stand/VBP upon/IN this/DT miserable/JJ present;/NN and/CC the/DT only/JJ comfort/NN I/PRP still/RB am/VBP capable/JJ of/IN feeling/VBG is,/NNS that/IN no/DT human/NN being/VBG pities/NNS me;/, that/IN I/PRP stand/VBP aloof/IN from/IN the/DT insults/NNS of/IN compassion/NN and/CC the/DT hypocrisies/NNS of/IN sympathetic/JJ morality;/NN and/CC that/IN I/PRP can/MD safely/RB defy/VB all/PDT the/DT respectable/JJ scoundrels/NNS in/IN Christendom/NNP to/TO enhance,/VB by/IN one/CD feather's/NN weight,/IN the/DT load/NN which/WDT I/PRP myself/PRP have/VBP accumulated,/NNS and/CC which/WDT I/PRP myself/PRP hourly/JJ and/CC unaided/JJ sustain."/JJ Doctor/NNP Danvers/NNPS here/RB introduced/VBD a/DT word/NN or/CC two/CD in/IN the/DT direction/NN of/IN their/PRP$ former/JJ conversation./NN "No,/NN sir,/NN there/RB is/VBZ no/DT comfort/NN from/IN that/DT quarter/NN either,"/CC said/VBD Marston,/NNP bitterly;/JJS "you/PRP but/CC cast/VBD your/PRP$ seeds,/NN as/IN the/DT parable/JJ terms/NNS your/VBP teaching,/NN upon/IN the/DT barren/JJ sea,/NN in/IN wasting/VBG them/PRP on/IN me./PRP My/PRP$ fate,/NN be/VB it/PRP what/WP it/PRP may,/, is/VBZ as/IN irrevocably/RB fixed,/VBN as/IN though/IN I/PRP were/VBD dead/JJ and/CC judged/VBN a/DT hundred/CD years/NNS ago./. "This/'' cursed/VBD dream,"/NN he/PRP resumed/VBD abruptly,/JJ "that/IN everyday/JJ enslaves/NNS me/PRP more/RBR and/CC more,/RBR has/VBZ reference/NN to/TO that--that/DT occurrence/NN about/IN Wynston/NNP Berkley--he/NNP is/VBZ the/DT hero/NN of/IN the/DT hellish/JJ illusion./NN At/IN certain/JJ times,/NN sir,/NN it/PRP seems/VBZ to/TO me/PRP as/IN if/IN he,/NN though/IN dead,/NNS were/VBD still/RB invested/VBN with/IN a/DT sort/NN of/IN spurious/JJ life;/NN going/VBG about/IN unrecognized,/JJ except/IN by/IN me,/NNS in/IN squalor/NN and/CC contempt,/NN and/CC whispering/VBG away/RB my/PRP$ fame/NN and/CC life;/NN laboring/NN with/IN the/DT malignant/JJ industry/NN of/IN a/DT fiend/NN to/TO involve/VB me/PRP in/IN the/DT meshes/NNS of/IN that/DT special/JJ perdition/NN from/IN which/WDT alone/RB I/PRP shrink,/VBP and/CC to/TO which/WDT this/DT emissary/NN of/IN hell/NN seems/VBZ to/TO have/VB predestined/VBN me./RP Sir,/NNP this/DT is/VBZ a/DT monstrous/JJ and/CC hideous/JJ extravagance,/NN a/DT delusion,/NN but,/NN after/IN all,/RB no/DT more/JJR than/IN a/DT trick/NN of/IN the/DT imagination;/NN the/DT reason,/NN the/DT judgment,/NN is/VBZ untouched./JJ I/PRP cannot/MD choose/VB but/CC see/VB all/PDT the/DT damned/VBN phantasmagoria,/NN but/CC I/PRP do/VBP not/RB believe/VB it/PRP real,/RB and/CC this/DT is/VBZ the/DT difference/NN between/IN my/PRP$ case/NN and--and--madness!"/CC They/PRP were/VBD now/RB entering/VBG the/DT suburbs/NNS of/IN Chester,/NNP and/CC Doctor/NNP Danvers,/NNP pained/VBD and/CC shocked/VBD beyond/IN measure/NN by/IN this/DT unlooked-for/JJ disclosure,/NN and/CC not/RB knowing/VBG what/WP remark/VB or/CC comfort/VB to/TO offer,/VB relieved/VBN his/PRP$ temporary/JJ embarrassment/NN by/IN looking/VBG from/IN the/DT window,/NN as/IN though/IN attracted/VBN by/IN the/DT flash/NN of/IN the/DT lamps,/NN among/IN which/WDT the/DT vehicle/NN was/VBD now/RB moving./. Marston,/NNP however,/, laid/VBD his/PRP$ hand/NN upon/IN his/PRP$ arm,/NN and/CC thus/RB recalled/VBD him,/NN for/IN a/DT moment,/NN to/TO a/DT forced/VBN attention./NN "It/IN must/MD seem/VB strange/JJ to/TO you,/VB Doctor,/NNP that/IN I/PRP should/MD trust/VB this/DT cursed/VBN secret/NN to/TO your/PRP$ keeping,"/NN he/PRP said;/VBD "and,/JJ truth/NN to/TO say,/VB it/PRP seems/VBZ so/RB to/TO myself./PRP I/PRP cannot/MD account/VB for/IN the/DT impulse,/NN the/DT irresistible/JJ power/NN of/IN which/WDT has/VBZ forced/VBN me/PRP to/TO disclose/VB the/DT hateful/JJ mystery/NN to/TO you,/VB but/CC the/DT fact/NN is/VBZ this,/DT beginning/VBG like/IN a/DT speck,/NN this/DT one/CD idea/NN has/VBZ gradually/RB darkened/VBN and/CC dilated,/NN until/IN it/PRP has/VBZ filled/VBN my/PRP$ entire/JJ mind./NN The/DT solitary/JJ consciousness/NN of/IN the/DT gigantic/JJ mastery/NN it/PRP has/VBZ established/VBN there/RB had/VBD grown/VBN intolerable;/IN I/PRP must/MD have/VB told/VBN it./PRP The/DT sense/NN of/IN solitude/NN under/IN this/DT aggressive/JJ and/CC tremendous/JJ delusion/NN was/VBD agony,/JJ hourly/JJ death/NN to/TO my/PRP$ soul./NN That/DT is/VBZ the/DT secret/NN of/IN my/PRP$ talkativeness;/NNS my/PRP$ sole/JJ excuse/NN for/IN plaguing/VBG you/PRP with/IN the/DT dreams/NNS of/IN a/DT wretched/JJ hypochondriac."/NN Doctor/NNP Danvers/NNPS assured/VBD him/PRP that/IN no/DT apologies/NNS were/VBD needed,/JJ and/CC was/VBD only/RB restrained/VBN from/IN adding/VBG the/DT expression/NN of/IN that/DT pity/NN which/WDT he/PRP really/RB felt,/VBD by/IN the/DT fear/NN of/IN irritating/VBG a/DT temper/NN so/RB full/JJ of/IN bitterness,/JJ pride/NN and/CC defiance./NN A/DT few/JJ minutes/NNS more,/, and/CC the/DT coach/NN having/VBG reached/VBN its/PRP$ destination,/NN they/PRP bid/VBD one/CD another/DT farewell,/NN and/CC parted./NN At/IN that/DT time/NN there/RB resided/VBD in/IN a/DT decent/JJ mansion/NN about/IN a/DT mile/NN from/IN the/DT town/NN of/IN Chester,/NNP a/DT dapper/JJ little/JJ gentleman,/NN whom/WP we/PRP shall/MD call/VB Doctor/NNP Parkes./NNP This/DT gentleman/NN was/VBD the/DT proprietor/NN and/CC sole/JJ professional/JJ manager/NN of/IN a/DT private/JJ asylum/NN for/IN the/DT insane/JJ and/CC enjoyed/VBD a/DT high/JJ reputation,/NN and/CC a/DT proportionate/JJ amount/NN of/IN business,/NN in/IN his/PRP$ melancholy/NN calling./VBD It/PRP was/VBD about/IN the/DT second/JJ day/NN after/IN the/DT conversation/NN we/PRP have/VBP just/RB sketched,/VB that/IN this/DT little/JJ gentleman,/NN having/VBG visited,/NN according/VBG to/TO his/PRP$ custom,/NN all/DT his/PRP$ domestic/JJ patients,/NN was/VBD about/IN to/TO take/VB his/PRP$ accustomed/JJ walk/NN in/IN his/PRP$ somewhat/RB restricted/JJ pleasure/NN grounds,/NN when/WRB his/PRP$ servant/NN announced/VBD a/DT visitor./NN "A/NN gentleman,"/NN he/PRP repeated;/VBD "you/PRP have/VBP seen/VBN him/PRP before--eh?"/JJ "No,/NN sir,"/NN replied/VBD the/DT man;/NN "he/, is/VBZ in/IN the/DT study,/NN sir."/NN "Ha!/IN a/DT professional/JJ call./NN Well,/IN we/PRP shall/MD see."