"Haveyounofearsforme？"heaskedsmiling，asifashamedofhismomentarypetulance。
"No，haveyouforyourself？"Andashadeofanxietypassedoverherface。
"IdefytheScotchwitchtoenchantme，exceptwithhermusic，"headded，movingdowntheterraceagain，forJeanwassinginglikeanightingale。
Asthesongended，heputasidethecurtain，andsaid，abruptly，"HasanyoneanycommandsforLondon？Iamgoingtheretomorrow。"
"Apleasanttriptoyou，"saidNedcarelessly，thoughusuallyhisbrother’smovementsinterestedhimextremely。
"Iwantquantitiesofthings，butImustaskMammafirst。"AndBellabegantomakealist。
"MayItroubleyouwithaletter，Mr。Coventry？"
JeanMuirturnedaroundonthemusicstoolandlookedathimwiththecoldkeenglancewhichalwayspuzzledhim。
Hebowed，saying，asiftothemall，"Ishallbeoffbytheearlytrain，soyoumustgivemeyourorderstonight。"
"Thencomeaway，Ned，andleaveJeantowriteherletter。"
AndBellatookherreluctantbrotherfromtheroom。
"Iwillgiveyoutheletterinthemorning，"saidMissMuir，withacuriousquiverinhervoice，andthelookofonewhoforciblysuppressedsomestrongemotion。
"Asyouplease。"AndCoventrywentbacktoLucia，wonderingwhoMissMuirwasgoingtowriteto。Hesaidnothingtohisbrotherofthepurposewhichtookhimtotown，lestawordshouldproducethecatastrophewhichhehopedtoprevent;andNed，whonowlivedinasortofdream，seemedtoforgetGerald’sexistencealtogether。
WithunwontedenergyCoventrywasastirsevennextmorning。Luciagavehimhisbreakfast，andashelefttheroomtoorderthecarriage，MissMuircameglidingdownstairs，verypaleandheavy-eyed（withasleepless，tearfulnight，hethought）and，puttingadelicatelittleletterintohishand，saidhurriedly，"PleaseleavethisatLadySydney’s，andifyouseeher，say’Ihaveremembered。’"
Herpeculiarmannerandpeculiarmessagestruckhim。
HiseyeinvoluntarilyglancedattheaddressoftheletterandreadyoungSydney’sname。Then，consciousofhismistake，hethrustitintohispocketwithahasty"Goodmorning，"andleftMissMuirstandingwithonehandpressedonherheart，theotherhalfextendedasiftorecalltheletter。
AllthewaytoLondon，Coventryfounditimpossibletoforgetthealmosttragicalexpressionofthegirl’sface，andithauntedhimthroughthebustleoftwobusydays。Ned’saffairwasputinthewayofbeingspeedilyaccomplished，Bella’scommissionswereexecuted，hismother’spetdelicaciesprovidedforher，andagiftforLucia，whomthefamilyhadgivenhimforhisfuturemate，ashewastoolazytochooseforhimself。
JeanMuir’sletterhehadnotdelivered，forLadySydneywasinthecountryandhertownhouseclosed。Curioustoseehowshewouldreceivehistidings，hewentquietlyinonhisarrivalathome。
EveryonehaddispersedtodressfordinnerexceptMissMuir，whowasinthegarden，theservantsaid。
"Verywell，Ihaveamessageforher";and，turning，the"youngmaster，"astheycalledhim，wenttoseekher。Inaremotecornerhesawhersittingalone，buriedinthought。Ashissteprousedher，alookofsurprise，followedbyoneofsatisfaction，passedoverherface，and，rising，shebeckonedtohimwithanalmosteagergesture。Muchamazed，hewenttoherandofferedtheletter，sayingkindly，"IregretthatI
couldnotdeliverit。LadySydneyisinthecountry，andIdidnotliketopostitwithoutyourleave。DidIdoright？"
"Quiteright，thankyouverymuch——itisbetterso。"Andwithanairofrelief，shetorethelettertoatoms，andscatteredthemtothewind。
Moreamazedthanever，theyoungmanwasabouttoleaveherwhenshesaid，withamixtureofentreatyandcommand，"Pleasestayamoment。Iwanttospeaktoyou。"
Hepaused，eyeingherwithvisiblesurprise，forasuddencolordyedhercheeks，andherlipstrembled。Onlyforamoment，thenshewasquiteself-possessedagain。Motioninghimtotheseatshehadleft，sheremainedstandingwhileshesaid，inalow，rapidtonefullofpainandofdecision：
