Suddenlytherewasacrackasofbreakingwood，acryandaheavysplash，andIwasalone，clingingtothebrokenendoftherailoftherusticbridge。
IdonotthinkIhesitatedwhilemypulsebeattwice。Isprangclearofthebridgeintotheblackrushingwater，divedtothebottom，cameupagainwithemptyhands，turnedandswamdownwardthroughthegrottointhethickdarkness，plunginganddivingateverystroke，strikingmyheadandhandsagainstjaggedstonesandsharpcorners，clutchingatlastsomethinginmyfingersanddraggingitupwithallmymight。Ispoke，Icriedaloud，buttherewasnoanswer。Iwasaloneinthepitchydarknesswithmyburden，andthehousewasfivehundredyardsaway。Strugglingstill，Ifeltthegroundbeneathmyfeet，Isawarayofmoonlight——
thegrottowidened，andthedeepwaterbecameabroadandshallowbrookasIstumbledoverthestonesandatlastlaidMargaret”sbodyonthebankintheparkbeyond。
“Aye，Willie，astheclockstruck！“saidthevoiceofJudith，theWelshnurse，asshebentdownandlookedatthewhiteface。Theoldwomanmusthaveturnedbackandfollowedus，seentheaccident，andslippedoutbythelowergateofthegarden。“Aye，“shegroaned，“youhavefedtheWomanoftheWaterthisnight，Willie，whiletheclockwasstriking。”
IscarcelyheardherasIkneltbesidethelifelessbodyofthewomanIloved，chafingthewetwhitetemplesandgazingwildlyintothewide-staringeyes。Irememberonlythefirstreturninglookofconsciousness，thefirstheavingbreath，thefirstmovementofthosedearhandsstretchingouttowardme。
Thatisnotmuchofastory，yousay。Itisthestoryofmylife。
Thatisall。Itdoesnotpretendtobeanythingelse。OldJudithsaysmyluckturnedonthatsummer”snightwhenIwasstrugglinginthewatertosaveallthatwasworthlivingfor。Amonthlatertherewasastonebridgeabovethegrotto，andMargaretandIstoodonitandlookedupatthemoonlitCastle，aswehaddoneoncebefore，andaswehavedonemanytimessince。Forallthosethingshappenedtenyearsagolastsummer，andthisisthetenthChristmasEvewehavespenttogetherbytheroaringlogsintheoldhall，talkingofoldtimes；andeveryyeartherearemoreoldtimestotalkof。Therearecurly-headedboys，too，withred-goldhairanddark-browneyesliketheirmother”s，andalittleMargaret，withsolemnblackeyeslikemine。Whycouldnotshelooklikehermother，too，aswellastherestofthem？
TheworldisverybrightatthisgloriousChristmastime，andperhapsthereislittleuseincallingupthesadnessoflongago，unlessitbetomakethejollyfirelightseemmorecheerful，thegoodwife”sfacelookgladder，andtogivethechildren”slaughteramerrierring，bycontrastwithallthatisgone。Perhaps，too，somesad-faced，listless，melancholyyouth，whofeelsthattheworldisveryhollow，andthatlifeislikeaperpetualfuneralservice，justasIusedtofeelmyself，maytakecouragefrommyexample，andhavingfoundthewomanofhisheart，askhertomarryhimafterhalfanhour”sacquaintance。But，onthewhole，Iwouldnotadviseanymantomarry，forthesimplereasonthatnomanwilleverfindawifelikemine，andbeingobligedtogofarther，hewillnecessarilyfareworse。Mywifehasdonemiracles，butIwillnotassertthatanyotherwomanisabletofollowherexample。
Margaretalwayssaidthattheoldplacewasbeautiful，andthatI
oughttobeproudofit。Idaresaysheisright。ShehasevenmoreimaginationthanI。ButIhaveagoodanswerandaplainone，whichisthis，——thatallthebeautyoftheCastlecomesfromher。
Shehasbreatheduponitall，asthechildrenblowuponthecoldglasswindowpanesinwinter；andastheirwarmbreathcrystallizesintolandscapesfromfairyland，fullofexquisiteshapesandtraceriesupontheblanksurface，soherspirithastransformedeverygraystoneoftheoldtowers，everyancienttreeandhedgeinthegardens，everythoughtinmyoncemelancholyself。Allthatwasoldisyoung，andallthatwassadisglad，andIamthegladdestofall。Whateverheavenmaybe，thereisnoearthlyparadisewithoutwoman，noristhereanywhereaplacesodesolate，sodreary，sounutterablymiserablethatawomancannotmakeitseemheaventothemanshelovesandwholovesher。
Ihearcertaincynicslaugh，andcrythatallthathasbeensaidbefore。Donotlaugh，mygoodcynic。Youaretoosmallamantolaughatsuchagreatthingaslove。Prayershavebeensaidbeforenowbymany，andperhapsyousayyours，too。Idonotthinktheyloseanythingbybeingrepeated，noryoubyrepeatingthem。Yousaythattheworldisbitter，andfulloftheWatersofBitterness。
Love，andsolivethatyoumaybeloved——theworldwillturnsweetforyou，andyoushallrestlikemebytheWatersofParadise。
From“ThePlay-ActressandtheUpperBerth，“byF。MarionCrawford。
Copyright，1896，byG。P。Putnam”sSons。
MaryE。WilkinsFreemanTheShadowsontheWall“HenryhadwordswithEdwardinthestudythenightbeforeEdwarddied，“saidCarolineGlynn。
Shewaselderly，tall，andharshlythin，withahardcolourlessnessofface。Shespokenotwithacrimony，butwithgraveseverity。
RebeccaAnnGlynn，younger，stouterandrosyoffacebetweenhercrinklingpuffsofgrayhair，gasped，bywayofassent。Shesatinawideflounceofblacksilkinthecornerofthesofa，androlledterrifiedeyesfromhersisterCarolinetohersisterMrs。StephenBrigham，whohadbeenEmmaGlynn，theonebeautyofthefamily。Shewasbeautifulstill，withalarge，splendid，full-blownbeauty；shefilledagreatrocking-chairwithhersuperbbulkoffemininity，andswayedgentlybackandforth，herblacksilkswhisperingandherblackfrillsfluttering。Eventheshockofdeath(forherbrotherEdwardlaydeadinthehouse，)couldnotdisturbheroutwardserenityofdemeanor。Shewasgrievedoverthelossofherbrother：hehadbeentheyoungest，andshehadbeenfondofhim，butneverhadEmmaBrighamlostsightofherownimportanceamidstthewatersoftribulation。Shewasalwaysawaketotheconsciousnessofherownstabilityinthemidstofvicissitudesandthesplendorofherpermanentbearing。
ButevenherexpressionofmasterlyplaciditychangedbeforehersisterCaroline”sannouncementandhersisterRebeccaAnn”sgaspofterroranddistressinresponse。
“IthinkHenrymighthavecontrolledhistemper，whenpoorEdwardwassonearhisend，“saidshewithanasperitywhichdisturbedslightlytheroseatecurvesofherbeautifulmouth。
“OfcoursehedidnotKNOW，“murmuredRebeccaAnninafainttonestrangelyoutofkeepingwithherappearance。
Oneinvoluntarilylookedagaintobesurethatsuchafeeblepipecamefromthatfull-swellingchest。
“Ofcoursehedidnotknowit，“saidCarolinequickly。Sheturnedonhersisterwithastrangesharplookofsuspicion。“Howcouldhehaveknownit？“saidshe。Thensheshrankasiffromtheother”spossibleanswer。“OfcourseyouandIbothknowhecouldnot，“saidsheconclusively，butherpalefacewaspalerthanithadbeenbefore。
Rebeccagaspedagain。Themarriedsister，Mrs。EmmaBrigham，wasnowsittingupstraightinherchair；shehadceasedrocking，andwaseyeingthembothintentlywithasuddenaccentuationoffamilylikenessinherface。Givenonecommonintensityofemotionandsimilarlinesshowedforth，andthethreesistersofoneracewereevident。
“Whatdoyoumean？“saidsheimpartiallytothemboth。Thenshe，too，seemedtoshrinkbeforeapossibleanswer。Sheevenlaughedanevasivesortoflaugh。“Iguessyoudon”tmeananything，“saidshe，butherfaceworestilltheexpressionofshrinkinghorror。