/VB So/RB saying,/VB the/DT little/JJ gentleman/NN summoned/VBD his/PRP$ gravest/NN look,/NN and/CC hastened/VBD to/TO the/DT chamber/NN of/IN audience./NN On/IN entering/VBG he/PRP found/VBD a/DT man/NN dressed/VBN well,/JJ but/CC gravely,/JJ having/VBG in/IN his/PRP$ air/NN and/CC manner/NN something/NN of/IN high/JJ breeding./NN In/IN countenance/NN striking,/NN dark-featured,/JJ and/CC stern,/JJ furrowed/VBN with/IN the/DT lines/NNS of/IN pain/NN or/CC thought,/NN rather/RB than/IN of/IN age,/NN although/IN his/PRP$ dark/JJ hairs/NNS were/VBD largely/RB mingled/VBN with/IN white./DT The/DT physician/NN bowed,/VBD and/CC requested/VBD the/DT stranger/NN to/TO take/VB a/DT chair;/NN he,/NN however,/, nodded/VBD slightly/RB and/CC impatiently,/RB as/IN if/IN to/TO intimate/VB an/DT intolerance/NN of/IN ceremony,/NN and,/CC advancing/VBG a/DT step/NN or/CC two,/NNS said/VBD abruptly--/RB 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the/DT patient/NN about/IN whom/WP you/PRP desire/VBP to/TO consult/VB me;/JJ and/CC who/WP is,/VBZ therefore,/RB I/PRP hope,/VBP as/IN yet/RB merely/RB menaced/VBN with/IN the/DT misfortune/NN from/IN which/WDT you/PRP would/MD save/VB him."/PRP "I,/IN myself,/PRP am/VBP that/DT patient,/NN sir,"/NN said/VBD Marston,/NNP with/IN an/DT effort;/NN "your/NN surmise/NN is/VBZ right./RB I/PRP am/VBP not/RB mad,/JJ but/CC unequivocally/RB menaced/VBN with/IN madness;/JJ it/PRP is/VBZ not/RB to/TO be/VB mistaken./NN Sir,/IN there/EX is/VBZ no/DT misunderstanding/NN the/DT tremendous/JJ and/CC intolerable/JJ signs/NNS that/IN glare/NN upon/IN my/PRP$ mind."/NN "And/CC pray,/NN sir,/NN have/VBP you/PRP consulted/VBN your/PRP$ friends/NNS or/CC your/PRP$ family/NN upon/IN the/DT course/NN best/RB to/TO be/VB pursued?"/RB inquired/VBN Dr./NNP Parkes,/NNP with/IN grave/JJ interest./NN "No,/IN sir,"/NN he/PRP answered/VBD sharply,/NNS and/CC almost/RB fiercely;/JJ "I/NNS have/VBP no/DT fancy/NN to/TO make/VB myself/PRP the/DT subject/NN of/IN a/DT writ/NN _de/NN lunatico/NN inquirendo_;/IN I/PRP don't/RB want/VBP to/TO lose/VB my/PRP$ liberty/NN and/CC my/PRP$ property/NN at/IN a/DT blow./NN The/DT course/NN I/PRP mean/VBP to/TO take/VB has/VBZ been/VBN advised/VBN by/IN no/DT one/NN but/CC myself--is/PRP$ known/VBN to/TO no/DT other./NNP I/PRP now/RB disclose/VB it,/RB and/CC the/DT causes/NNS of/IN it,/PRP$ to/TO you,/VB a/DT gentleman,/NN and/CC my/PRP$ professional/JJ adviser,/NN in/IN the/DT expectation/NN that/IN you/PRP will/MD guard/VB with/IN the/DT strictest/NN secrecy/NN my/PRP$ spontaneous/JJ revelations;/NN this/DT you/PRP promise/VBP me?"/PRP "Certainly,/IN Mr./NNP Marston;/NNP I/PRP have/VBP neither/RB the/DT disposition/NN nor/CC the/DT right/NN to/TO withhold/VB such/JJ a/DT promise,"/NN answered/VBD the/DT physician./NN "Well,/NN then,/, I/PRP will/MD first/RB tell/VB you/PRP the/DT arrangement/NN I/PRP propose,/VBP with/IN your/PRP$ permission,/NN to/TO make,/VB and/CC then/RB I/PRP shall/MD answer/VB all/DT your/PRP$ questions,/NN respecting/VBG my/PRP$ own/JJ case,"/NN resumed/VBD Marston,/NNP gloomily./NNP "I/NNP wish/VBP to/TO place/VB myself/PRP under/IN your/PRP$ care,/NN to/TO live/VB under/IN your/PRP$ roof,/NN reserving/VBG my/PRP$ full/JJ liberty/NN of/IN action./NN I/PRP must/MD be/VB free/JJ to/TO come/VB and/CC to/TO go/VB as/IN I/PRP will;/MD and/CC on/IN the/DT other/JJ hand,/NN I/PRP undertake/VB that/IN you/PRP shall/MD find/VB me/PRP an/DT amenable/JJ and/CC docile/JJ patient/NN enough./NN In/IN addition,/NN I/PRP stipulate/VBP that/IN there/EX shall/MD be/VB no/DT attempt/NN whatever/WDT made/VBD to/TO communicate/VB with/IN those/DT who/WP are/VBP connected/VBN with/IN me:/NNS these/DT terms/NNS agreed/VBD upon,/IN I/PRP place/VBP myself/PRP in/IN your/PRP$ hands./NN You/PRP will/MD find/VB in/IN me,/NN as/IN I/PRP said/VBD before,/IN a/DT deferential/JJ patient,/NN and/CC I/PRP trust/VBP not/RB a/DT troublesome/JJ one./, I/PRP hope/VBP you/PRP will/MD excuse/VB my/PRP$ adding,/NN that/IN I/PRP shall/MD myself/PRP pay/VB the/DT charge/NN of/IN my/PRP$ sojourn/NN here/RB from/IN week/NN to/TO week,/VB in/IN advance."/JJ The/DT proposed/VBN arrangement/NN was/VBD a/DT strange/JJ one;/NN and/CC although/IN Dr./NNP Parkes/NNP dimly/RB foresaw/VBD some/DT of/IN the/DT embarrassments/NNS which/WDT might/MD possibly/RB arise/VB from/IN his/PRP$ accepting/VBG it,/IN there/EX was/VBD yet/RB so/RB much/JJ that/IN was/VBD reasonable/JJ as/RB well/RB as/IN advantageous/JJ in/IN the/DT proposal,/NN that/IN he/PRP could/MD not/RB bring/VB himself/PRP to/TO decline/VB it./PRP The/DT preliminary/JJ arrangement/NN concluded,/NN Dr./NNP Parkes/NNP proceeded/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ more/JJR strictly/RB professional/JJ investigation./NN It/PRP is,/VBZ of/IN course,/NN needless/JJ to/TO recapitulate/VB the/DT details/NNS of/IN Marston's/NNP tormenting/NN fancies,/NN with/IN which/WDT the/DT reader/NN has/VBZ indeed/RB been/VBN already/RB sufficiently/RB acquainted./VBN Doctor/NNP Parkes,/NNP having/VBG attentively/RB listened/VBD to/TO the/DT narrative,/JJ and/CC satisfied/VBD himself/PRP as/IN to/TO the/DT physical/JJ health/NN of/IN his/PRP$ patient,/NN was/VBD still/RB sorely/RB puzzled/JJ as/IN to/TO the/DT probable/JJ issue/NN of/IN the/DT awful/JJ struggle/NN already/RB but/CC too/RB obviously/RB commenced/VBN between/IN the/DT mind/NN and/CC its/PRP$ destroyer/NN in/IN the/DT strange/JJ case/NN before/IN him./PRP One/CD satisfactory/JJ symptom/NN unquestionably/RB was,/VBD the/DT as/RB yet/RB transitory/JJ nature/NN of/IN the/DT delusion,/NN and/CC the/DT evident/JJ and/CC energetic/JJ tenacity/NN with/IN which/WDT reason/NN contended/VBD for/IN her/PRP$ vital/JJ ascendancy./NN It/PRP was/VBD a/DT case,/NN however,/, which/WDT for/IN many/JJ reasons/NNS sorely/RB perplexed/VBN him,/, but/CC of/IN which,/DT notwithstanding,/RB he/PRP was/VBD disposed,/VBG whether/IN rightly/RB or/CC wrongly/RB the/DT reader/NN will/MD speedily/RB see,/VB to/TO take/VB by/IN no/DT means/NNS a/DT decidedly/RB gloomy/JJ view./NN Having/VBG disburdened/VBN his/PRP$ mind/NN of/IN this/DT horrible/JJ secret,/NN Marston/NNP felt/VBD for/IN a/DT time/NN a/DT sense/NN of/IN relief/NN