"Mr。Coventry，astheheadofthehouseIwanttospeaktoyou，ratherthantoyourmother，ofamostunhappyaffairwhichhasoccurredduringyourabsence。Mymonthofprobationendstoday;yourmotherwishesmetoremain;I，too，wishitsincerely，forIamhappyhere，butIoughtnot。Readthis，andyouwillseewhy。"
Sheputahastilywrittennoteintohishandandwatchedhimintentlywhilehereadit。Shesawhimflushwithanger，bitehislips，andknithisbrows，thenassumehishaughtiestlook，asheliftedhiseyesandsaidinhismostsarcastictone，"Verywellforabeginning。
Theboyhaseloquence。Pitythatitshouldbewasted。MayIaskifyouhaverepliedtothisrhapsody？"
"Ihave。"
"Andwhatfollows？Hebegsyou’toflywithhim，tosharehisfortunes，andbethegoodangelofhislife。’Ofcourseyouconsent？"
Therewasnoanswer，for，standingerectbeforehim，MissMuirregardedhimwithanexpressionofproudpatience，likeonewhoexpectedreproaches，yetwastoogeneroustoresentthem。Hermannerhaditseffect。Droppinghisbittertone，Coventryaskedbriefly，"Whydoyoushowmethis？WhatcanIdo？"
"Ishowitthatyoumayseehowmuchinearnest’theboy’is，andhowopenIdesiretobe。Youcancontrol，advise，andcomfortyourbrother，andhelpmetoseewhatismyduty。"
"Youlovehim？"demandedCoventrybluntly。
"No！"wasthequick，decidedanswer。
"Thenwhymakehimloveyou？"
"Inevertriedtodoit。YoursisterwilltestifythatIhaveendeavoredtoavoidhimasI——"Andhefinishedthesentencewithanunconscioustoneofpique，"Asyouhaveavoidedme。"
Shebowedsilently，andhewenton：
"Iwilldoyouthejusticetosaythatnothingcanbemoreblamelessthanyourconducttowardmyself;butwhyallowNedtohauntyoueveningafterevening？Whatcouldyouexpectofaromanticboywhohadnothingtodobutlosehishearttothefirstattractivewomanhemet？"
AmomentaryglistenshoneinJeanMuir’ssteel-blueeyesasthelastwordslefttheyoungman’slips;butitwasgoneinstantly，andhervoicewasfullofreproach，asshesaid，steadily，impulsively，"Ifthe’romanticboy’hadbeenallowedtoleadthelifeofaman，ashelongedtodo，hewouldhavehadnotimetolosehishearttothefirstsorrowfulgirlwhomhepitied。Mr。Coventry，thefaultisyours。Donotblameyourbrother，butgenerouslyownyourmistakeandretrieveitinthespeediest，kindestmanner。"
ForaninstantGeraldsatdumb。Neversincehisfatherdiedhadanyonereprovedhim;seldominhislifehadhebeenblamed。Itwasanewexperience，andtheverynoveltyaddedtotheeffect。Hesawhisfault，regrettedit，andadmiredthebravesincerityofthegirlintellinghimofit。Buthedidnotknowhowtodealwiththecase，andwasforcedtoconfessnotonlypastnegligencebutpresentincapacity。Hewasashonorableashewasproud，andwithanefforthesaidfrankly，"Youareright，MissMuir。Iamtoblame，yetassoonasIsawthedanger，I
triedtoavertit。MyvisittotownwasonNed’saccount;hewillhavehiscommissionverysoon，andthenhewillbesentoutofharm’sway。CanIdomore？"
"No，itistoolatetosendhimawaywithafreeandhappyheart。Hemustbearhispainashecan，anditmayhelptomakeamanofhim，"shesaidsadly。
"He’llsoonforget，"beganCoventry，whofoundthethoughtofgayNedsufferinganuncomfortableone。
"Yes，thankheaven，thatispossible，formen。"
MissMuirpressedherhandstogether，withadarkexpressiononherhalf-avertedface。Somethinginhertone，hermanner，touchedCoventry;hefanciedthatsomeoldwoundbled，somebittermemoryawokeattheapproachofanewlover。Hewasyoung，heart-whole，andromantic，underallhiscoolnonchalanceofmanner。Thisgirl，whohefanciedlovedhisfriendandwhowasbelovedbyhisbrother，becameanobjectofinteresttohim。Hepitiedher，desiredtohelpher，andregrettedhispastdistrust，asachivalrousmanalwaysregretsinjusticetoawoman。Shewashappyhere，poor，homelesssoul，andsheshouldstay。Bellalovedher，hismothertookcomfortinher，andwhenNedwasgone，noone’speacewouldbeendangeredbyherwinningways，herrichaccomplishments。Thesethoughtssweptthroughhismindduringabriefpause，andwhenhespoke，itwastosaygently：