“Nobodymeansanything，“saidCarolinefirmly。Sheroseandcrossedtheroomtowardthedoorwithgrimdecisiveness。
“Whereareyougoing？“askedMrs。Brigham。
“Ihavesomethingtoseeto，“repliedCaroline，andtheothersatonceknewbyhertonethatshehadsomesolemnandsaddutytoperforminthechamberofdeath。
“Oh，“saidMrs。Brigham。
AfterthedoorhadclosedbehindCaroline，sheturnedtoRebecca。
“DidHenryhavemanywordswithhim？“sheasked。
“Theyweretalkingveryloud，“repliedRebeccaevasively，yetwithanansweringgleamofreadyresponsetotheother”scuriosityinthequickliftofhersoftblueeyes。
Mrs。Brighamlookedather。Shehadnotresumedrocking。Shestillsatupstraightwithaslightknittingofintensityonherfairforehead，betweentheprettyripplingcurvesofherauburnhair。
“Didyou——hearanything？“sheaskedinalowvoicewithaglancetowardthedoor。
“Iwasjustacrossthehallinthesouthparlor，andthatdoorwasopenandthisdoorajar，“repliedRebeccawithaslightflush。
“Thenyoumusthave”
“Icouldn”thelpit。”
“Everything？“
“Mostofit。”
“Whatwasit？“
“Theoldstory。”
“IsupposeHenrywasmad，ashealwayswas，becauseEdwardwaslivingonherefornothing，whenhehadwastedallthemoneyfatherlefthim。”
Rebeccanoddedwithafearfulglanceatthedoor。
WhenEmmaspokeagainhervoicewasstillmorehushed。“Iknowhowhefelt，“saidshe。“Hehadalwaysbeensoprudenthimself，andworkedhardathisprofession，andthereEdwardhadneverdoneanythingbutspend，anditmusthavelookedtohimasifEdwardwaslivingathisexpense，buthewasn”t。”
“No，hewasn”t。”
“Itwasthewayfatherlefttheproperty——thatallthechildrenshouldhaveahomehere——andheleftmoneyenoughtobuythefoodandallifwehadallcomehome。”
“Yes。”
“AndEdwardhadarighthereaccordingtothetermsoffather”swill，andHenryoughttohaverememberedit。”
“Yes，heought。”
“Didhesayhardthings？“
“PrettyhardfromwhatIheard。”
“What？“
“IheardhimtellEdwardthathehadnobusinesshereatall，andhethoughthehadbettergoaway。”
“WhatdidEdwardsay？“
“Thathewouldstayhereaslongashelivedandafterward，too，ifhewasamindto，andhewouldliketoseeHenrygethimout；andthen”
“What？“
“Thenhelaughed。”
“WhatdidHenrysay。”
“Ididn”thearhimsayanything，but”
“Butwhat？“
“Isawhimwhenhecameoutofthisroom。”
“Helookedmad？“
“You”veseenhimwhenhelookedso。”
Emmanodded；theexpressionofhorroronherfacehaddeepened。
“Doyourememberthattimehekilledthecatbecauseshehadscratchedhim？“
“Yes。Don”t！“
ThenCarolinereenteredtheroom。Shewentuptothestoveinwhichawoodfirewasburning——itwasacold，gloomydayoffall——
andshewarmedherhands，whichwerereddenedfromrecentwashingincoldwater。
Mrs。Brighamlookedatherandhesitated。Sheglancedatthedoor，whichwasstillajar，asitdidnoteasilyshut，beingstillswollenwiththedampweatherofthesummer。Sheroseandpushedittogetherwithasharpthudwhichjarredthehouse。Rebeccastartedpainfullywithahalfexclamation。Carolinelookedatherdisapprovingly。
“Itistimeyoucontrolledyournerves，Rebecca，“saidshe。
“Ican”thelpit，“repliedRebeccawithalmostawail。“Iamnervous。There”senoughtomakemeso，theLordknows。”
“Whatdoyoumeanbythat？“askedCarolinewithheroldairofsharpsuspicion，andsomethingbetweenchallengeanddreadofitsbeingmet。
Rebeccashrank。
“Nothing，“saidshe。
“ThenIwouldn”tkeepspeakinginsuchafashion。”
Emma，returningfromthecloseddoor，saidimperiouslythatitoughttobefixed，itshutsohard。
“Itwillshrinkenoughafterwehavehadthefireafewdays，“
repliedCaroline。“Ifanythingisdonetoititwillbetoosmall；
therewillbeacrackatthesill。”
“IthinkHenryoughttobeashamedofhimselffortalkingashedidtoEdward，“saidMrs。Brighamabruptly，butinanalmostinaudiblevoice。
“Hush！“saidCaroline，withaglanceofactualfearatthecloseddoor。
“Nobodycanhearwiththedoorshut。”
“Hemusthavehearditshut，and”
“Well，IcansaywhatIwanttobeforehecomesdown，andIamnotafraidofhim。”
“Idon”tknowwhoisafraidofhim！WhatreasonisthereforanybodytobeafraidofHenry？“demandedCaroline。
Mrs。Brighamtrembledbeforehersister”slook。Rebeccagaspedagain。“Thereisn”tanyreason，ofcourse。Whyshouldtherebe？“
“Iwouldn”tspeakso，then。Somebodymightoverhearyouandthinkitwasqueer。MirandaJoyisinthesouthparlorsewing，youknow。”
“Ithoughtshewentupstairstostitchonthemachine。”
“Shedid，butshehascomedownagain。”
“Well，shecan”thear。”
“IsayagainIthinkHenryoughttobeashamedofhimself。I
shouldn”tthinkhe”devergetoverit，havingwordswithpoorEdwardtheverynightbeforehedied。EdwardwasenoughsightbetterdispositionthanHenry，withallhisfaults。IalwaysthoughtagreatdealofpoorEdward，myself。”
Mrs。Brighampassedalargefluffofhandkerchiefacrosshereyes；
Rebeccasobbedoutright。
“Rebecca，“saidCarolineadmonishingly，keepinghermouthstiffandswallowingdeterminately。
“Ineverheardhimspeakacrossword，unlesshespokecrosstoHenrythatlastnight。Idon”tknow，buthedidfromwhatRebeccaoverheard，“saidEmma。
“Notsomuchcrossassortofsoft，andsweet，andaggravating，“
sniffledRebecca。
“Heneverraisedhisvoice，“saidCaroline；“buthehadhisway。”
“Hehadarighttointhiscase。”
“Yes，hedid。”
“HehadasmuchofarighthereasHenry，“sobbedRebecca，“andnowhe”sgone，andhewillneverbeinthishomethatpoorfatherlefthimandtherestofusagain。”
“WhatdoyoureallythinkailedEdward？“askedEmmainhardlymorethanawhisper。Shedidnotlookathersister。
Carolinesatdowninanearbyarmchair，andclutchedthearmsconvulsivelyuntilherthinknuckleswhitened。
“Itoldyou，“saidshe。
Rebeccaheldherhandkerchiefoverhermouth，andlookedatthemaboveitwithterrified，streamingeyes。
“Iknowyousaidthathehadterriblepainsinhisstomach，andhadspasms，butwhatdoyouthinkmadehimhavethem？“
“Henrycalleditgastrictrouble。YouknowEdwardhasalwayshaddyspepsia。”
Mrs。Brighamhesitatedamoment。“Wasthereanytalkofan——
examination？“saidshe。
ThenCarolineturnedonherfiercely。
“No，“saidsheinaterriblevoice。“No。”
Thethreesisters”soulsseemedtomeetononecommongroundofterrifiedunderstandingthroughtheireyes。Theold-fashionedlatchofthedoorwasheardtorattle，andapushfromwithoutmadethedoorshakeineffectually。“It”sHenry，“Rebeccasighedratherthanwhispered。Mrs。Brighamsettledherselfafteranoiselessrushacrossthefloorintoherrocking-chairagain，andwasswayingbackandforthwithherheadcomfortablyleaningback，whenthedooratlastyieldedandHenryGlynnentered。Hecastacovertlysharp，comprehensiveglanceatMrs。Brighamwithherelaboratecalm；atRebeccaquietlyhuddledinthecornerofthesofawithherhandkerchieftoherfaceandonlyonesmallreddenedearasattentiveasadog”suncoveredandrevealingheralertnessforhispresence；atCarolinesittingwithastrainedcomposureinherarmchairbythestove。Shemethiseyesquitefirmlywithalookofinscrutablefear，anddefianceofthefearandofhim。
HenryGlynnlookedmorelikethissisterthantheothers。Bothhadthesameharddelicacyofformandfeature，bothweretallandalmostemaciated，bothhadasparsegrowthofgrayblondhairfarbackfromhighintellectualforeheads，bothhadanalmostnobleaquilinityoffeature。Theyconfrontedeachotherwiththepitilessimmovabilityoftwostatuesinwhosemarblelineamentsemotionswerefixedforalleternity。