amounting/NN almost/RB to/TO elation./VB With/IN far/RB less/JJR of/IN apprehension/NN and/CC dismay/NN than/IN he/PRP had/VBD done/VBN so/RB for/IN months/NNS before,/IN he/PRP that/WDT night/NN repaired/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ bedroom./NN There/EX was/VBD nothing/NN in/IN his/PRP$ case,/NN Doctor/NNP Parkes/NNP believed,/VBZ to/TO warrant/VB his/PRP$ keeping/VBG any/DT watch/NN upon/IN Marston's/NNP actions,/NN and/CC accordingly/RB he/PRP bid/VBD him/PRP good-night,/JJ in/IN the/DT full/JJ confidence/NN of/IN meeting/NN him,/, if/IN not/RB better,/RB at/IN least/JJS not/RB worse,/JJR on/IN the/DT ensuing/VBG morning./NN He/PRP miscalculated,/VBD however./PRP Marston/NNP had/VBD probably/RB himself/PRP been/VBN conscious/JJ of/IN some/DT coming/VBG crisis/NN in/IN his/PRP$ hideous/JJ malady,/NN when/WRB he/PRP took/VBD the/DT decisive/JJ step/NN of/IN placing/VBG himself/PRP under/IN the/DT care/NN of/IN Doctor/NNP Parkes./NNP Certain/NNP it/PRP is,/VBZ that/IN upon/IN that/DT very/JJ night/NN the/DT disease/NN broke/VBD forth/RB in/IN a/DT new/JJ and/CC appalling/JJ development./NN Doctor/NNP Parkes,/NNP whose/WP$ bedroom/NN was/VBD next/JJ to/TO that/DT occupied/VBN by/IN Marston,/NNP was/VBD awakened/VBN in/IN the/DT dead/JJ of/IN night/NN by/IN a/DT howling,/NN more/RBR like/IN that/DT of/IN a/DT beast/NN than/IN a/DT human/JJ voice,/NN and/CC which/WDT gradually/RB swelled/VBD into/IN an/DT absolute/JJ yell;/NN then/RB came/VBD some/DT horrid/JJ laughter/NN and/CC entreaties,/NNS thick/JJ and/CC frantic;/RB then/RB again/RB the/DT same/JJ unearthly/JJ howl./PRP The/DT practiced/JJ ear/NN of/IN Doctor/NNP Parkes/NNP recognized/VBD but/CC too/RB surely/RB the/DT terrific/JJ import/NN of/IN those/DT sounds./VBG Springing/NNP from/IN his/PRP$ bed,/NN and/CC seizing/VBG the/DT candle/NN which/WDT always/RB burned/VBN in/IN his/PRP$ chamber,/NN in/IN anticipation/NN of/IN such/JJ sudden/JJ and/CC fearful/JJ emergencies,/NN he/PRP hurried/VBD with/IN a/DT palpitating/NN heart,/NN and/CC spite/NN of/IN his/PRP$ long/JJ habituation/NN to/TO such/JJ scenes/NNS as/IN he/PRP expected,/VBZ with/IN a/DT certain/JJ sense/NN of/IN horror,/NN to/TO the/DT chamber/NN of/IN his/PRP$ aristocratic/JJ patient./NN Late/RB as/IN it/PRP was,/VBD Marston/NNP had/VBD not/RB yet/RB gone/VBN to/TO bed;/VB his/PRP$ candle/NN was/VBD still/RB burning,/VBN and/CC he/PRP himself,/VBD half/DT dressed,/NN stood/VBD in/IN the/DT center/NN of/IN the/DT floor,/NN shaking/VBG and/CC livid,/VBG his/PRP$ eyes/NNS burning/VBG with/IN the/DT preterhuman/JJ fires/NNS of/IN insanity./JJ As/IN Doctor/NNP Parkes/NNP entered/VBD the/DT chamber,/NN another/DT shout,/NN or/CC rather/RB yell,/JJ thundered/VBN from/IN the/DT lips/NNS of/IN this/DT demoniac/JJ effigy;/NN and/CC the/DT mad-doctor/JJ stood/VBD freezing/VBG with/IN horror/NN in/IN the/DT doorway,/NN and/CC yet/RB exerting/VBG what/WP remained/VBD to/TO him/PRP of/IN presence/NN of/IN mind,/NN in/IN the/DT vain/JJ endeavor,/NN in/IN the/DT flaring/VBG light/NN of/IN the/DT candle,/NN to/TO catch/VB and/CC fix/VB with/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ practiced/JJ eye/NN the/DT gaze/NN of/IN the/DT maniac./NN Second/RB after/IN second,/NNS and/CC minute/NN after/IN minute,/NN he/PRP stood/VBD confronting/VBG this/DT frightful/JJ slave/NN of/IN Satan,/NNP in/IN the/DT momentary/JJ expectation/NN that/IN he/PRP would/MD close/VB with/IN and/CC destroy/VBP him./PRP On/IN a/DT sudden,/JJ however,/RB this/DT brief/JJ agony/NN of/IN suspense/NN was/VBD terminated;/VBN a/DT change/NN like/IN an/DT awakening/JJ consciousness/NN of/IN realities,/NN or/CC rather/RB like/IN the/DT withdrawal/NN of/IN some/DT hideous/JJ and/CC visible/JJ influence/NN from/IN within,/DT passed/VBN over/IN the/DT tense/JJ and/CC darkened/JJ features/NNS of/IN the/DT wretched/JJ being;/NNS a/DT look/NN of/IN horrified/JJ perplexity,/JJ doubt,/NN and/CC inquiry,/NN supervened,/NN and/CC he/PRP at/IN last/JJ said,/NNS in/IN a/DT subdued/JJ and/CC sullen/JJ tone,/NN to/TO Doctor/NNP Parkes:/NNP "Who/NNP are/VBP you,/JJ sir?/NN What/WP do/VBP you/PRP want/VB here?/PRP Who/WP are/VBP you,/JJ sir,/NN I/PRP say?"/VBP "Who/RB am/VBP I?/PRP Why,/IN your/PRP$ physician,/NN sir;/NN Doctor/NNP Parkes,/NNP sir;/VBD the/DT owner/NN of/IN this/DT house,/NN sir,"/NN replied/VBD he,/VBN with/IN all/PDT the/DT sternness/NN he/PRP could/MD command,/VB and/CC yet/RB white/JJ as/IN a/DT specter/NN with/IN agitation./NN "For/IN shame,/NN sir,/NN for/IN shame,/NN to/TO give/VB way/NN thus./DT What/WP do/VBP you/PRP mean/VB by/IN creating/VBG this/DT causeless/JJ alarm,/NN and/CC disturbing/VBG the/DT whole/JJ household/NN at/IN so/RB unseasonable/JJ an/DT hour?/NN For/IN shame,/NN sir;/NNS go/VBP to/TO your/PRP$ bed;/NN undress/NN yourself/PRP this/DT moment;/NN for/IN shame."/NN Doctor/NNP Parkes,/NNP as/IN he/PRP spoke,/VBD was/VBD reassured/VBN by/IN the/DT arrival/NN of/IN one/CD of/IN his/PRP$ servants,/NN alarmed/VBN by/IN the/DT unmistakable/JJ sounds/NNS of/IN violent/JJ frenzy;/NN he/PRP signed,/VBD however,/RB to/TO the/DT man/NN not/RB to/TO enter,/VB feeling/NN confident,/NN as/IN he/PRP did,/VBD that/IN the/DT paroxysm/NN had/VBD spent/VBN itself./PRP "Aye,/RB aye,"/RB muttered/VBD Marston,/NNP looking/VBG almost/RB sheepishly;/JJ "Doctor/NN Parkes,/NNP to/TO be/VB sure./JJ What/WP was/VBD I/PRP thinking/VBG of?/IN how/WRB cursedly/RB absurd!/JJ And/CC this,"/IN he/PRP continued,/VBD glancing/VBG at/IN his/PRP$ sword,/NNS which/WDT he/PRP threw/VBD impatiently/RB upon/IN a/DT sofa/NN as/IN he/PRP spoke./VBD "Folly--nonsense!/JJ A/DT false/JJ alarm,/NN as/IN you/PRP say,/VBP doctor./, I/PRP beg/VBP your/PRP$ pardon."/NN As/IN Marston/NNP spoke,/VBD he/PRP proceeded/VBD with/IN much/RB agitation/NN slowly/RB to/TO undress/VB himself./PRP He/PRP had,/VBD however,/RB but/CC commenced/VBD the/DT process,/NN when,/IN turning/VBG abruptly/RB to/TO Doctor/NNP Parkes,/NNP he/PRP said,/VBD with/IN a/DT countenance/NN of/IN horror,/NN and/CC in/IN a/DT whisper--/CD "By/NN ----,/, doctor,/NN it/PRP has/VBZ been/VBN upon/IN me/PRP worse/JJR than/IN ever,/NN I/PRP would/MD have/VB sworn/VBN I/PRP had/VBD the/DT villain/NN with/IN me/PRP for/IN hours--hours,/NN sir--torturing/. me/PRP with/IN his/PRP$ damned/JJ sneering/NN threats;/JJ till,/IN by/IN ----,/JJ I/PRP could/MD stand/VB it/PRP no/DT longer,/JJ and/CC took/VBD my/PRP$ sword./VBN Oh,/NNP doctor,/NN can't/NN you/PRP save/VBP me?