"MissMuir，Ithankyouforthefranknesswhichmusthavebeenpainfultoyou，andIwilldomybesttobeworthyoftheconfidencewhichyoureposeinme。Youwerebothdiscreetandkindtospeakonlytome。Thisthingwouldhavetroubledmymotherextremely，andhavedonenogood。I
shallseeNed，andtryandrepairmylongneglectaspromptlyaspossible。
Iknowyouwillhelpme，andinreturnletmebegofyoutoremain，forhewillsoonbegone。"
Shelookedathimwitheyesfulloftears，andtherewasnocoolnessinthevoicethatansweredsoftly，"Youaretookind，butIhadbettergo;itisnotwisetostay。"
"Whynot？"
Shecoloredbeautifully，hesitated，thenspokeoutintheclear，steadyvoicewhichwashergreatestcharm，"IfIhadknownthereweresonsinthisfamily，Inevershouldhavecome。LadySydneyspokeonlyofyoursister，andwhenIfoundtwogentlemen，Iwastroubled，because——Iamsounfortunate——orrather，peoplearesokindastolikememorethanIdeserve。IthoughtIcouldstayamonth，atleast，asyourbrotherspokeofgoingaway，andyouwerealreadyaffianced，but——"
"Iamnotaffianced。"
Whyhesaidthat，Coventrycouldnottell，butthewordspassedhislipshastilyandcouldnotberecalled。JeanMuirtooktheannouncementoddlyenough。Sheshruggedhershoulderswithanairofextremeannoyance，andsaidalmostrudely，"Thenyoushouldbe;youwillbesoon。Butthatisnothingtome。MissBeaufortwishesmegone，andI
amtooproudtoremainandbecomethecauseofdisunioninahappyfamily。
No，Iwillgo，andgoatonce。"
Sheturnedawayimpetuously，butEdward’sarmdetainedher，andEdward’svoicedemanded，tenderly，"Wherewillyougo，myJean？"
Thetendertouchandnameseemedtorobherofhercourageandcalmness，for，leaningonherlover，shehidherfaceandsobbedaudibly。
"Nowdon’tmakeascene，forheaven’ssake，"beganCoventryimpatiently，ashisbrothereyedhimfiercely，diviningatoncewhathadpassed，forhisletterwasstillinGerald’shandandJean’slastwordshadreachedherlover’sear。
"Whogaveyoutherighttoreadthat，andtointerfereinmyaffairs？"demandedEdwardhotly。
"MissMuir"wasthereply，asCoventrythrewawaythepaper。
"Andyouaddtotheinsultbyorderingheroutofthehouse，"criedNedwithincreasingwrath。
"Onthecontrary，Ibeghertoremain。"
"Thedeuceyoudo！Andwhy？"
"Becausesheisusefulandhappyhere，andIamunwillingthatyourfollyshouldrobherofahomewhichshelikes。"
"Youareverythoughtfulanddevotedallatonce，butIbegyouwillnottroubleyourself。Jean’shappinessandhomewillbemycarenow。"
"Mydearboy，dobereasonable。Thethingisimpossible。
MissMuirseesitherself;shecametotellme，toaskhowbesttoarrangematterswithouttroublingmymother。I’vebeentotowntoattendtoyouraffairs，andyoumaybeoffnowverysoon。"
"Ihavenodesiretogo。Lastmonthitwasthewishofmyheart。NowI’llacceptnothingfromyou。"AndEdwardturnedmoodilyawayfromhisbrother。
"Whatfolly！Ned，youmustleavehome。Itisallarrangedandcannotbegivenupnow。Achangeiswhatyouneed，anditwillmakeamanofyou。Weshallmissyou，ofcourse，butyouwillbewhereyou’llseesomethingoflife，andthatisbetterforyouthangettingintomischiefhere。"
"Areyougoingaway，Jean？"askedEdward，ignoringhisbrotherentirelyandbendingoverthegirl，whostillhidherfaceandwept。Shedidnotspeak，andGeraldansweredforher。
"No，whyshouldsheifyouaregone？"
"Doyoumeantostay？"askedthelovereagerlyofJean。
"Iwishtoremain，but——"Shepausedandlookedup。Hereyeswentfromonefacetotheother，andsheadded，decidedly，"Yes，Imustgo，itisnotwisetostayevenwhenyouaregone。"