ThenHenryGlynnsmiledandthesmiletransformedhisface。Helookedsuddenlyyearsyounger，andanalmostboyishrecklessnessandirresolutionappearedinhisface。Heflunghimselfintoachairwithagesturewhichwasbewilderingfromitsincongruitywithhisgeneralappearance。Heleanedhisheadback，flungonelegovertheother，andlookedlaughinglyatMrs。Brigham。
“Ideclare，Emma，yougrowyoungereveryyear，“hesaid。
Sheflushedalittle，andherplacidmouthwidenedatthecorners。
Shewassusceptibletopraise。
“Ourthoughtsto-dayoughttobelongtotheoneofuswhowillNEVERgrowolder，“saidCarolineinahardvoice。
Henrylookedather，stillsmiling。“Ofcourse，wenoneofusforgetthat，“saidhe，inadeep，gentlevoice，“butwehavetospeaktotheliving，Caroline，andIhavenotseenEmmaforalongtime，andthelivingareasdearasthedead。”
“Nottome，“saidCaroline。
Sherose，andwentabruptlyoutoftheroomagain。Rebeccaalsoroseandhurriedafterher，sobbingloudly。
Henrylookedslowlyafterthem。
“Carolineiscompletelyunstrung，“saidhe。Mrs。Brighamrocked。A
confidenceinhiminspiredbyhismannerwasstealingoverher。Outofthatconfidenceshespokequiteeasilyandnaturally。
“Hisdeathwasverysudden，“saidshe。
Henry”seyelidsquiveredslightlybuthisgazewasunswerving。
“Yes，“saidhe；“itwasverysudden。Hewassickonlyafewhours。”
“Whatdidyoucallit？“
“Gastric。”
“Youdidnotthinkofanexamination？“
“Therewasnoneed。Iamperfectlycertainastothecauseofhisdeath。”
SuddenlyMrs。Brighamfeltacreepasofsomelivehorroroverherverysoul。Herfleshprickledwithcold，beforeaninflectionofhisvoice。Sherose，totteringonweakknees。
“Whereareyougoing？“askedHenryinastrange，breathlessvoice。
Mrs。Brighamsaidsomethingincoherentaboutsomesewingwhichshehadtodo，someblackforthefuneral，andwasoutoftheroom。Shewentuptothefrontchamberwhichsheoccupied。Carolinewasthere。Shewentclosetoherandtookherhands，andthetwosisterslookedateachother。
“Don”tspeak，don”t，Iwon”thaveit！“saidCarolinefinallyinanawfulwhisper。
“Iwon”t，“repliedEmma。
Thatafternoonthethreesisterswereinthestudy，thelargefrontroomonthegroundflooracrossthehallfromthesouthparlor，whentheduskdeepened。
Mrs。Brighamwashemmingsomeblackmaterial。Shesatclosetothewestwindowforthewaninglight。Atlastshelaidherworkonherlap。
“It”snouse，Icannotseetosewanotherstitchuntilwehavealight，“saidshe。
Caroline，whowaswritingsomelettersatthetable，turnedtoRebecca，inherusualplaceonthesofa。
“Rebecca，youhadbettergetalamp，“shesaid。
Rebeccastartedup；evenintheduskherfaceshowedheragitation。
“Itdoesn”tseemtomethatweneedalampquiteyet，“shesaidinapiteous，pleadingvoicelikeachild”s。
“Yes，wedo，“returnedMrs。Brighamperemptorily。“Wemusthavealight。Imustfinishthisto-nightorIcan”tgotothefuneral，andIcan”tseetosewanotherstitch。”
“Carolinecanseetowriteletters，andsheisfartherfromthewindowthanyouare，“saidRebecca。
“Areyoutryingtosavekeroseneorareyoulazy，RebeccaGlynn？“
criedMrs。Brigham。“Icangoandgetthelightmyself，butIhavethisworkallinmylap。”
Caroline”spenstoppedscratching。
“Rebecca，wemusthavethelight，“saidshe。
“Hadwebetterhaveitinhere？“askedRebeccaweakly。
“Ofcourse！Whynot？“criedCarolinesternly。
“IamsureIdon”twanttotakemysewingintotheotherroom，whenitisallcleanedupforto-morrow，“saidMrs。Brigham。
“Why，Ineverheardsuchato-doaboutlightingalamp。”
Rebeccaroseandlefttheroom。Presentlysheenteredwithalamp——
alargeonewithawhiteporcelainshade。Shesetitonatable，anold-fashionedcard-tablewhichwasplacedagainsttheoppositewallfromthewindow。Thatwallwasclearofbookcasesandbooks，whichwereonlyonthreesidesoftheroom。Thatoppositewallwastakenupwiththreedoors，theonesmallspacebeingoccupiedbythetable。Abovethetableontheold-fashionedpaper，ofawhitesatingloss，traversedbyanindeterminategreenscroll，hungquitehighasmallgiltandblack-framedivoryminiaturetakeninhergirlhoodofthemotherofthefamily。Whenthelampwassetonthetablebeneathit，thetinyprettyfacepaintedontheivoryseemedtogleamoutwithalookofintelligence。
“Whathaveyouputthatlampovertherefor？“askedMrs。Brigham，withmoreofimpatiencethanhervoiceusuallyrevealed。“Whydidn”tyousetitinthehallandhavedonewithit。NeitherCarolinenorIcanseeifitisonthattable。”
“Ithoughtperhapsyouwouldmove，“repliedRebeccahoarsely。
“IfIdomove，wecan”tbothsitatthattable。Carolinehasherpaperallspreadaround。Whydon”tyousetthelamponthestudytableinthemiddleoftheroom，thenwecanbothsee？“
Rebeccahesitated。Herfacewasverypale。ShelookedwithanappealthatwasfairlyagonizingathersisterCaroline。
“Whydon”tyouputthelamponthistable，asshesays？“askedCaroline，almostfiercely。“Whydoyouactso，Rebecca？“
“IshouldthinkyouWOULDaskherthat，“saidMrs。Brigham。“Shedoesn”tactlikeherselfatall。”
Rebeccatookthelampandsetitonthetableinthemiddleoftheroomwithoutanotherword。Thensheturnedherbackuponitquicklyandseatedherselfonthesofa，andplacedahandoverhereyesasiftoshadethem，andremainedso。
“Doesthelighthurtyoureyes，andisthatthereasonwhyyoudidn”twantthelamp？“askedMrs。Brighamkindly。
“Ialwaysliketositinthedark，“repliedRebeccachokingly。Thenshesnatchedherhandkerchiefhastilyfromherpocketandbegantoweep。Carolinecontinuedtowrite，Mrs。Brighamtosew。
SuddenlyMrs。Brighamasshesewedglancedattheoppositewall。
Theglancebecameasteadystare。Shelookedintently，herworksuspendedinherhands。Thenshelookedawayagainandtookafewmorestitches，thenshelookedagain，andagainturnedtohertask。
Atlastshelaidherworkinherlapandstaredconcentratedly。Shelookedfromthewallaroundtheroom，takingnoteofthevariousobjects；shelookedatthewalllongandintently。Thensheturnedtohersisters。
“WhatISthat？“saidshe。
“What？“askedCarolineharshly；herpenscratchedloudlyacrossthepaper。
Rebeccagaveoneofherconvulsivegasps。
“Thatstrangeshadowonthewall，“repliedMrs。Brigham。
Rebeccasatwithherfacehidden：Carolinedippedherpenintheinkstand。
“Whydon”tyouturnaroundandlook？“askedMrs。Brighaminawonderingandsomewhataggrievedway。
“Iaminahurrytofinishthisletter，ifMrs。WilsonEbbitisgoingtogetwordintimetocometothefuneral，“repliedCarolineshortly。
Mrs。Brighamrose，herworkslippingtothefloor，andshebeganwalkingaroundtheroom，movingvariousarticlesoffurniture，withhereyesontheshadow。
Thensuddenlysheshriekedout：
“Lookatthisawfulshadow！Whatisit？Caroline，look，look！
Rebecca，look！WHATISIT？“
AllMrs。Brigham”striumphantplaciditywasgone。Herhandsomefacewaslividwithhorror。Shestoodstifflypointingattheshadow。
“Look！“saidshe，pointingherfingeratit。“Look！Whatisit？“
ThenRebeccaburstoutinawildwailafterashudderingglanceatthewall：
“Oh，Caroline，thereitisagain！Thereitisagain！“
“CarolineGlynn，youlook！“saidMrs。Brigham。“Look！Whatisthatdreadfulshadow？“