/PRP can/MD nothing/NN be/VB done/VBN for/IN me?"/NNS Pale,/RB covered/VBN with/IN the/DT dews/NNS of/IN horror,/NN he/PRP uttered/VBD these/DT last/JJ words/NNS in/IN accents/NNS of/IN such/JJ imploring/JJ despair,/NNS as/IN might/MD have/VB borne/VBN across/IN the/DT dreadful/NN gulf/NN the/DT prayer/NN of/IN Dives/NNS for/IN that/DT one/CD drop/NN of/IN water/NN which/WDT never/RB was/VBD to/TO cool/VB his/PRP$ burning/VBG tongue./NN When/WRB Rhoda/NNP learned/VBD that/IN her/PRP$ father,/NN on/IN leaving/VBG Gray/NNP Forest,/NNP had/VBD fixed/VBN no/DT definite/JJ period/NN for/IN his/PRP$ return,/NN she/PRP began/VBD to/TO feel/VB her/PRP$ situation/NN at/IN home/NN so/RB painful/JJ and/CC equivocal,/JJ that,/IN having/VBG taken/VBN honest/JJ Willett/NNP to/TO counsel,/VB she/PRP came/VBD at/IN last/JJ to/TO the/DT resolution/NN of/IN accepting/VBG the/DT often/RB conveyed/VBN invitation/NN of/IN Mrs./NNP Mervyn/NNP and/CC sojourning,/NN at/IN all/DT events/NNS until/IN her/PRP$ father's/NN return,/NN at/IN Newton/NNP Park./NNP "My/NNP dear/JJ young/JJ friend,"/NN said/VBD the/DT kind/NN lady,/RB as/RB soon/RB as/IN she/PRP heard/VBD Rhoda's/NNP little/JJ speech/NN to/TO its/PRP$ close,/JJ "I/NN can/MD scarcely/RB describe/VB the/DT gratification/NN with/IN which/WDT I/PRP see/VBP you/PRP here;/VBP the/DT happiness/NN with/IN which/WDT I/PRP welcome/VBP you/PRP to/TO Newton/NNP Park;/NNP nor,/, indeed,/IN the/DT anxiety/NN with/IN which/WDT I/PRP constantly/RB contemplated/VBD your/PRP$ trying/VBG and/CC painful/JJ position/NN at/IN Gray/NNP Forest./NNP Indeed/RB I/PRP ought/MD to/TO be/VB angry/JJ with/IN you/PRP for/IN having/VBG refused/VBN me/PRP this/DT happiness/NN so/RB long;/RB but/CC you/PRP have/VBP made/VBN amends/NNS at/IN last;/JJ though,/NNS indeed,/IN it/PRP was/VBD impossible/JJ to/TO have/VB deferred/VBN it/PRP longer./. You/PRP must/MD not/RB fancy,/VB however,/RB that/IN I/PRP will/MD consent/VB to/TO lose/VB you/PRP so/RB soon/RB as/IN you/PRP seem/VBP to/TO have/VB intended./VBN No,/RB no;/RB I/PRP have/VBP found/VBN it/PRP too/RB hard/JJ to/TO catch/VB you,/PRP to/TO let/VB you/PRP take/VB wing/NN so/IN easily;/JJ besides,/IN I/PRP have/VBP others/NNS to/TO consult/VB as/RB well/RB as/IN myself,/PRP and/CC persons,/NNS too,/, who/WP are/VBP just/RB as/RB anxious/JJ as/IN I/PRP am/VBP to/TO make/VB a/DT prisoner/NN of/IN you/PRP here."/RB The/DT good/JJ Mrs./NNP Mervyn/NNP accompanied/VBD these/DT words/NNS with/IN looks/NNS so/IN sly,/JJ and/CC emphasis/NN so/IN significant,/NNS that/IN Rhoda/NNP was/VBD fain/RB to/TO look/VB down,/RB to/TO hide/VB her/PRP$ blushes;/NNS and/CC compassionating/VBG the/DT confusion/NN she/PRP herself/PRP had/VBD caused,/VBN the/DT kind/JJ old/JJ lady/NN led/VBD her/PRP$ to/TO the/DT chamber/NN which/WDT was/VBD henceforward,/RB so/RB long/JJ as/IN she/PRP consented/VBD to/TO remain,/VB to/TO be/VB her/PRP$ own/JJ apartment./NN How/WRB that/DT day/NN was/VBD passed,/VBN and/CC how/WRB fleetly/RB its/PRP$ hours/NNS sped/VBD away,/RB it/PRP is/VBZ needless/JJ to/TO tell./VB Old/NNP Mervyn/NNP had/VBD his/PRP$ gentle/JJ as/RB well/RB as/IN his/PRP$ grim/JJ aspect;/NN and/CC no/DT welcome/NN was/VBD ever/RB more/RBR cordial/JJ and/CC tender/JJ than/IN that/DT with/IN which/WDT he/PRP greeted/VBD the/DT unprotected/JJ child/NN of/IN his/PRP$ morose/NN and/CC repulsive/JJ neighbor./NN It/PRP would/MD be/VB impossible/JJ to/TO convey/VB any/DT idea/NN of/IN the/DT countless/JJ assiduities/NNS and/CC the/DT secret/JJ delight/NN with/IN which/WDT young/JJ Mervyn/NNP attended/VBD their/PRP$ rambles./NNP The/DT party/NN were/VBD assembled/VBN at/IN supper./NN What/WP a/DT contrast/NN did/VBD this/DT cheerful,/NN happy--unutterably/RB happy--gathering,/JJ present,/NN in/IN the/DT mind/NN of/IN Rhoda,/NNP to/TO the/DT dull,/JJ drear,/NN fearful/JJ evenings/NNS which/WDT she/PRP had/VBD long/RB been/VBN wont/NN to/TO pass/VB at/IN Gray/NNP Forest./NNP As/IN they/PRP sate/VBP together/RB in/IN cheerful/JJ and/CC happy/JJ intercourse,/NN a/DT chaise/NN drove/VBD up/RB to/TO the/DT hall-door,/NN and/CC the/DT knocking/NN had/VBD hardly/RB ceased/VBN to/TO reverberate,/VB when/WRB a/DT well-known/JJ voice/NN was/VBD heard/VBN in/IN the/DT hall./NN Young/NNP Mervyn/NNP started/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ feet,/NNS and/CC merrily/RB ejaculating,/JJ "Charles/NNS Marston!/IN this/DT is/VBZ delightful!"/JJ disappeared,/NN and/CC in/IN an/DT instant/NN returned/VBD with/IN Charles/NNP himself./. We/PRP pass/VBP over/IN all/PDT the/DT embraces/NNS of/IN brother/NN and/CC sister;/VBD the/DT tears/NNS and/CC smiles/NNS of/IN re-united/JJ affection./NN We/PRP omit/VBP the/DT cordial/JJ shaking/NN of/IN hands;/VBG the/DT kind/NN looks;/VBD the/DT questions/NNS and/CC answers;/NNS all/DT these,/DT and/CC all/DT the/DT little/JJ attentions/NNS of/IN that/DT good/JJ old-fashioned/JJ hospitality,/NN which/WDT was/VBD never/RB weary/JJ of/IN demonstrating/VBG the/DT cordiality/NN of/IN its/PRP$ welcome,/NN we/PRP abandon/VBP to/TO the/DT imagination/NN of/IN the/DT good-natured/JJ reader./NN Charles/NNP Marston,/NNP with/IN the/DT advice/NN of/IN his/PRP$ friend,/JJ Mr./NNP Mervyn,/NNP resolved/VBD to/TO lose/VB no/DT time/NN in/IN proceeding/VBG to/TO Chester,/NNP whither/IN it/PRP was/VBD ascertained/VBN his/PRP$ father/NN had/VBD gone,/VBN with/IN the/DT declared/VBN intention/NN of/IN meeting/NN and/CC accompanying/VBG him/PRP home./. He/PRP arrived/VBD in/IN that/DT town/NN in/IN the/DT evening;/NN and/CC having/VBG previously/RB learned/VBN that/IN Doctor/NNP Danvers/NNPS had/VBD been/VBN for/IN some/DT time/NN in/IN Chester,/NNP he/PRP at/IN once/RB sought/VBN him/PRP at/IN his/PRP$ usual/JJ lodgings,/NN and/CC found/VBD the/DT worthy/JJ old/JJ gentleman/NN at/IN his/PRP$ solitary/JJ "dish"/NN of/IN tea./NN "My/IN dear/JJ Charles,"/NNP said/VBD he,/PRP greeting/VBG his/PRP$ young/JJ friend/NN with/IN earnest/NN warmth,/NN "I/IN am/VBP rejoiced/VBN beyond/IN measure/NN to/TO see/VB you./PRP Your/PRP$ father/NN is/VBZ in/IN town,/NN as/IN you/PRP supposed;/VBP and/CC I/PRP have/VBP just/RB had/VBD a/DT note/NN from/IN him,/NN which/WDT has,/VBZ I/PRP confess,/VBP not/RB a/DT little/JJ agitated/JJ me,/NN referring,/NN as/IN it/PRP does,/VBZ to/TO a/DT subject/NN of/IN painful/JJ and/CC horrible/JJ interest;/NN one/NN with/IN which,/NN I/PRP suppose,/VBP you/PRP are/VBP familiar,/JJ but/CC upon/IN which/WDT I/PRP myself/PRP have/VBP never/RB yet/RB spoken/VBN fully/RB to/TO any/DT person,/NN excepting/VBG your/PRP$ father/NN only."