Neitheroftheyoungmencouldhaveexplainedwhythathurriedglanceaffectedthemasitdid，buteachfeltconsciousofawillfuldesiretoopposetheother。EdwardsuddenlyfeltthathisbrotherlovedMissMuir，andwasbentonremovingherfromhisway。GeraldhadavagueideathatMissMuirfearedtoremainonhisaccount，andhelongedtoshowherthathewasquitesafe。Eachfeltangry，andeachshoweditinadifferentway，onebeingviolent，theothersatirical。
"Youareright，Jean，thisisnottheplaceforyou;
andyoumustletmeseeyouinasaferhomebeforeIgo，"saidNed，significantly。
"Itstrikesmethatthiswillbeaparticularlysafehomewhenyourdangerousselfisremoved，"beganCoventry，withanaggravatingsmileofcalmsuperiority。
"AndIthinkthatIleaveamoredangerouspersonthanmyselfbehindme，aspoorLuciacantestify。"
"Becarefulwhatyousay，Ned，orIshallbeforcedtoremindyouthatIammasterhere。LeaveLucia’snameoutofthisdisagreeableaffair，ifyouplease。"
"Youaremasterhere，butnotofme，ormyactions，andyouhavenorighttoexpectobedienceorrespect，foryouinspireneither。
Jean，Iaskedyoutogowithmesecretly;nowIaskyouopenlytosharemyfortune。Inmybrother’spresenceIask，andwillhaveananswer。"
Hecaughtherhandimpetuously，withadefiantlookatCoventrywhostillsmiled，asifatboy’splay，thoughhiseyeswerekindlingandhisfacechangingwiththestill，whitewrathwhichismoreterriblethananysuddenoutburst。MissMuirlookedfrightened;sheshrankawayfromherpassionateyounglover，castanappealingglanceatGerald，andseemedasifshelongedtoclaimhisprotectionyetdarednot。
"Speak！"criedEdward，desperately。"Don’tlooktohim，tellmetruly，withyourownlips，doyou，canyouloveme，Jean？"
"Ihavetoldyouonce。Whypainmebyforcinganotherhardreply，"shesaidpitifully，stillshrinkingfromhisgraspandseemingtoappealtohisbrother。
"Youwroteafewlines，butI’llnotbesatisfiedwiththat。Youshallanswer;I’veseenloveinyoureyes，hearditinyourvoice，andIknowitishiddeninyourheart。Youfeartoownit;donothesitate，noonecanpartus——speak，Jean，andsatisfyme。"
Drawingherhanddecidedlyaway，shewentastepnearerCoventry，andanswered，slowly，distinctly，thoughherlipstrembled，andsheevidentlydreadedtheeffectofherwords，"Iwillspeak，andspeaktruly。Youhaveseenloveinmyface;itisinmyheart，andIdonothesitatetoownit，cruelasitistoforcethetruthfromme，butthisloveisnotforyou。Areyousatisfied？"
Helookedatherwithadespairingglanceandstretchedhishandtowardherbeseechingly。Sheseemedtofearablow，forsuddenlysheclungtoGeraldwithafaintcry。Theact，thelookoffear，theprotectinggestureCoventryinvoluntarilymadeweretoomuchforEdward，alreadyexcitedbyconflictingpassions。Inaparoxysmofblindwrath，hecaughtupalargepruningknifelefttherebythegardener，andwouldhavedealthisbrotherafatalblowhadhenotwardeditoffwithhisarm。Thestrokefell，andanothermighthavefollowedhadnotMissMuirwithunexpectedcourageandstrengthwrestedtheknifefromEdwardandflungitintothelittlepondnearby。Coventrydroppeddownupontheseat，forthebloodpouredfromadeepwoundinhisarm，showingbyitsrapidflowthatanarteryhadbeensevered。Edwardstoodaghast，forwiththeblowhisfurypassed，leavinghimoverwhelmedwithremorseandshame。
Geraldlookedupathim，smiledfaintly，andsaid，withnosignofreproachoranger，"Nevermind，Ned。Forgiveandforget。
Lendmeahandtothehouse，anddon’tdisturbanyone。It’snotmuch，I
daresay。"Buthislipswhitenedashespoke，andhisstrengthfailedhim。
Edwardsprangtosupporthim，andMissMuir，forgettingherterrors，provedherselfagirlofuncommonskillandcourage。