Carolinerose，turned，andstoodconfrontingthewall。
“HowshouldIknow？“shesaid。
“Ithasbeenthereeverynightsincehedied，“criedRebecca。
“Everynight？“
“Yes。HediedThursdayandthisisSaturday；thatmakesthreenights，“saidCarolinerigidly。Shestoodasifholdingherselfcalmwithaviseofconcentratedwill。
“It——itlookslike——like”stammeredMrs。Brighaminatoneofintensehorror。
“Iknowwhatitlookslikewellenough，“saidCaroline。“I”vegoteyesinmyhead。”
“ItlookslikeEdward，“burstoutRebeccainasortoffrenzyoffear。“Only”
“Yes，itdoes，“assentedMrs。Brigham，whosehorror-strickentonematchedhersister”s，“only——Oh，itisawful！Whatisit，Caroline？“
“Iaskyouagain，howshouldIknow？“repliedCaroline。“Iseeittherelikeyou。HowshouldIknowanymorethanyou？“
“ItMUSTbesomethingintheroom，“saidMrs。Brigham，staringwildlyaround。
“Wemovedeverythingintheroomthefirstnightitcame，“saidRebecca；“itisnotanythingintheroom。”
Carolineturneduponherwithasortoffury。“Ofcourseitissomethingintheroom，“saidshe。“Howyouact！Whatdoyoumeanbytalkingso？Ofcourseitissomethingintheroom。”
“Ofcourse，itis，“agreedMrs。Brigham，lookingatCarolinesuspiciously。“Ofcourseitmustbe。Itisonlyacoincidence。Itjusthappensso。Perhapsitisthatfoldofthewindowcurtainthatmakesit。Itmustbesomethingintheroom。”
“Itisnotanythingintheroom，“repeatedRebeccawithobstinatehorror。
ThedooropenedsuddenlyandHenryGlynnentered。Hebegantospeak，thenhiseyesfollowedthedirectionoftheothers”。Hestoodstockstillstaringattheshadowonthewall。Itwaslifesizeandstretchedacrossthewhiteparallelogramofadoor，halfacrossthewallspaceonwhichthepicturehung。
“Whatisthat？“hedemandedinastrangevoice。
“Itmustbeduetosomethingintheroom，Mrs。Brighamsaidfaintly。
“Itisnotduetoanythingintheroom，“saidRebeccaagainwiththeshrillinsistencyofterror。
“Howyouact，RebeccaGlynn，“saidCaroline。
HenryGlynnstoodandstaredamomentlonger。Hisfaceshowedagamutofemotions——horror，conviction，thenfuriousincredulity。
Suddenlyhebeganhasteninghitherandthitherabouttheroom。Hemovedthefurniturewithfiercejerks，turningevertoseetheeffectupontheshadowonthewall。Notalineofitsterribleoutlineswavered。
“Itmustbesomethingintheroom！“hedeclaredinavoicewhichseemedtosnaplikealash。
Hisfacechanged。Theinmostsecrecyofhisnatureseemedevidentuntilonealmostlostsightofhislineaments。Rebeccastoodclosetohersofa，regardinghimwithwoeful，fascinatedeyes。Mrs。
BrighamclutchedCaroline”shand。Theybothstoodinacorneroutofhisway。Forafewmomentsheragedabouttheroomlikeacagedwildanimal。Hemovedeverypieceoffurniture；whenthemovingofapiecedidnotaffecttheshadow，heflungittothefloor，hissisterswatching。
Thensuddenlyhedesisted。Helaughedandbeganstraighteningthefurniturewhichhehadflungdown。
“Whatanabsurdity，“hesaideasily。“Suchato-doaboutashadow。”
“That”sso，“assentedMrs。Brigham，inascaredvoicewhichshetriedtomakenatural。Asshespokesheliftedachairnearher。
“IthinkyouhavebrokenthechairthatEdwardwassofondof，“
saidCaroline。
Terrorandwrathwerestrugglingforexpressiononherface。Hermouthwasset，hereyesshrinking。Henryliftedthechairwithashowofanxiety。
“Justasgoodasever，“hesaidpleasantly。Helaughedagain，lookingathissisters。“DidIscareyou？“hesaid。“Ishouldthinkyoumightbeusedtomebythistime。Youknowmywayofwantingtoleaptothebottomofamystery，andthatshadowdoeslook——queer，like——andIthoughtiftherewasanywayofaccountingforitIwouldliketowithoutanydelay。”
“Youdon”tseemtohavesucceeded，“remarkedCarolinedryly，withaslightglanceatthewall。
Henry”seyesfollowedhersandhequiveredperceptibly。
“Oh，thereisnoaccountingforshadows，“hesaid，andhelaughedagain。“Amanisafooltotrytoaccountforshadows。”
Thenthesupperbellrang，andtheyalllefttheroom，butHenrykepthisbacktothewall，asdid，indeed，theothers。
Mrs。BrighampressedclosetoCarolineasshecrossedthehall。“Helookedlikeademon！“shebreathedinherear。
Henryledthewaywithanalertmotionlikeaboy；Rebeccabroughtuptherear；shecouldscarcelywalk，herkneestrembledso。
“Ican”tsitinthatroomagainthisevening，“shewhisperedtoCarolineaftersupper。
“Verywell，wewillsitinthesouthroom，“repliedCaroline。“I
thinkwewillsitinthesouthparlor，“shesaidaloud；“itisn”tasdampasthestudy，andIhaveacold。”
Sotheyallsatinthesouthroomwiththeirsewing。Henryreadthenewspaper，hischairdrawnclosetothelamponthetable。
Aboutnineo”clockheroseabruptlyandcrossedthehalltothestudy。Thethreesisterslookedatoneanother。Mrs。Brighamrose，foldedherrustlingskirtscompactlyaroundher，andbegantiptoeingtowardthedoor。
“Whatareyougoingtodo？“inquiredRebeccaagitatedly。
“Iamgoingtoseewhatheisabout，“repliedMrs。Brighamcautiously。
Shepointedasshespoketothestudydooracrossthehall；itwasajar。Henryhadstriventopullittogetherbehindhim，butithadsomehowswollenbeyondthelimitwithcuriousspeed。Itwasstillajarandastreakoflightshowedfromtoptobottom。Thehalllampwasnotlit。
“Youhadbetterstaywhereyouare，“saidCarolinewithguardedsharpness。
“Iamgoingtosee，“repeatedMrs。Brighamfirmly。
Thenshefoldedherskirtssotightlythatherbulkwithitsswellingcurveswasrevealedinablacksilksheath，andshewentwithaslowtoddleacrossthehalltothestudydoor。Shestoodthere，hereyeatthecrack。
InthesouthroomRebeccastoppedsewingandsatwatchingwithdilatedeyes。Carolinesewedsteadily。WhatMrs。Brigham，standingatthecrackinthestudydoor，sawwasthis：
HenryGlynn，evidentlyreasoningthatthesourceofthestrangeshadowmustbebetweenthetableonwhichthelampstoodandthewall，wasmakingsystematicpassesandthrustsalloverandthroughtheinterveningspacewithanoldswordwhichhadbelongedtohisfather。Notaninchwasleftunpierced。Heseemedtohavedividedthespaceintomathematicalsections。Hebrandishedtheswordwithasortofcoldfuryandcalculation；thebladegaveoutflashesoflight，theshadowremainedunmoved。Mrs。Brigham，watching，feltherselfcoldwithhorror。
FinallyHenryceasedandstoodwiththeswordinhandandraisedasiftostrike，surveyingtheshadowonthewallthreateningly。Mrs。
Brighamtoddledbackacrossthehallandshutthesouthroomdoorbehindherbeforesherelatedwhatshehadseen。
“Helookedlikeademon！“shesaidagain。“Haveyougotanyofthatoldwineinthehouse，Caroline？Idon”tfeelasifIcouldstandmuchmore。”
Indeed，shelookedovercome。Herhandsomeplacidfacewaswornandstrainedandpale。
“Yes，there”splenty，“saidCaroline；“youcanhavesomewhenyougotobed。”
“Ithinkwehadallbettertakesome，“saidMrs。Brigham。“Oh，myGod，Caroline，what”
“Don”taskanddon”tspeak，“saidCaroline。
“No，Iamnotgoingto，“repliedMrs。Brigham；“but”
Rebeccamoanedaloud。
“Whatareyoudoingthatfor？“askedCarolineharshly。
“PoorEdward，“returnedRebecca。
“Thatisallyouhavetogroanfor，“saidCaroline。“Thereisnothingelse。”
“Iamgoingtobed，“saidMrs。Brigham。“Isha”n”tbeabletobeatthefuneralifIdon”t。”