/RB "And/CC pray,/VB my/PRP$ dear/NN sir,/NN what/WP is/VBZ this/DT topic?"/NN inquired/VBD Charles,/NNP with/IN marked/JJ interest./NN "Read/NN this/DT note,"/NN answered/VBD the/DT clergyman,/NN placing/VBG one/CD at/IN the/DT same/JJ time/NN in/IN his/PRP$ young/JJ visitor's/NNS hand./VBN Charles/NNP read/VBD as/IN follows:/JJ "My/NN Dear/NNP Sir,/NNP "I/NNP have/VBP a/DT singular/JJ communication/NN to/TO make/VB to/TO you,/VB but/CC in/IN the/DT strictest/NN privacy,/NN with/IN reference/NN to/TO a/DT subject/NN which,/WP merely/RB to/TO name,/NN is/VBZ to/TO awaken/VB feelings/NNS of/IN doubt/NN and/CC horror;/NN I/PRP mean/VBP the/DT confession/NN of/IN Merton,/NNP with/IN respect/NN to/TO the/DT murder/NN of/IN Wynston/NNP Berkley./NNP I/PRP will/MD call/VB upon/IN you/PRP this/DT evening/NN after/IN dark;/NN for/IN I/PRP have/VBP certain/JJ reasons/NNS for/IN not/RB caring/VBG to/TO meet/VB old/JJ acquaintances/NNS about/IN town;/NN and/CC if/IN you/PRP can/MD afford/VB me/PRP half/PDT an/DT hour,/NN I/PRP promise/VBP to/TO complete/VB my/PRP$ intended/VBN disclosure/NN within/IN that/DT time./NN Let/VB us/PRP be/VB strictly/RB private;/RB this/DT is/VBZ my/PRP$ only/JJ proviso./NN "Yours/NNS with/IN much/JJ respect,/NN "Richard/NNP Marston"/NNP "Your/NNP father/NN has/VBZ been/VBN sorely/RB troubled/VBN in/IN mind,"/NN said/VBD Doctor/NNP Danvers,/NNP as/RB soon/RB as/IN the/DT young/JJ man/NN had/VBD read/VBN this/DT communication;/NN "he/, has/VBZ told/VBN me/PRP as/IN much;/RB it/PRP may/MD be/VB that/IN the/DT discovery/NN he/PRP has/VBZ now/RB made/VBN may/MD possibly/RB have/VB relieved/VBN him/PRP from/IN certain/JJ galling/NN anxieties./. The/DT fear/NN that/IN unjust/JJ suspicion/NN should/MD light/VB upon/IN himself,/PRP or/CC those/DT connected/VBN with/IN him,/PRP has,/VBP I/PRP dare/MD say,/VB tormented/VBD him/PRP sorely./RP God/NNP grant,/VB that/IN as/IN the/DT providential/JJ unfolding/VBG of/IN all/PDT the/DT details/NNS of/IN this/DT mysterious/JJ crime/NN comes/VBZ about,/IN he/PRP maybe/RB brought/VBD to/TO recognize,/VB in/IN the/DT just/JJ and/CC terrible/JJ process,/NN the/DT hand/NN of/IN heaven./NN God/NNP grant,/NN that/IN at/IN last/JJ his/PRP$ heart/NN may/MD be/VB softened,/JJ and/CC his/PRP$ spirit/NN illuminated/VBN by/IN the/DT blessed/JJ influence/NN he/PRP has/VBZ so/RB long/JJ and/CC so/RB sternly/RB rejected."/VBN As/IN the/DT old/JJ man/NN thus/RB spake--as/JJ if/IN in/IN symbolic/JJ answering/NN to/TO his/PRP$ prayer--a/JJ sudden/JJ glory/NN from/IN the/DT setting/VBG sun/NN streamed/VBD through/IN the/DT funereal/NN pile/NN of/IN clouds/NNS which/WDT filled/VBD the/DT western/JJ horizon,/NN and/CC flooded/VBD the/DT chamber/NN where/WRB they/PRP were./VBD After/IN a/DT silence,/NN Charles/NNP Marston/NNP said,/VBD with/IN some/DT little/JJ embarrassment--"It/NN may/MD be/VB a/DT strange/JJ confession/NN to/TO make,/VB though,/DT indeed,/NN hardly/RB so/RB to/TO you--for/JJ you/PRP know/VBP but/CC too/RB well/RB the/DT gloomy/JJ reserve/NN with/IN which/WDT my/PRP$ father/NN has/VBZ uniformly/RB treated/VBN me--that/, the/DT exact/JJ nature/NN of/IN Merton's/NNP confession/NN never/RB reached/VBD my/PRP$ ears;/NN and/CC once/RB or/CC twice,/RB when/WRB I/PRP approached/VBD the/DT subject,/NN in/IN conversation/NN with/IN you,/PRP$ it/PRP seemed/VBD to/TO me/PRP that/IN the/DT subject/NN was/VBD one/CD which,/NN for/IN some/DT reason,/NN it/PRP was/VBD painful/JJ to/TO you/PRP to/TO enter/VB upon."/JJ "And/CC so/RB it/PRP was,/VBD in/IN truth,/NN my/PRP$ young/JJ friend--so/NN it/PRP was;/VBD for/IN that/DT confession/NN left/VBD behind/IN it/PRP many/JJ fearful/JJ doubts,/NN proving,/NN indeed,/IN nothing/NN but/CC the/DT one/CD fact,/NN that,/IN morally,/NN the/DT wretched/JJ man/NN was/VBD guilty/JJ of/IN the/DT murder."/NN Charles,/NNP urged/VBD by/IN a/DT feeling/NN of/IN the/DT keenest/JJ interest,/NN requested/VBD Dr./NNP Danvers/NNP to/TO detail/NN to/TO him/PRP the/DT particulars/NNS of/IN the/DT dying/VBG man's/JJ narration./, "Willingly,"/NNP answered/VBD Dr./NNP Danvers,/NNP with/IN a/DT look/NN of/IN gloom,/JJ and/CC heaving/VBG a/DT profound/JJ sigh--"willingly,/NN for/IN you/PRP have/VBP now/RB come/VBN to/TO an/DT age/NN when/WRB you/PRP may/MD safely/RB be/VB entrusted/VBN with/IN secrets/NNS affecting/VBG your/PRP$ own/JJ family,/NN and/CC which,/NN although,/IN thank/VB God,/NNP as/IN I/PRP believe/VBP they/PRP in/IN no/DT respect/NN involve/VB the/DT honor/NN of/IN anyone/NN of/IN its/PRP$ members,/NN yet/RB might/MD deeply/RB involve/VB its/PRP$ peace/NN and/CC its/PRP$ security/NN against/IN the/DT assaults/NNS of/IN vague/JJ and/CC horrible/JJ slander./NN Here,/IN then,/DT is/VBZ the/DT narrative:/JJ Merton,/NNP when/WRB he/PRP was/VBD conscious/JJ of/IN the/DT approach/NN of/IN death,/NN qualified,/NN by/IN a/DT circumstantial/JJ and/CC detailed/JJ statement,/NN the/DT absolute/JJ confession/NN of/IN guilt/NN which/WDT he/PRP had/VBD at/IN first/JJ sullenly/NN made./VBD In/IN this/DT he/PRP declared/VBD that/IN the/DT guilt/NN of/IN design/NN and/CC intention/NN only/RB was/VBD his--that/JJ in/IN the/DT act/NN itself/PRP he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN anticipated./VBN He/PRP stated,/VBD that/IN from/IN the/DT moment/NN when/WRB Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP servant/NN had/VBD casually/RB mentioned/VBN the/DT circumstance/NN of/IN his/PRP$ master's/NNS usually/RB sleeping/VBG with/IN his/PRP$ watch/NN and/CC pocketbook/NN under/IN his/PRP$ pillow,/NNS the/DT idea/NN of/IN robbing/VBG him/PRP had/VBD taken/VBN possession/NN of/IN his/PRP$ mind./NN