"Quick！Layhimdown。Givemeyourhandkerchief，andbringsomewater，"shesaid，inatoneofquietcommand。PoorNedobeyedandwatchedherwithbreathlesssuspensewhileshetiedthehandkerchieftightlyaroundthearm，thrustthehandleofhisridingwhipunderneath，andpresseditfirmlyabovetheseveredarterytostopthedangerousflowofblood。
"DoctorScottiswithyourmother，Ithink。Goandbringhimhere"wasthenextorder;andEdwarddartedaway，thankfultodoanythingtoeasetheterrorwhichpossessedhim。Hewasgonesomeminutes，andwhiletheywaitedCoventrywatchedthegirlasshekneltbesidehim，bathinghisfacewithonehandwhilewiththeothersheheldthebandagefirmlyinitsplace。Shewaspale，butquitesteadyandself-possessed，andhereyesshonewithastrangebrilliancyasshelookeddownathim。
Once，meetinghislookofgratefulwonder，shesmiledareassuringsmilethatmadeherlovely，andsaid，inasoft，sweettoneneverusedtohimbefore，"Bequiet。Thereisnodanger。Iwillstaybyyoutillhelpcomes。"
Helpdidcomespeedily，andthedoctor’sfirstwordswere"Whoimprovisedthattourniquet？"
"Shedid，"murmuredCoventry。
"Thenyoumaythankherforsavingyourlife。ByJove！Itwascapitallydone’;andtheolddoctorlookedatthegirlwithasmuchadmirationascuriosityinhisface。
"Nevermindthat。Seetothewound，please，whileIrunforbandages，andsalts，andwine。"
MissMuirwasgoneasshespoke，sofleetlythatitwasinvaintocallherbackorcatchher。Duringherbriefabsence，thestorywastoldbyrepentantNedandthewoundexamined。
"FortunatelyIhavemycaseofinstrumentswithme，"
saidthedoctor，spreadingonthebenchalongarrayoftiny，glitteringimplementsoftorture。"Now，Mr。Ned，comehere，andholdthearminthatway，whileItietheartery。Hey！Thatwillneverdo。Don’ttrembleso，man，lookawayandholditsteadily。"
"Ican’t！"AndpoorNedturnedfaintandwhite，notatthesightbutwiththebitterthoughtthathehadlongedtokillhisbrother。
"Iwillholdit，"andaslenderwhitehandliftedthebareandbloodyarmsofirmly，steadily，thatCoventrysighedasighofrelief，andDoctorScottfelltoworkwithanemphaticnodofapproval。
Itwassoonover，andwhileEdwardranintobidtheservantsbewareofalarmingtheirmistress，DoctorScottputuphisinstrumentsandMissMuirusedsalts，water，andwinesoskillfullythatGeraldwasabletowalktohisroom，leaningontheoldman，whilethegirlsupportedthewoundedarm，asnoslingcouldbemadeonthespot。
Asheenteredthechamber，Coventryturned，putouthislefthandandwithmuchfeelinginhisfineeyessaidsimply，"MissMuir，Ithankyou。"
Thecolorcameupbeautifullyinherpalecheeksasshepressedthehandandwithoutawordvanishedfromtheroom。Luciaandthehousekeepercamebustlingin，andtherewasnolackofattendanceontheinvalid。Hesoonweariedofit，andsentthemallawaybutNed，whoremorsefullyhauntedthechamber，lookinglikeacomelyyoungCainandfeelinglikeanoutcast。
"Comehere，lad，andtellmeallaboutit。Iwaswrongtobedomineering。Forgiveme，andbelievethatIcareforyourhappinessmoresincerelythanformyown。"
ThesefrankandfriendlywordshealedthebreachbetweenthetwobrothersandcompletelyconqueredNed。Gladlydidherelatehislovepassages，fornoyoungloverevertiresofthatamusementifhehasasympathizingauditor，andGeraldwassympatheticnow。Foranhourdidhelielisteningpatientlytothehistoryofthegrowthofhisbrother’spassion。Emotiongavethenarratoreloquence，andJeanMuir’scharacterwaspaintedinglowingcolors。Allherunsuspectedkindnesstothoseaboutherwasdweltupon;allherfaithfulcare，hersisterlyinterestinBella，hergentleattentionstotheirmother，hersweetforbearancewithLucia，whoplainlyshowedherdislike，andmostofall，herfriendlycounsel，sympathy，andregardforNedhimself。