Soonthethreesisterswenttotheirchambersandthesouthparlorwasdeserted。CarolinecalledtoHenryinthestudytoputoutthelightbeforehecameupstairs。Theyhadbeengoneaboutanhourwhenhecameintotheroombringingthelampwhichhadstoodinthestudy。Hesetitonthetableandwaitedafewminutes，pacingupanddown。Hisfacewasterrible，hisfaircomplexionshowedlivid；
hisblueeyesseemeddarkblanksofawfulreflections。
Thenhetookthelampupandreturnedtothelibrary。Hesetthelamponthecentretable，andtheshadowsprangoutonthewall。
Againhestudiedthefurnitureandmoveditabout，butdeliberately，withnoneofhisformerfrenzy。Nothingaffectedtheshadow。Thenhereturnedtothesouthroomwiththelampandagainwaited。Againhereturnedtothestudyandplacedthelamponthetable，andtheshadowsprangoutuponthewall。Itwasmidnightbeforehewentupstairs。Mrs。Brighamandtheothersisters，whocouldnotsleep，heardhim。
Thenextdaywasthefuneral。Thateveningthefamilysatinthesouthroom。Somerelativeswerewiththem。NobodyenteredthestudyuntilHenrycarriedalampinthereaftertheothershadretiredforthenight。Hesawagaintheshadowonthewallleaptoanawfullifebeforethelight。
ThenextmorningatbreakfastHenryGlynnannouncedthathehadtogotothecityforthreedays。Thesisterslookedathimwithsurprise。Heveryseldomlefthome，andjustnowhispracticehadbeenneglectedonaccountofEdward”sdeath。Hewasaphysician。
“Howcanyouleaveyourpatientsnow？“askedMrs。Brighamwonderingly。
“Idon”tknowhowto，butthereisnootherway，“repliedHenryeasily。“IhavehadatelegramfromDoctorMitford。”
“Consultation？“inquiredMrs。Brigham。
“Ihavebusiness，“repliedHenry。
DoctorMitfordwasanoldclassmateofhiswholivedinaneighboringcityandwhooccasionallycalleduponhiminthecaseofaconsultation。
AfterhehadgoneMrs。BrighamsaidtoCarolinethatafterallHenryhadnotsaidthathewasgoingtoconsultwithDoctorMitford，andshethoughtitverystrange。
“Everythingisverystrange，“saidRebeccawithashudder。
“Whatdoyoumean？“inquiredCarolinesharply。
“Nothing，“repliedRebecca。
Nobodyenteredthelibrarythatday，northenext，northenext。
ThethirddayHenrywasexpectedhome，buthedidnotarriveandthelasttrainfromthecityhadcome。
“Icallitprettyqueerwork，“saidMrs。Brigham。“Theideaofadoctorleavinghispatientsforthreedaysanyhow，atsuchatimeasthis，andIknowhehassomeverysickones；hesaidso。Andtheideaofaconsultationlastingthreedays！Thereisnosenseinit，andNOWhehasnotcome。Idon”tunderstandit，formypart。”
“Idon”teither，“saidRebecca。
Theywereallinthesouthparlor。Therewasnolightinthestudyopposite，andthedoorwasajar。
PresentlyMrs。Brighamrose——shecouldnothavetoldwhy；somethingseemedtoimpelher，somewilloutsideherown。Shewentoutoftheroom，againwrappingherrustlingskirtsaroundthatshemightpassnoiselessly，andbeganpushingattheswollendoorofthestudy。
“Shehasnotgotanylamp，“saidRebeccainashakingvoice。
Caroline，whowaswritingletters，roseagain，tookalamp(thereweretwointheroom)andfollowedhersister。Rebeccahadrisen，butshestoodtrembling，notventuringtofollow。
Thedoorbellrang，buttheothersdidnothearit；itwasonthesouthdoorontheothersideofthehousefromthestudy。Rebecca，afterhesitatinguntilthebellrangthesecondtime，wenttothedoor；sherememberedthattheservantwasout。
CarolineandhersisterEmmaenteredthestudy。Carolinesetthelamponthetable。Theylookedatthewall。“Oh，myGod，“gaspedMrs。Brigham，“thereare——thereareTWO——shadows。”Thesistersstoodclutchingeachother，staringattheawfulthingsonthewall。ThenRebeccacamein，staggering，withatelegraminherhand。“Hereis——atelegram，“shegasped。“Henryis——dead。”
From“TheWindintheRosebush，“byMaryE。WilkinsFreeman。
Copyright，1903，byDoubleday，Page&Company。
MelvilleDavissonPostIntroductiontoTheCorpusDelictiThehighgroundofthefieldofcrimehasnotbeenexplored；ithasnotevenbeenentered。ThebookstallshavebeenfilledtowearinesswithtalesbaseduponplanswherebytheDETECTIVE，orFERRETINGpoweroftheStatemightbebaffled。But，prodigiousmarvel！nowriterhasattemptedtoconstructtalesbaseduponplanswherebythePUNISHINGpoweroftheStatemightbebaffled。
Thedistinction，ifonepausesforamomenttoconsiderit，isstriking。Itispossible，eveneasy，deliberatelytoplancrimessothatthecriminalagentandthecriminalagencycannotbedetected。Isitpossibletoplanandexecutewrongsinsuchamannerthattheywillhavealltheeffectandalltheresultingprofitofdesperatecrimesandyetnotbecrimesbeforethelaw？
Wearepronetoforgetthatthelawisnoperfectstructure，thatitissimplytheresultofhumanlaborandhumangenius，andthatwhateverlawshumaningenuitycancreatefortheprotectionofmen，thosesamelawshumaningenuitycanevade。TheSpiritofEvilisnodwarf；hehasdevelopedequallywiththeSpiritofGood。
Allwrongsarenotcrimes。Indeedonlythosewrongsarecrimesinwhichcertaintechnicalelementsarepresent。ThelawprovidesaProcrusteanstandardforallcrimes。Thusawrong，tobecomecriminal，mustfitexactlyintothemeasurelaiddownbythelaw，elseitisnocrime；ifitvariesneversolittlefromthelegalmeasure，thelawmust，andwill，refusetoregarditascriminal，nomatterhowinjuriousawrongitmaybe。Thereisnomeasureofmorality，orequity，orcommonrightthatcanbeappliedtotheindividualcase。Thegaugeofthelawisiron-bound。Thewrongmeasuredbythisgaugeiseitheracrimeoritisnot。Thereisnomiddleground。
Henceisit，thatifoneknowswellthetechnicalitiesofthelaw，onemaycommithorriblewrongsthatwillyieldallthegainandalltheresultingeffectofthehighestcrimes，andyetthewrongsperpetratedwillconstitutenooneofthecrimesdescribedbythelaw。Thusthehighestcrimes，evenmurder，maybecommittedinsuchmannerthatalthoughthecriminalisknownandthelawholdshimincustody，yetitcannotpunishhim。SoithappensthatinthisyearofourLordofthenineteenthcentury，theskillfulattorneymarvelsatthestupidityoftheroguewho，committingcrimesbytheordinarymethods，subjectshimselftounnecessaryperil，whentheresultwhichheseekscaneasilybeattainedbyothermethods，equallyexpeditiousandwithoutdangerofliabilityinanycriminaltribunal。Thisisthefieldintowhichtheauthorhasventured，andhebelievesittobenewandfullofinterest。
Itmaybeobjectedthatthewriterhaspreparedhereatext-bookfortheshrewdknave。Tothisitisansweredthat，ifheinstructstheenemies，healsowarnsthefriendsoflawandorder；andthatEvilhasneveryetbeenstrongerbecausethesunshoneonit。
[SeeLordHale”sRule，RussellonCrimes。ForthelawinNewYorksee18thN。Y。Reports，179；alsoN。Y。Reports，49，page137。ThedoctrinetherelaiddownobtainsinalmosteveryState，withthepossibleexceptionofafewWesternStates，wherethedecisionsaremuddy。]
TheCorpusDelictiI
“ThatmanMason，“saidSamuelWalcott，“isthemysteriousmemberofthisclub。Heismorethanthat；heisthemysteriousmanofNewYork。”
“Iwasmuchsurprisedtoseehim，“answeredhiscompanion，MarshallSt。Clair，ofthegreatlawfirmofSeward，St。Clair&DeMuth。
“IhadlosttrackofhimsincehewenttoParisascounselfortheAmericanstockholdersoftheCanalCompany。WhendidhecomebacktotheStates？“