With/IN the/DT idea/NN of/IN robbing/VBG him/PRP (under/IN the/DT peculiar/JJ circumstances,/NN his/PRP$ servant/NN sleeping/VBG in/IN the/DT apartment/NN close/NN by,/, and/CC the/DT slightest/JJS alarm/NN being,/NN in/IN all/DT probability,/NNS sufficient/JJ to/TO call/VB him/PRP to/TO the/DT spot)/NNS the/DT idea/NN of/IN anticipating/VBG resistance/NN by/IN murder/NN had/VBD associated/VBN itself./PRP He/PRP had/VBD contended/VBN against/IN these/DT haunting/JJ and/CC growing/VBG solicitations/NNS of/IN Satan,/NNP with/IN an/DT earnest/JJ agony./NN He/PRP had/VBD intended/VBN to/TO leave/VB his/PRP$ place,/NN and/CC fly/NN from/IN the/DT mysterious/JJ temptation/NN which/WDT he/PRP felt/VBD he/PRP wanted/VBD power/NN to/TO combat,/VB but/CC accident/NN or/CC fate/NN prevented/VBN him./RP In/IN a/DT state/NN of/IN ghastly/JJ excitement/NN he/PRP had,/VBD on/IN the/DT memorable/JJ night/NN of/IN Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP murder,/NN proceeded,/NN as/IN had/VBD afterwards/RB appeared/VBN in/IN evidence,/NN by/IN the/DT back/NN stair/NN to/TO the/DT baronet's/JJ chamber;/NN he/PRP had/VBD softly/RB stolen/VBN into/IN it,/PRP and/CC gone/VBN to/TO the/DT bedside,/NN with/IN the/DT weapon/NN in/IN his/PRP$ hand./NN He/PRP drew/VBD his/PRP$ breath/NN for/IN the/DT decisive/JJ stroke,/NN which/WDT was/VBD to/TO bereave/VB the/DT (supposedly)/NN sleeping/VBG man/NN of/IN life,/NN and/CC when/WRB stretching/VBG his/PRP$ left/JJ hand/NN under/IN the/DT clothes,/NN it/PRP rested/VBD upon/IN a/DT dull,/JJ cold/JJ corpse,/NNS and,/CC at/IN the/DT same/JJ moment,/NN his/PRP$ right/JJ hand/NN was/VBD immersed/VBN in/IN a/DT pool/NN of/IN blood./VBG He/PRP dropped/VBD the/DT knife,/NN recoiled/VBD a/DT pace/NN or/CC so./NN With/IN a/DT painful/JJ effort,/NN however,/RB he/PRP again/RB grasped/VBD with/IN his/PRP$ hand/NN to/TO recover/VB the/DT weapon/NN he/PRP had/VBD suffered/VBN to/TO escape,/VB and/CC secured,/VB as/IN it/PRP afterwards/RB turned/VBD out,/RP not/RB the/DT knife/NN with/IN which/WDT he/PRP had/VBD meditated/VBN the/DT commission/NN of/IN his/PRP$ crime,/NN but/CC the/DT dagger/NN which/WDT was/VBD afterwards/RB found/VBN where/WRB he/PRP had/VBD concealed/VBN it./PRP He/PRP was/VBD now/RB fully/RB alive/JJ to/TO the/DT horror/NN of/IN his/PRP$ situation;/NN he/PRP was/VBD compromised/VBN as/RB fully/RB as/IN if/IN he/PRP had/VBD in/IN very/RB deed/RB driven/VBN home/NN the/DT weapon./NN To/TO be/VB found/VBN under/IN such/JJ circumstances,/NNS would/MD convict/VB him/PRP as/RB surely/RB as/IN if/IN fifty/CD eyes/NNS had/VBD seen/VBN him/PRP strike/VB the/DT blow./NN He/PRP had/VBD nothing/NN now/RB for/IN it/PRP but/CC flight;/NNS and/CC in/IN order/NN to/TO guard/VB himself/PRP against/IN the/DT contingency/NN of/IN being/VBG surprised/VBN from/IN the/DT door/NN opening/NN upon/IN the/DT corridor,/NN he/PRP bolted/VBD it;/RB then/RB groped/VBD under/IN the/DT murdered/VBN man's/NN pillow/NN for/IN the/DT booty/NN which/WDT had/VBD so/RB fatally/RB fascinated/VBN his/PRP$ imagination./NN Here/RB he/PRP was/VBD disappointed./VBN What/WP further/RB happened/VBD you/PRP already/RB know."/VBP Charles/NNP listened/VBD with/IN breathless/JJ attention/NN to/TO this/DT recital,/NN and,/CC after/IN a/DT painful/JJ interval,/NN said--/: "Then/RB the/DT actual/JJ murderer/NN is,/VBN after/IN all,/DT unascertained./JJ This/DT is,/NN indeed,/NN horrible;/NN it/PRP was/VBD very/RB natural/JJ that/IN my/PRP$ father/NN should/MD have/VB felt/VBN the/DT danger/NN to/TO which/WDT such/JJ a/DT disclosure/NN would/MD have/VB exposed/VBN the/DT reputation/NN of/IN our/PRP$ family,/NN yet/CC I/PRP should/MD have/VB preferred/VBN encountering/JJ it,/, were/VBD it/PRP ten/CD times/NNS as/IN great,/JJ to/TO the/DT equivocal/JJ prudence/NN of/IN suppressing/VBG the/DT truth/NN with/IN respect/NN to/TO a/DT murder/NN committed/VBN under/IN my/PRP$ own/JJ roof."/NN "He/NN has,/VBZ however,/IN it/PRP would/MD seem,/VB arrived/VBN at/IN some/DT new/JJ conclusions,"/NN said/VBD Dr./NNP Danvers,/NNP "and/NNP is/VBZ now/RB prepared/VBN to/TO throw/VB some/DT unanticipated/JJ light/NN upon/IN the/DT whole/JJ transaction."/NN Even/RB as/IN they/PRP were/VBD talking,/VBG a/DT knocking/NN was/VBD heard/VBN at/IN the/DT hall-door,/NN and/CC after/IN a/DT brief/NN and/CC hurried/VBD consultation,/IN it/PRP was/VBD agreed,/VBN that,/IN considering/VBG the/DT strict/JJ condition/NN of/IN privacy/NN attached/VBN to/TO this/DT visit/NN by/IN Mr./NNP Marston/NNP himself,/, as/RB well/RB as/IN his/PRP$ reserved/VBN and/CC wayward/NN temper,/NN it/PRP might/MD be/VB better/JJR for/IN Charles/NNP to/TO avoid/VB presenting/VBG himself/PRP to/TO his/PRP$ father/NN on/IN this/DT occasion./NN A/DT few/JJ seconds/NNS afterwards/RB the/DT door/NN opened,/NN and/CC Mr./NNP Marston/NNP entered/VBD the/DT apartment./NN It/PRP was/VBD now/RB dark,/RB and/CC the/DT servant,/NN unbidden,/IN placed/VBN candles/NNS upon/IN the/DT table./NN Without/IN answering/VBG one/CD word/NN to/TO Dr./NNP Danvers'/NNP greeting,/JJS Marston/NNP sat/VBD down,/RB as/IN it/PRP seemed,/VBD in/IN agitated/JJ abstraction./NN Removing/VBG his/PRP$ hat/NN suddenly/RB (for/IN he/PRP had/VBD not/RB even/RB made/VBN this/DT slight/JJ homage/NN to/TO the/DT laws/NNS of/IN courtesy),/NN he/PRP looked/VBD round/RB with/IN a/DT care-worn,/JJ fiery/JJ eye,/NN and/CC a/DT pale/JJ countenance,/NN and/CC said--/DT "We/NN are/VBP quite/RB alone,/RB Dr./NNP Danvers--no/NNP one/CD anywhere/RB near?"/IN Dr./NNP Danvers/NNPS assured/VBD him/PRP that/IN all/DT was/VBD secure./VBN After/IN a/DT long/JJ and/CC agitated/JJ pause,/NN Marston/NNP said--/: "You/PRP remember/VBP Merton's/NNP confession./NN He/PRP admitted/VBD his/PRP$ intention/NN to/TO kill/VB Berkley,/NNP but/CC denied/VBD that/IN he/PRP was/VBD the/DT actual/JJ murderer./NN He/PRP spoke/VBD truth--no/NN one/CD knew/VBD it/PRP better/RBR than/IN I;/NNP for/IN I/PRP am/VBP the/DT murderer."