"Shewouldmakeamanofme。Sheputsstrengthandcourageintomeasnooneelsecan。SheisunlikeanygirlIeversaw;
there’snosentimentalityabouther;sheiswise，andkind，andsweet。
Shesayswhatshemeans，looksyoustraightintheeye，andisastrueassteel。I’vetriedher，Iknowher，and——ah，Gerald，Iloveherso！"
Herethepoorladleanedhisfaceintohishandsandsighedasighthatmadehisbrother’sheartache。
"Uponmysoul，Ned，Ifeelforyou;andiftherewasnoobstacleonherpart，I’ddomybestforyou。ShelovesSydney，andsothereisnothingforitbuttobearyourfatelikeaman。"
"AreyousureaboutSydney？Mayitnotbesomeoneelse？"andNedeyedhisbrotherwithasuspiciouslook。
Coventrytoldhimallheknewandsurmisedconcerninghisfriend，notforgettingtheletter。Edwardmusedamoment，thenseemedrelieved，andsaidfrankly，"I’mgladit’sSydneyandnotyou。Icanbearitbetter。"
"Me！"ejaculatedGerald，withalaugh。
"Yes，you;I’vebeentormentedlatelywithafearthatyoucaredforher，orrather，sheforyou。"
"Youjealousyoungfool！Weneverseeorspeaktooneanother;scarcely，sohowcouldwegetupatenderinterest？"
"Whatdoyouloungeaboutonthatterraceforeveryevening？Andwhydoesshegetflutteredwhenyourshadowbeginstocomeandgo？"demandedEdward。
"Ilikethemusicanddon’tcareforthesocietyofthesinger，that’swhyIwalkthere。Theflutteringisallyourimagination;
MissMuirisn’tawomantobeflutteredbyaman’sshadow。"AndCoventryglancedathisuselessarm。
"Thankyouforthat，andfornotsaying’littleMuir，’
asyougenerallydo。Perhapsitwasmyimagination。Butshenevermakesfunofyounow，andsoIfanciedshemighthavelostherhearttothe’youngmaster。’Womenoftendo，youknow。"
"Sheusedtoridiculeme，didshe？"askedCoventry，takingnonoticeofthelatterpartofhisbrother’sspeech，whichwasquitetruenevertheless。
"Notexactly，shewastoowell-bredforthat。ButsometimeswhenBellaandIjokedaboutyou，she’dsaysomethingsooddorwittythatitwasirresistible。You’reusedtobeinglaughedat，soyoudon’tmind，Iknow，justamongourselves。"
"NotI。Laughawayasmuchasyoulike，"saidGerald。
Buthedidmind，andwantedexceedinglytoknowwhatMissMuirhadsaid，yetwastooproudtoask。Heturnedrestlesslyandutteredasighofpain。
"I’mtalkingtoomuch;it’sbadforyou。DoctorScottsaidyoumustbequiet。Nowgotosleep，ifyoucan。"
Edwardleftthebedsidebutnottheroom，forhewouldletnoonetakehisplace。Coventrytriedtosleep，founditimpossible，andafterarestlesshourcalledhisbrotherback。
"Ifthebandagewasloosenedabit，itwouldeasemyarmandthenIcouldsleep。Canyoudoit，Ned？"
"Idarenottouchit。Thedoctorgaveorderstoleaveittillhecameinthemorning，andIshallonlydoharmifItry。"
"ButItellyouit’stootight。Myarmisswellingandthepainisintense。Itcan’tberighttoleaveitso。DoctorScottdresseditinahurryanddidittootight。Commonsensewilltellyouthat，"saidCoventryimpatiently。
"I’llcallMrs。Morris;shewillunderstandwhat’sbesttobedone。"AndEdwardmovedtowardthedoor，lookinganxious。
"Notshe，she’llonlymakeastirandtormentmewithherchatter。I’llbearitaslongasIcan，andperhapsDoctorScottwillcometonight。Hesaidhewouldifpossible。Gotoyourdinner，Ned。
IcanringforNealifIneedanything。IshallsleepifI’malone，perhaps。"
Edwardreluctantlyobeyed，andhisbrotherwaslefttohimself。Littlerestdidhefind，however，forthepainofthewoundedarmgrewunbearable，and，takingasuddenresolution，herangforhisservant。
"Neal，gotoMissCoventry’sstudy，andifMissMuiristhere，askhertobekindenoughtocometome。I’mingreatpain，andsheunderstandswoundsbetterthananyoneelseinthehouse。"