“Heturnedupsuddenlyinhisancienthauntsaboutfourmonthsago，“saidWalcott，“asgrand，gloomy，andpeculiarasNapoleoneverwasinhispalmiestdays。Theyoungermembersoftheclubcallhim”ZanonaRedivivus。”Hewandersthroughthehouseusuallylateatnight，apparentlywithoutnoticinganythingoranybody。
Hismindseemstobedeeplyandbusilyatwork，leavinghisbodilyselftowanderasitmayhappen。Naturally，strangestoriesaretoldofhim；indeed，hisindividualityandhishabitofdoingsomeunexpectedthing，anddoingitinsuchamarvelouslyoriginalmannerthatmenwhoareexpertsatitlookoninwonder，cannotfailtomakehimanobjectofinterest。
“Hehasneverbeenknowntoplayatanygamewhatever，andyetonenighthesatdowntothechesstablewitholdAdmiralDuBrey。YouknowtheAdmiralisthegreatchampionsincehebeattheFrenchandEnglishofficersinthetournamentlastwinter。Well，youalsoknowthattheconventionalopeningsatchessarescientificallyandaccuratelydetermined。TotheutterdisgustofDuBrey，Masonopenedthegamewithanunheard-ofattackfromtheextremesoftheboard。TheoldAdmiralstoppedand，inakindlypatronizingway，pointedouttheweakandabsurdfollyofhismoveandaskedhimtobeginagainwithsomeoneofthesafeopenings。Masonsmiledandansweredthatifonehadaheadthathecouldtrustheshoulduseit；ifnot，thenitwasthepartofwisdomtofollowblindlythedeadformsofsomemanwhohadahead。DuBreywasnaturallyangryandsethimselftodemolishMasonasquicklyaspossible。Thegamewasrapidforafewmoments。Masonlostpieceafterpiece。Hisopeningwasbrokenanddestroyedanditsutterfollyapparenttothelookers-on。TheAdmiralsmiledandthegameseemedallone-
sided，when，suddenly，tohisutterhorror，DuBreyfoundthathiskingwasinatrap。Thefoolishopeninghadbeenonlyapieceofshrewdstrategy。TheoldAdmiralfoughtandcursedandsacrificedhispieces，butitwasofnouse。Hewasgone。Masoncheckmatedhimintwomovesandarosewearily。
“”WhereinHeaven”sname，man”saidtheoldAdmiral，thunderstruck，”didyoulearnthatmasterpiece？”
“”Justhere”repliedMason。”Toplaychess，oneshouldknowhisopponent。Howcouldthedeadmasterslaydownrulesbywhichyoucouldbebeaten，sir？Theyhadneverseenyou”；andthereuponheturnedandlefttheroom。Ofcourse，St。Clair，suchastrangemanwouldsoonbecomeanobjectofallkindsofmysteriousrumors。
Somearetrueandsomearenot。Atanyrate，IknowthatMasonisanunusualmanwithagiganticintellect。Oflateheseemstohavetakenastrangefancytome。Infact，Iseemtobetheonlymemberoftheclubthathewilltalkwith，andIconfessthathestartlesandfascinatesme。Heisanoriginalgenius，St。Clair，ofanunusualorder。”
“Irecallvividly，“saidtheyoungerman，“thatbeforeMasonwenttoParishewasconsideredoneofthegreatestlawyersofthiscityandhewasfearedandhatedbythebaratlarge。Hecamehere，I
believe，fromVirginiaandbeganwiththehigh-gradecriminalpractice。Hesoonbecamefamousforhispowerfulandingeniousdefenses。Hefoundholesinthelawthroughwhichhisclientsescaped，holesthatbytheprofessionatlargewerenotsuspectedtoexist，andthatfrequentlyastonishedthejudges。Hisabilitycaughttheattentionofthegreatcorporations。Theytestedhimandfoundinhimlearningandunlimitedresources。Hepointedoutmethodsbywhichtheycouldevadeobnoxiousstatutes，bywhichtheycouldcomplywiththeapparentletterofthelawandyetviolateitsspirit，andadvisedthemwellinthatmostimportantofallthings，justhowfartheycouldbendthelawwithoutbreakingit。
AtthetimeheleftforParishehadavastclientageandwasinthemidstofabrilliantcareer。ThedayhetookpassagefromNewYork，thebarlostsightofhim。Nomatterhowgreatamanmaybe，thewavesoonclosesoverhiminacitylikethis。InafewyearsMasonwasforgotten。Nowonlytheolderpractitionerswouldrecallhim，andtheywoulddosowithhatredandbitterness。Hewasatireless，savage，uncompromisingfighter，alwaysarecluse。”
“Well，“saidWalcott，“heremindsmeofagreatworld-wearycynic，transplantedfromsomeancientmysteriousempire。WhenIcomeintotheman”spresenceIfeelinstinctivelythegripofhisintellect。
Itellyou，St。Clair，RandolphMasonisthemysteriousmanofNewYork。”
AtthismomentamessengerboycameintotheroomandhandedMr。
Walcottatelegram。“St。Clair，“saidthatgentleman，rising，“thedirectorsoftheElevatedareinsession，andwemusthurry。”Thetwomenputontheircoatsandleftthehouse。
SamuelWalcottwasnotaclubmanafterthemanneroftheSmartSet，andyethewasinfactaclubman。Hewasabachelorinthelatterthirties，andresidedinagreatsilenthouseontheavenue。
Onthestreethewasamanofsubstance，shrewdandprogressive，backedbygreatwealth。Hehadvariouscorporateinterestsinthelargersyndicates，butthebasisandfoundationofhisfortunewasrealestate。Hishousesontheavenuewerethebestpossibleproperty，andhiselevatorrowintheimporters”quarterwasindeedaliteralgoldmine。Itwasknownthat，manyyearsbefore，hisgrandfatherhaddiedandlefthimtheproperty，which，atthattime，wasofnogreatvalue。YoungWalcotthadgoneoutintothegold-fieldsandhadbeenlostsightofandforgotten。TenyearsafterwardshehadturnedupsuddenlyinNewYorkandtakenpossessionofhisproperty，thenvastlyincreasedinvalue。Hisspeculationswerealmostphenomenallysuccessful，and，backedbythenowenormousvalueofhisrealproperty，hewassoononalevelwiththemerchantprinces。Hisjudgmentwasconsideredsound，andhehadthefullconfidenceofhisbusinessassociatesforsafetyandcaution。Fortuneheapeduprichesaroundhimwithalavishhand。Hewasunmarriedandthehaloofhiswealthcaughtthekeeneyeofthematronwithmarriageabledaughters。Hewasinvitedout，caughtbythewhirlofsociety，andtossedintoitsmaelstrom。Inameasurehereciprocated。Hekepthorsesandayacht。HisdinnersatDelmonico”sandtheclubwereabovereproach。Butwithallhewasasilentmanwithashadowdeepinhiseyes，andseemedtocourtthesocietyofhisfellows，notbecausehelovedthem，butbecauseheeitherhatedorfearedsolitude。Foryearsthestrategyofthematch-makerhadgonegracefullyafield，butFateisrelentless。Ifsheshieldsthevictimfromthetrapsofmen，itisnotbecauseshewisheshimtoescape，butbecausesheispleasedtoreservehimforherowntrap。Soithappenedthat，whenVirginiaSt。ClairassistedMrs。MiriamSteuvisantathermidwinterreception，thissameSamuelWalcottfelldeeplyandhopelesslyandutterlyinlove，anditwassoapparenttothebeatengeneralspresent，thatMrs。MiriamSteuvisantapplaudedherself，sotospeak，withencoreafterencore。Itwasgoodtoseethiscourteous，silentmanliterallyatthefeetoftheyoungdebutante。
Hewasthereofright。Eventhemothersofmarriageabledaughtersadmittedthat。Theyounggirlwasbrown-haired，brown-eyed，andtallenough，saidtheexperts，andofthebluebloodroyal，withallthegrace，courtesy，andinbredgeniusofsuchprincelyheritage。
PerhapsitwasobjectedbythecensorsoftheSmartSetthatMissSt。Clair”sfranknessandhonestywereatrifleold-fashioned，andthatshewasashadowybitofaPuritan；andperhapsitwasofthesesamequalitiesthatSamuelWalcottreceivedhishurt。Atanyratethehurtwasthereanddeep，andthenewactorsteppedupintotheoldtime-worn，semi-tragicdrama，andbeganhisrolewithatireless，uttersinceritythatwasdeadlydangerousifhelost。