/NN Dr./NNP Danvers/NNP was/VBD so/RB shocked/VBN and/CC overwhelmed/VBN that/IN he/PRP was/VBD utterly/RB unable/JJ to/TO speak./VB "Aye,/JJ sir,/NN in/IN point/NN of/IN law/NN and/CC of/IN morals,/JJ literally/RB and/CC honestly,/RB the/DT murderer/NN of/IN Wynston/NNP Berkley./NNP I/PRP am/VBP resolved/VBN you/PRP shall/MD know/VB it/PRP all./. Make/VB what/WP use/NN of/IN it/PRP you/PRP will--I/JJ care/NN for/IN nothing/NN now,/, but/CC to/TO get/VB rid/JJ of/IN the/DT d----d,/JJ unsustainable/JJ secret,/NN and/CC that/DT is/VBZ done./, I/PRP did/VBD not/RB intend/VB to/TO kill/VB the/DT scoundrel/NN when/WRB I/PRP went/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ room;/NN but/CC with/IN the/DT just/JJ feelings/NNS of/IN exasperation/NN with/IN which/WDT I/PRP regarded/VBD him,/IN it/PRP would/MD have/VB been/VBN wiser/JJR had/VBD I/PRP avoided/VBD the/DT interview;/NN and/CC I/PRP meant/VBD to/TO have/VB done/VBN so./RP But/CC his/PRP$ candle/NN was/VBD burning;/VBG I/PRP saw/VBD the/DT light/NN through/IN the/DT door,/NN and/CC went/VBD in./NN It/PRP was/VBD his/PRP$ evil/JJ fortune/NN to/TO indulge/VB in/IN his/PRP$ old/JJ strain/NN of/IN sardonic/JJ impertinence./NN He/PRP provoked/VBD me;/JJ I/PRP struck/VBD him--he/PRP struck/VBD me/PRP again--and/CC with/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ dagger/NN I/PRP stabbed/VBD him/PRP three/CD times./NN I/PRP did/VBD not/RB know/VB what/WP I/PRP had/VBD done;/VBN I/PRP could/MD not/RB believe/VB it./PRP I/PRP felt/VBD neither/DT remorse/NN nor/CC sorrow--why/JJ should/MD I?--but/CC the/DT thing/NN was/VBD horrible,/RB astounding./DT There/RB he/PRP sat/VBD in/IN the/DT corner/NN of/IN his/PRP$ cushioned/JJ chair,/NN with/IN the/DT old/JJ fiendish/JJ smile/NN on/IN still./DT Sir,/NNP I/PRP never/RB thought/VBD that/IN any/DT human/JJ shape/NN could/MD look/VB so/RB dreadful./, I/PRP don't/VBP know/VB how/WRB long/JJ I/PRP stayed/VBD there,/DT freezing/NN with/IN horror/NN and/CC detestation,/NN and/CC yet/RB unable/JJ to/TO take/VB my/PRP$ eyes/NNS from/IN the/DT face./NN Did/VBD you/PRP see/VB it/PRP in/IN the/DT coffin?/NN Sir,/IN there/EX was/VBD a/DT sneer/NN of/IN triumph/NN on/IN it/PRP that/WDT was/VBD diabolic/JJ and/CC prophetic."/JJ Marston/NNP was/VBD fearfully/RB agitated/VBN as/IN he/PRP spoke,/VBD and/CC repeatedly/RB wiped/VBN from/IN his/PRP$ face/NN the/DT cold/JJ sweat/NN that/IN gathered/VBD there./DT "I/NNP could/MD not/RB leave/VB the/DT room/NN by/IN the/DT back/NN stairs,"/NN he/PRP resumed,/VBD "for/IN the/DT valet/NN slept/VBD in/IN the/DT intervening/NN chamber./NN I/PRP felt/VBD such/JJ an/DT appalled/VBN antipathy/NN to/TO the/DT body,/NN that/IN I/PRP could/MD scarcely/RB muster/VB courage/NN to/TO pass/VB it./DT But,/NNP sir,/NN I/PRP am/VBP not/RB easily/RB cowed--I/JJ mastered/VBN this/DT repugnance/NN in/IN a/DT few/JJ minutes--or,/JJ rather,/NN I/PRP acted/VBD spite/NN of/IN it,/PRP$ I/PRP knew/VBD not/RB how;/VBN but/CC instinctively/RB it/PRP seemed/VBD to/TO me/PRP that/IN it/PRP was/VBD better/JJR to/TO lay/VB the/DT body/NN in/IN the/DT bed,/NN than/IN leave/VB it/PRP where/WRB it/PRP was,/VBD shewing,/RB as/IN its/PRP$ position/NN might,/, that/IN the/DT thing/NN occurred/VBD in/IN an/DT altercation./NN So,/NNP sir,/NN I/PRP raised/VBD it,/RB and/CC bore/VBD it/PRP softly/RB across/IN the/DT room,/NN and/CC laid/VBD it/PRP in/IN the/DT bed;/NN and,/CC while/IN I/PRP was/VBD carrying/VBG it,/RB it/PRP swayed/VBD forward,/IN the/DT arms/NNS glided/VBD round/IN my/PRP$ neck,/NN and/CC the/DT head/NN rested/VBD against/IN my/PRP$ cheek--that/NN was/VBD a/DT parody/NN upon/IN a/DT brotherly/JJ embrace!/NN "I/NNS do/VBP not/RB know/VB at/IN what/WP moment/NN it/PRP was,/VBD but/CC some/DT time/NN when/WRB I/PRP was/VBD carrying/VBG Wynston,/NNP or/CC laying/VBG him/PRP in/IN the/DT bed,"/NN continued/VBD Marston,/NNP who/WP spoke/VBD rather/RB like/IN one/CD pursuing/VBG a/DT horrible/JJ reverie,/NN than/IN as/IN a/DT man/NN relating/VBG facts/NNS to/TO a/DT listener,/NN "I/NN heard/VBD a/DT light/NN tread,/NN and/CC soft/JJ breathing/NN in/IN the/DT lobby./NN A/DT thunderclap/NN would/MD have/VB stunned/VBN me/PRP less/RBR that/IN minute./NN I/PRP moved/VBD softly,/RB holding/VBG my/PRP$ breath,/NN to/TO the/DT door./NN I/PRP believe,/VBP in/IN moments/NNS of/IN strong/JJ excitement,/JJ men/NNS hear/VBP more/JJR acutely/RB than/IN at/IN other/JJ times;/NN but/CC I/PRP thought/VBD I/PRP heard/VBD the/DT rustling/NN of/IN a/DT gown,/NN going/VBG from/IN the/DT door/NN again./RB I/PRP waited--it/VBP ceased;/RB I/PRP waited/VBD until/IN all/DT was/VBD quiet./RB I/PRP then/RB extinguished/VBD the/DT candle,/NN and/CC groped/VBD my/PRP$ way/NN to/TO the/DT door;/NN there/EX was/VBD a/DT faint/JJ light/NN in/IN the/DT corridor,/NN and/CC I/PRP thought/VBD I/PRP saw/VBD a/DT head/NN projected/VBN from/IN the/DT chamber-door,/NN next/IN to/TO the/DT Frenchwoman's--mademoiselle's./NNP As/IN I/PRP came/VBD on,/IN it/PRP was/VBD softly/RB withdrawn,/, and/CC the/DT door/NN not/RB quite/RB noiselessly/RB closed./VBN I/PRP could/MD not/RB be/VB absolutely/RB certain,/JJ but/CC I/PRP learned/VBD all/DT afterward./VBN And/CC now,/RB sir,/IN you/PRP have/VBP the/DT story/NN of/IN Sir/NNP Wynston's/NNP murder."/NN Dr./NNP Danvers/NNP groaned/VBD in/IN spirit,/NN being/VBG wrung/JJ alike/RB with/IN fear/NN and/CC sorrow./VBD With/IN hands/NNS clasped,/NNS and/CC head/NN bowed/VBD down,/RB in/IN an/DT exceeding/VBG bitter/JJ agony/NN of/IN soul,/NN he/PRP murmured/VBD only/RB the/DT words/NNS of/IN the/DT Litany--"Lord,/NNP have/VBP mercy/NN upon/IN us;/PRP Christ,/. have/VBP mercy/NN upon/IN us;/PRP Lord,/. have/VBP mercy/NN upon/IN us."