Withmuchsurpriseinhisface，themandepartedandafewmomentsafterthedoornoiselesslyopenedandMissMuircamein。Ithadbeenaverywarmday，andforthefirsttimeshehadleftoffherplainblackdress。Allinwhite，withnoornamentbutherfairhair，andafragrantposyofvioletsinherbelt，shelookedadifferentwomanfromthemeek，nunlikecreatureoneusuallysawaboutthehouse。Herfacewasasalteredasherdress，fornowasoftcolorglowedinhercheeks，hereyessmiledshyly，andherlipsnolongerworethefirmlookofonewhoforciblyrepressedeveryemotion。Afresh，gentle，andcharmingwomansheseemed，andCoventryfoundthedullroomsuddenlybrightenedbyherpresence。Goingstraighttohim，shesaidsimply，andwithahappy，helpfullookverycomfortingtosee，"I’mgladyousentforme。WhatcanIdoforyou？"
Hetoldher，andbeforethecomplaintwasended，shebeganlooseningthebandageswiththedecisionofonewhounderstoodwhatwastobedoneandhadfaithinherself。
"Ah，that’srelief，that’scomfort！"ejaculatedCoventry，asthelasttightfoldfellaway。"NedwasafraidIshouldbleedtodeathifhetouchedme。Whatwillthedoctorsaytous？"
"Ineitherknownorcare。Ishallsaytohimthatheisabadsurgeontobinditsoclosely，andnotleaveorderstohaveituntiedifnecessary。NowIshallmakeiteasyandputyoutosleep，forthatiswhatyouneed。ShallI？MayI？"
"Iwishyouwould，ifyoucan。"
Andwhileshedeftlyrearrangedthebandages，theyoungmanwatchedhercuriously。Presentlyheasked，"Howcameyoutoknowsomuchaboutthesethings？"
"InthehospitalwhereIwasill，Isawmuchthatinterestedme，andwhenIgotbetter，Iusedtosingtothepatientssometimes。"
"Doyoumeantosingtome？"heasked，inthesubmissivetonemenunconsciouslyadoptwhenillandinawoman’scare。
"Ifyoulikeitbetterthanreadingaloudinadreamytone，"sheanswered，asshetiedthelastknot。
"Ido，muchbetter，"hesaiddecidedly。
"Youarefeverish。Ishallwetyourforehead，andthenyouwillbequitecomfortable。"Shemovedabouttheroominthequietwaywhichmadeitapleasuretowatchher，and，havingmingledalittlecolognewithwater，bathedhisfaceasunconcernedlyasifhehadbeenachild。HerproceedingsnotonlycomfortedbutamusedCoventry，whomentallycontrastedherwiththestout，beer-drinkingmatronwhohadruledoverhiminhislastillness。
"Aclever，kindlylittlewoman，"hethought，andfeltquiteathisease，shewassoperfectlyeasyherself。
"There，nowyoulookmorelikeyourself，"shesaidwithanapprovingnodasshefinished，andsmoothedthedarklocksoffhisforeheadwithacool，softhand。Thenseatingherselfinalargechairnearby，shebegantosing，whiletidilyrollingupthefreshbandageswhichhadbeenleftforthemorning。Coventrylaywatchingherbythedimlightthatburnedintheroom，andshesangonaseasilyasabird，adreamy，low-tonedlullaby，whichsoothedthelistenerlikeaspell。Presently，lookinguptoseetheeffectofhersong，shefoundtheyoungmanwideawake，andregardingherwithacuriousmixtureofpleasure，interest，andadmiration。
"Shutyoureyes，Mr。Coventry，"shesaid，withareprovingshakeofthehead，andanoddlittlesmile。
Helaughedandobeyed，butcouldnotresistanoccasionalcovertglancefromunderhislashesattheslenderwhitefigureinthegreatvelvetchair。Shesawhimandfrowned。
"Youareverydisobedient;whywon’tyousleep？"
"Ican’t，Iwanttolisten。I’mfondofnightingales。"
"ThenIshallsingnomore，buttrysomethingthathasneverfailedyet。Givemeyourhand，please。"
Muchamazed，hegaveit，and，takingitinbothhersmallones，shesatdownbehindthecurtainandremainedasmuteandmotionlessasastatue。Coventrysmiledtohimselfatfirst，andwonderedwhichwouldtirefirst。Butsoonasubtlewarmthseemedtostealfromthesoftpalmsthatenclosedhisown，hisheartbeatquicker，hisbreathgrewunequal，andathousandfanciesdancedthroughhisbrain。Hesighed，andsaiddreamily，asheturnedhisfacetowardher，"Ilikethis。"Andintheactofspeaking，seemedtosinkintoasoftcloudwhichencompassedhimaboutwithanatmosphereofperfectrepose。Morethanthishecouldnotremember，forsleep，deepanddreamless，felluponhim，andwhenhewoke，daylightwasshininginbetweenthecurtains，hishandlayaloneonthecoverlet，andhisfair-hairedenchantresswasgone。