II
PerhapsaweekaftertheconversationbetweenSt。ClairandWalcott，RandolphMasonstoodintheprivatewaiting-roomoftheclubwithhishandsbehindhisback。
Hewasamanapparentlyinthemiddleforties；tallandreasonablybroadacrosstheshoulders；muscularwithoutbeingeitherstoutorlean。Hishairwasthinandofabrowncolor，witherraticstreaksofgray。Hisforeheadwasbroadandhighandofafaintreddishcolor。Hiseyeswererestlessinkyblack，andnotover-large。Thenosewasbigandmuscularandbowed。Theeyebrowswereblackandheavy，almostbushy。Therewereheavyfurrows，runningfromthenosedownwardandoutwardtothecornersofthemouth。Themouthwasstraightandthejawwasheavy，andsquare。
LookingatthefaceofRandolphMasonfromabove，theexpressioninreposewascraftyandcynical；viewedfrombelowupward，itwassavageandvindictive，almostbrutal；whilefromthefront，iflookedsquarelyintheface，thestrangerwasfascinatedbytheanimationofthemanandatonceconcludedthathisexpressionwasfearlessandsneering。HewasevidentlyofSouthernextractionandamanofunusualpower。
Afiresmolderedonthehearth。Itwasacrispeveningintheearlyfall，andwiththatfar-offtouchofmelancholywhicheverheraldsthecomingwinter，eveninthemidstofacity。Theman”sfacelookedtiredandugly。Hislongwhitehandswereclaspedtighttogether。Hisentirefigureandfaceworeeverymarkofweaknessandphysicalexhaustion；buthiseyescontradicted。Theywereredandrestless。
Intheprivatedining-roomthedinnerpartywasinthebestofspirits。SamuelWalcottwashappy。AcrossthetablefromhimwasMissVirginiaSt。Clair，radiant，atingeofcolorinhercheeks。
Oneitherside，Mrs。MiriamSteuvisantandMarshallSt。Clairwerebrilliantandlighthearted。Walcottlookedattheyounggirlandthemeasureofhisworshipwasfull。Hewonderedforthethousandthtimehowshecouldpossiblylovehimandbywhatearthlymiracleshehadcometoaccepthim，andhowitwouldbealwaystohaveheracrossthetablefromhim，hisowntableinhisownhouse。
TheywereabouttorisefromthetablewhenoneofthewaitersenteredtheroomandhandedWalcottanenvelope。Hethrustitquicklyintohispocket。Intheconfusionofrisingtheothersdidnotnoticehim，buthisfacewasashwhiteandhishandstrembledviolentlyasheplacedthewrapsaroundthebewitchingshouldersofMissSt。Clair。
“Marshall，“hesaid，anddespitethepowerfulefforthisvoicewashollow，“youwillseetheladiessafelycaredfor，Iamcalledtoattendagravematter。”
“Allright，Walcott，“answeredtheyoungman，withcheerygoodnature，“youaretooserious，oldman，trotalong。”
“Thepoordear，“murmuredMrs。Steuvisant，afterWalcotthadhelpedthemtothecarriageandturnedtogoupthestepsoftheclub，——
“Thepoordearishardhit，andmenaresuchfunnycreatureswhentheyarehardhit。”
SamuelWalcott，ashisfatewould，wentdirecttotheprivatewriting-roomandopenedthedoor。ThelightswerenotturnedonandinthedarkhedidnotseeMasonmotionlessbythemantel-
shelf。Hewentquicklyacrosstheroomtothewriting-table，turnedononeofthelights，and，takingtheenvelopefromhispocket，toreitopen。Thenhebentdownbythelighttoreadthecontents。Ashiseyesranoverthepaper，hisjawfell。Theskindrewawayfromhischeekbonesandhisfaceseemedliterallytosinkin。HiskneesgavewayunderhimandhewouldhavegonedowninaheaphaditnotbeenforMason”slongarmsthatclosedaroundhimandheldhimup。Thehumaneconomyisevermysterious。Themomentthenewdangerthreatened，thelatentpowerofthemanasananimal，hiddenawayinthecentersofintelligence，asserteditself。Hishandclutchedthepaperand，withahalfslide，heturnedinMason”sarms。Foramomenthestaredupattheuglymanwhosethinarmsfeltlikewireropes。
“Youareunderthedead-fall，aye，“saidMason。“Thecunningofmyenemyissublime。”
“Yourenemy？“gaspedWalcott。“Whendidyoucomeintoit？HowinGod”snamedidyouknowit？Howyourenemy？“
Masonlookeddownatthewidebulgingeyesoftheman。
“WhoshouldknowbetterthanI？“hesaid。“Haven”tIbrokenthroughallthetrapsandplotsthatshecouldset？“
“She？Shetrapyou？“Theman”svoicewasfullofhorror。
“Theoldschemer，“mutteredMason。“Thecowardlyoldschemer，tostrikeintheback；butwecanbeather。Shedidnotcountonmyhelpingyou——I，whoknowhersowell。”
Mason”sfacewasred，andhiseyesburned。Inthemidstofitallhedroppedhishandsandwentovertothefire。SamuelWalcottarose，panting，andstoodlookingatMason，withhishandsbehindhimonthetable。Thenaturallystrongnatureandtherigidschoolinwhichthemanhadbeentrainedpresentlybegantotell。Hiscomposureinpartreturnedandhethoughtrapidly。Whatdidthisstrangemanknow？Washesimplymakingshrewdguesses，orhadhesomemysteriousknowledgeofthismatter？WalcottcouldnotknowthatMasonmeantonlyFate，thathebelievedhertobehisgreatenemy。Walcotthadneverbeforedoubtedhisownabilitytomeetanyemergency。Thismightyjerkhadcarriedhimoffhisfeet。Hewasunstrungandpanic-stricken。Atanyratethismanhadpromisedhelp。Hewouldtakeit。Heputthepaperandenvelopecarefullyintohispocket，smoothedouthisrumpledcoat，andgoingovertoMasontouchedhimontheshoulder。
“Come，“hesaid，“ifyouaretohelpmewemustgo。”
Themanturnedandfollowedhimwithoutaword。InthehallMasonputonhishatandovercoat，andthetwowentoutintothestreet。
Walcotthailedacab，andthetwoweredriventohishouseontheavenue。Walcotttookouthislatchkey，openedthedoor，andledthewayintothelibrary。HeturnedonthelightandmotionedMasontoseathimselfatthetable。Thenhewentintoanotherroomandpresentlyreturnedwithabundleofpapersandadecanterofbrandy。HepouredoutaglassoftheliquorandofferedittoMason。Themanshookhishead。Walcottpouredthecontentsoftheglassdownhisownthroat。ThenhesetthedecanterdownanddrewupachaironthesideofthetableoppositeMason。
“Sir，“saidWalcott，inavoicedeliberate，indeed，butashollowasasepulcher，“Iamdonefor。Godhasfinallygathereduptheendsofthenet，anditisknottedtight。”
“AmInotheretohelpyou？“saidMason，turningsavagely。“IcanbeatFate。Givemethedetailsofhertrap。”
Hebentforwardandrestedhisarmsonthetable。Hisstreakedgrayhairwasrumpledandonend，andhisfacewasugly。ForamomentWalcottdidnotanswer。Hemovedalittleintotheshadow；
thenhespreadthebundleofoldyellowpapersoutbeforehim。
“Tobeginwith，“hesaid，“Iamalivinglie，agildedcrime-madesham，everybitofme。Thereisnotanhonestpieceanywhere。Itisalllie。Iamaliarandathiefbeforemen。ThepropertywhichIpossessisnotmine，butstolenfromadeadman。TheverynamewhichIbearisnotmyown，butisthebastardchildofacrime。Iammorethanallthat——Iamamurderer；amurdererbeforethelaw；amurdererbeforeGod；andworsethanamurdererbeforethepurewomanwhomIlovemorethananythingthatGodcouldmake。”
Hepausedforamomentandwipedtheperspirationfromhisface。
“Sir，“saidMason，“thisisalldrivel，infantiledrivel。Whatyouareisofnoimportance。Howtogetoutistheproblem，howtogetout。”
SamuelWalcottleanedforward，pouredoutaglassofbrandyandswallowedit。
“Well，“hesaid，speakingslowly，“myrightnameisRichardWarren。