/NNP Marston/NNP had/VBD recovered/VBN his/PRP$ usual/JJ lowering/VBG aspect/NN and/CC gloomy/JJ self-possession/NN in/IN a/DT few/JJ moments,/NN and/CC was/VBD now/RB standing/VBG erect/JJ and/CC defiant/JJ before/IN the/DT humbled/JJ and/CC afflicted/JJ minister/NN of/IN God./NNP The/DT contrast/NN was/VBD terrible--almost/JJ sublime./NN Doctor/NNP Danvers/NNPS resolved/VBD to/TO keep/VB this/DT dreadful/JJ secret,/NN at/IN least/JJS for/IN a/DT time,/NN to/TO himself./PRP He/PRP could/MD not/RB make/VB up/RP his/PRP$ mind/NN to/TO inflict/VB upon/IN those/DT whom/WP he/PRP loved/VBD so/RB well/RB as/IN Charles/NNP and/CC Rhoda/NNP the/DT shame/NN and/CC agony/NN of/IN such/JJ a/DT disclosure;/NN yet/RB he/PRP was/VBD sorely/RB troubled,/NN for/IN his/PRP$ was/VBD a/DT conflict/NN of/IN duty/NN and/CC mercy,/NN of/IN love/NN and/CC justice./RB He/PRP told/VBD Charles/NNP Marston,/NNP when/WRB urged/VBN with/IN earnest/JJ inquiry,/NN that/IN what/WP he/PRP had/VBD heard/VBN that/DT evening/NN was/VBD intended/VBN solely/RB for/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ ear,/NN and/CC gently/RB but/CC peremptorily/RB declined/VBD telling,/VBN at/IN least/JJS until/IN some/DT future/NN time,/NN the/DT substance/NN of/IN his/PRP$ father's/NN communication./NN Charles/NNP now/RB felt/VBD it/PRP necessary/JJ to/TO see/VB his/PRP$ father,/NN for/IN the/DT purpose/NN of/IN letting/VBG him/PRP know/VB the/DT substance/NN of/IN the/DT letter/NN respecting/VBG "mademoiselle"/NN and/CC the/DT late/JJ Sir/NNP Wynston/NNP which/WDT had/VBD reached/VBN him./PRP Accordingly,/RB he/PRP proceeded,/VBD accompanied/VBN by/IN Doctor/NNP Danvers,/NNP on/IN the/DT next/JJ morning,/NN to/TO the/DT hotel/NN where/WRB Marston/NNP had/VBD intimated/VBN his/PRP$ intention/NN of/IN passing/VBG the/DT night./NN On/IN their/PRP$ inquiring/NN for/IN him/PRP in/IN the/DT hall,/NN the/DT porter/NN appeared/VBD much/JJ perplexed/JJ and/CC disturbed,/JJ and/CC as/IN they/PRP pressed/VBD him/PRP with/IN questions,/VBG his/PRP$ answers/NNS became/VBD conflicting/VBG and/CC mysterious./VBG Mr./NNP Marston/NNP was/VBD there--he/DT had/VBD slept/VBN there/RB last/JJ night;/NN he/PRP could/MD not/RB say/VB whether/IN or/CC not/RB he/PRP was/VBD then/RB in/IN the/DT house;/NN but/CC he/PRP knew/VBD that/IN no/DT one/NN could/MD be/VB admitted/VBN to/TO see/VB him./PRP He/PRP would,/MD if/IN the/DT gentlemen/NNS wished/VBD it,/PRP send/VB their/PRP$ cards/NNS to/TO (not/VB Mr./NNP Marston,/NNP but)/CC the/DT proprietor./NN And,/NNP finally,/, he/PRP concluded/VBD by/IN begging/VBG that/IN they/PRP would/MD themselves/PRP see/VB "the/DT proprietor,"/NN and/CC dispatched/VBD a/DT waiter/NN to/TO apprise/VB him/PRP of/IN the/DT circumstances/NNS of/IN the/DT visit./NN There/EX was/VBD something/NN odd/JJ and/CC even/RB sinister/JJ in/IN all/DT this,/NN which,/, along/IN with/IN the/DT whispering/NN and/CC the/DT curious/JJ glances/NNS of/IN the/DT waiters,/NN who/WP happened/VBD to/TO hear/VB the/DT errand/NN on/IN which/WDT they/PRP came,/VBD inspired/VBN the/DT two/CD companions/NNS with/IN vague/JJ misgivings,/NNS which/WDT they/PRP did/VBD not/RB care/VB mutually/RB to/TO disclose./RP In/IN a/DT few/JJ moments/NNS they/PRP were/VBD shown/VBN into/IN a/DT small/JJ sitting/NN room/NN up/IN stairs,/NNS where/WRB the/DT proprietor,/NN a/DT fussy/JJ little/JJ gentleman,/NN and/CC apparently/RB very/RB uneasy/JJ and/CC frightened,/JJ received/VBD them./PRP "We/RB have/VBP called/VBN here/RB to/TO see/VB Mr./NNP Marston,"/NNP said/VBD Doctor/NNP Danvers,/NNP "and/CC the/DT porter/NN has/VBZ referred/VBN us/PRP to/TO you."/VB "Yes,/JJ sir,/NN exactly--precisely/RB so,"/RB answered/VBD the/DT little/JJ man,/NN fidgeting/VBG excessively,/JJ and/CC as/IN it/PRP seemed,/VBD growing/VBG paler/NN every/DT instant;/NN "but--but,/, in/IN fact,/NN sir,/NN there/RB is,/, there/EX has/VBZ been--in/NN short,/NNS have/VBP you/PRP not/RB heard/VBD of/IN the--the/DT accident?"/NN He/PRP wound/VBD up/RP with/IN a/DT prodigious/JJ effort,/NN and/CC wiped/VBD his/PRP$ forehead/NN when/WRB he/PRP had/VBD done./VBN "Pray,/JJ sir,/NN be/VB explicit:/VBN we/PRP are/VBP near/IN friends/NNS of/IN Mr./NNP Marston;/NNP in/IN fact,/NN sir,/NN this/DT is/VBZ his/PRP$ son,"/NN said/VBD Doctor/NNP Danvers,/NNP pointing/VBG to/TO Charles/NNP Marston;/NNP "and/CC we/PRP are/VBP both/DT uneasy/JJ at/IN the/DT reserve/NN with/IN which/WDT our/PRP$ inquiries/NNS have/VBP been/VBN met./VBG Do,/NNP I/PRP entreat/VBP of/IN you,/PRP say/VBP what/WP has/VBZ happened?"/VBN "Why--why,"/JJ hesitated/VBD the/DT man,/NN "I/IN really--I/NN would/MD not/RB for/IN five/CD hundred/CD pounds/NNS it/PRP had/VBD happened/VBN in/IN my/PRP$ house./NN The--the/DT unhappy/JJ gentleman/NN has,/, in/IN short--"/JJ He/PRP glanced/VBD at/IN Charles,/NNP as/IN if/IN afraid/JJ of/IN the/DT effect/NN of/IN the/DT disclosure/NN he/PRP was/VBD on/IN the/DT point/NN of/IN making,/NN and/CC then/RB hurriedly/RB said--"He/DT is/VBZ dead,/JJ sir;/NN he/PRP was/VBD found/VBN dead/JJ in/IN his/PRP$ room,/NN this/DT morning,/NN at/IN eight/CD o'clock./, I/PRP assure/VBP you/PRP I/PRP have/VBP not/RB been/VBN myself/PRP ever/RB since."/IN Charles/NNP Marston/NNP was/VBD so/RB stunned/VBN by/IN this/DT sudden/JJ blow,/NN that/IN he/PRP was/VBD upon/IN the/DT point/NN of/IN fainting./DT Rallying,/NNP however,/, with/IN a/DT strong/JJ effort,/NN he/PRP demanded/VBD to/TO be/VB conducted/VBN to/TO the/DT chamber/NN where/WRB the/DT body/NN lay./VBD The/DT man/NN assented,/NN but/CC hesitated/VBD on/IN reaching/VBG the/DT door,/NN and/CC whispered/VBD something/NN in/IN 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their/PRP$ mutual/JJ alienation,/NNS the/DT idea/NN of/IN founding/VBG a/DT double/JJ influence/NN in/IN the/DT household;/NN and/CC to/TO conceive/VB the/DT idea,/NN and/CC to/TO act/VB upon/IN it,/PRP were,/VBD in/IN her/PRP$ active/JJ mind,/NN the/DT same./JJ Young,/NNP beautiful,/NN fascinating,/, she/PRP well/RB knew/VBD the/DT power/NN of/IN her/PRP$ attractions,/NN and/CC determined,/NN though/IN probably/RB without/IN one/CD thought/NN of/IN transgressing/VBG the/DT limits/NNS of/IN literal/JJ propriety,/NN to/TO bring/VB them/PRP to/TO bear/VB upon/IN the/DT discontented,/NN retired/VBD roue,/NNS for/IN whom/WP she/PRP cared/VBD absolutely/RB nothing,/RB except/IN as/IN the/DT instrument,/NN and/CC in/IN part/NN the/DT victim/NN of/IN her/PRP$ schemes./NN Thus/RB yielding/VBG to/TO the/DT double/JJ instinct/NN that/IN swayed/VBD her,/PRP she/PRP gratified,/VBD at/IN the/DT same/JJ time,/NN her/PRP love/NN of/IN intrigue/NN and/CC her/PRP$ love/NN of/IN power./NN At/IN 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somewhat/RB stern/JJ and/CC gloomy/JJ scenery,/NN in/IN this/DT long-deferred/JJ flood/NN of/IN golden/JJ sunshine/NN we/PRP bid/VBD thee,/DT gentle/JJ reader,/NN a/DT fond/JJ farewell./NN THE/DT END/NNP [Transcriber's/NNP note:/NN "Tate-a-Tate"/NN is/VBZ [sic]/RB twice/RB in/IN the/DT original/JJ book.]/NN