Inthespringof1879IcametoNewYorkandfellinwiththerealSamuelWalcott，ayoungmanwithalittlemoneyandsomepropertywhichhisgrandfatherhadlefthim。Webecamefriends，andconcludedtogotothefarwesttogether。Accordinglywescrapedtogetherwhatmoneywecouldlayourhandson，andlandedinthegold-miningregionsofCalifornia。Wewereyoungandinexperienced，andourmoneywentrapidly。OneAprilmorningwedriftedintoalittleshackcamp，awayupintheSierraNevadas，calledHell”sElbow。Herewestruggledandstarvedforperhapsayear。Finally，inutterdesperation，WalcottmarriedthedaughterofaMexicangambler，whorananeatinghouseandapokerjoint。
WiththemwelivedfromhandtomouthinawildGod-forsakenwayforseveralyears。Afteratimethewomanbegantotakeastrangefancytome。Walcottfinallynoticedit，andgrewjealous。
“Onenight，inadrunkenbrawl，wequarreled，andIkilledhim。Itwaslateatnight，and，besidethewoman，therewerefourofusinthepokerroom，——theMexicangambler，ahalf-breeddevilcalledCherubimPete，Walcott，andmyself。WhenWalcottfell，thehalf-
breedwhippedouthisweapon，andfiredatmeacrossthetable；butthewoman，NinaSanCroix，struckhisarm，and，insteadofkillingme，asheintended，thebulletmortallywoundedherfather，theMexicangambler。Ishotthehalf-breedthroughtheforehead，andturnedround，expectingthewomantoattackme。Onthecontrary，shepointedtothewindow，andbademewaitforheronthecrosstrailbelow。
“Itwasfullythreehourslaterbeforethewomanjoinedmeattheplaceindicated。Shehadabagofgolddust，afewjewelsthatbelongedtoherfather，andapackageofpapers。Iaskedherwhyshehadstayedbehindsolong，andsherepliedthatthemenwerenotkilledoutright，andthatshehadbroughtapriesttothemandwaiteduntiltheyhaddied。Thiswasthetruth，butnotallthetruth。Movedbysuperstitionorforesight，thewomanhadinducedthepriesttotakedowntheswornstatementsofthetwodyingmen，sealit，andgiveittoher。Thispapershebroughtwithher。AllthisIlearnedafterwards。AtthetimeIknewnothingofthisdamningevidence。
“WestruckouttogetherforthePacificcoast。Thecountrywaslawless。Theprivationsweenduredwerealmostpastbelief。Attimesthewomanexhibitedcunningandabilitythatwerealmostgenius；andthroughitall，oftenintheveryfingersofdeath，herdevotiontomeneverwavered。Itwasdoglike，andseemedtobeheronlyobjectonearth。WhenwereachedSanFrancisco，thewomanputthesepapersintomyhands。”Walcotttookuptheyellowpackage，andpusheditacrossthetabletoMason。
“SheproposedthatIassumeWalcott”sname，andthatwecomeboldlytoNewYorkandclaimtheproperty。Iexaminedthepapers，foundacopyofthewillbywhichWalcottinheritedtheproperty，abundleofcorrespondence，andsufficientdocumentaryevidencetoestablishhisidentitybeyondtheshadowofadoubt。DesperategamblerasI
nowwas，IquailedbeforethedaringplanofNinaSanCroix。I
urgedthatI，RichardWarren，wouldbeknown，thattheattemptedfraudwouldbedetectedandwouldresultininvestigation，andperhapsunearththewholehorriblematter。
“ThewomanpointedouthowmuchIresembledWalcott，whatvastchangestenyearsofsuchlifeaswehadledwouldnaturallybeexpectedtomakeinmen，howutterlyimpossibleitwouldbetotracebackthefraudtoWalcott”smurderatHell”sElbow，inthewildpassesoftheSierraNevadas。Shebademerememberthatwewerebothoutcasts，bothcrime-branded，bothenemiesofman”slawandGod”s；thatwehadnothingtolose；wewerebothsunktothebottom。Thenshelaughed，andsaidthatshehadnotfoundmeacowarduntilnow，butthatifIhadturnedchicken-hearted，thatwastheendofit，ofcourse。Theresultwas，wesoldthegolddustandjewelsinSanFrancisco，tookonsuchevidencesofcivilizationaspossible，andpurchasedpassagetoNewYorkonthebeststeamerwecouldfind。
“Iwasgrowingtodependontheboldgamblerspiritofthiswoman，NinaSanCroix；Ifelttheneedofherstrong，profligatenature。
Shewasofaqueerbreedandaqueererschool。HermotherwasthedaughterofaSpanishengineer，andhadbeenstolenbytheMexican，herfather。SheherselfhadbeenraisedandeducatedasbestmightbeinoneofthemonasteriesalongtheRioGrande，andhadtheregrowntowomanhoodbeforeherfather，fleeingintothemountainsofCalifornia，carriedherwithhim。
“WhenwelandedinNewYorkIofferedtoannounceherasmywife，butsherefused，sayingthatherpresencewouldexcitecommentandperhapsattracttheattentionofWalcott”srelatives。WethereforearrangedthatIshouldgoaloneintothecity，claimtheproperty，andannouncemyselfasSamuelWalcott，andthatsheshouldremainundercoveruntilsuchtimeaswewouldfeelthegroundsafeunderus。
“Everydetailoftheplanwasfatallysuccessful。Iestablishedmyidentitywithoutdifficultyandsecuredtheproperty。Ithadincreasedvastlyinvalue，andI，asSamuelWalcott，soonfoundmyselfarichman。IwenttoNinaSanCroixinhidingandgaveheralargesumofmoney，withwhichshepurchasedaresidenceinaretiredpartofthecity，farupinthenorthernsuburb。HereshelivedsecludedandunknownwhileIremainedinthecity，livinghereasawealthybachelor。
“Ididnotattempttoabandonthewoman，butwenttoherfromtimetotimeindisguiseandundercoverofthegreatestsecrecy。Foratimeeverythingransmooth，thewomanwasstilldevotedtomeaboveeverythingelse，andthoughtalwaysofmywelfarefirstandseemedcontenttowaitsolongasIthoughtbest。Mybusinessexpanded。
IwassoughtafterandconsultedanddrawnintothehigherlifeofNewYork，andmoreandmorefeltthatthewomanwasanalbatrossonmyneck。Iputheroffwithoneexcuseafteranother。FinallyshebegantosuspectmeanddemandedthatIshouldrecognizeherasmywife。Iattemptedtopointoutthedifficulties。ShemetthemallbysayingthatweshouldbothgotoSpain，thereIcouldmarryherandwecouldreturntoAmericaanddropintomyplaceinsocietywithoutcausingmorethanapassingcomment。
“Iconcludedtomeetthemattersquarelyonceforall。IsaidthatIwouldconverthalfofthepropertyintomoneyandgiveittoher，butthatIwouldnotmarryher。ShedidnotflyintoastormingrageasIhadexpected，butwentquietlyoutoftheroomandpresentlyreturnedwithtwopapers，whichsheread。OnewasthecertificateofhermarriagetoWalcottdulyauthenticated；theotherwasthedyingstatementofherfather，theMexicangambler，andofSamuelWalcott，chargingmewithmurder。ItwasinproperformandcertifiedbytheJesuitpriest。
“”Now”shesaid，sweetly，whenshehadfinished，”whichdoyouprefer，torecognizeyourwife，ortoturnallthepropertyovertoSamuelWalcott”swidowandhangforhismurder？”
“Iwasdumfoundedandhorrified。IsawthetrapthatIwasinandIconsentedtodoanythingsheshouldsayifshewouldonlydestroythepapers。Thissherefusedtodo。Ipleadedwithherandimploredhertodestroythem。Finallyshegavethemtomewithagreatshowofreturningconfidence，andItorethemintobitsandthrewthemintothefire。
“Thatwasthreemonthsago。WearrangedtogotoSpainanddoasshesaid。ShewastosailthismorningandIwastofollow。OfcourseIneverintendedtogo。Icongratulatedmyselfonthefactthatalltraceofevidenceagainstmewasdestroyedandthathergripwasnowbroken。Myplanwastoinducehertosail，believingthatIwouldfollow。WhenshewasgoneIwouldmarryMissSt。
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