BehindaMask：or，AWoman’sPower。Chapter4ADISCOVERYForseveraldaysCoventrywasconfinedtohisroom，muchagainsthiswill，thougheveryonedidtheirbesttolightenhisirksomecaptivity。Hismotherpettedhim，Bellasang，Luciaread，Edwardwasdevoted，andallthehousehold，withoneexception，wereeagertoservetheyoungmaster。JeanMuirnevercamenearhim，andJeanMuiraloneseemedtopossessthepowerofamusinghim。Hesoontiredoftheothers，wantedsomethingnew;recalledthepiquantcharacterofthegirlandtookafancyintohisheadthatshewouldlightenhisennui。Aftersomehesitation，hecarelesslyspokeofhertoBella，butnothingcameofit，forBellaonlysaidJeanwaswell，andverybusydoingsomethinglovelytosurpriseMammawith。
Edwardcomplainedthatheneversawher，andLuciaignoredherexistencealtogether。Theonlyintelligencetheinvalidreceivedwasfromthegossipoftwohousemaidsovertheirworkinthenextroom。>Fromthemhelearnedthatthegovernesshadbeen"scolded"byMissBeaufortforgoingtoMr。
Coventry’sroom;thatshehadtakenitverysweetlyandkeptherselfcarefullyoutofthewayofbothyounggentlemen，thoughitwasplaintoseethatMr。Nedwasdyingforher。
Mr。Geraldamusedhimselfbythinkingoverthisgossip，andquiteannoyedhissisterbyhisabsenceofmind。
"Gerald，doyouknowNed’scommissionhascome？"
"Veryinteresting。Readon，Bella。"
"Youstupidboy！Youdon’tknowawordIsay，"andsheputdownthebooktorepeathernews。
"I’mgladofit;nowwemustgethimoffassoonaspossible——thatis，Isupposehewillwanttobeoffassoonaspossible。"
AndCoventrywokeupfromhisreverie。
"Youneedn’tcheckyourself，Iknowallaboutit。
IthinkNedwasveryfoolish，andthatMissMuirhasbehavedbeautifully。
It’squiteimpossible，ofcourse，butIwishitwasn’t，Idosoliketowatchlovers。YouandLuciaaresocoldyouarenotabitinteresting。"
"You’lldomeafavorifyou’llstopallthatnonsenseaboutLuciaandme。Wearenotlovers，andnevershallbe，Ifancy。Atallevents，I’mtiredofthething，andwishyouandMammawouldletitdrop，forthepresentatleast。"
"OhGerald，youknowMammahassetherheartuponit，thatPapadesiredit，andpoorLucialovesyousomuch。Howcanyouspeakofdroppingwhatwillmakeusallsohappy？"
"Itwon’tmakemehappy，andItakethelibertyofthinkingthatthisisofsomeimportance。I’mnotboundinanyway，anddon’tintendtobetillIamready。Nowwe’lltalkaboutNed。"
Muchgrievedandsurprised，Bellaobeyed，anddevotedherselftoEdward，whoverywiselysubmittedtohisfateandpreparedtoleavehomeforsomemonths。Foraweekthehousewasinastateofexcitementabouthisdeparture，andeveryonebutJeanwasbusiedforhim。Shewasscarcelyseen;everymorningshegaveBellaherlessons，everyafternoondroveoutwithMrs。Coventry，andnearlyeveryeveningwentuptotheHalltoreadtoSirJohn，whofoundhiswishgrantedwithoutexactlyknowinghowithadbeendone。
ThedayEdwardleft，hecamedownfrombiddinghismothergood-bye，lookingverypale，forhehadlingeredinhissister’slittleroomwithMissMuiraslongashedared。
"Good-bye，dear。BekindtoJean，"hewhisperedashekissedhissister。
"Iwill，Iwill，"returnedBella，withtearfuleyes。
"TakecareofMamma，andrememberLucia，"hesaidagain，ashetouchedhiscousin’sbeautifulcheek。
"Fearnothing。Iwillkeepthemapart，"shewhisperedback，andCoventryheardit。
Edwardofferedhishandtohisbrother，saying，significantly，ashelookedhimintheeye，"Itrustyou，Gerald。"
"Youmay，Ned。"
Thenhewent，andCoventrytiredhimselfwithwonderingwhatLuciameant。Afewdayslaterheunderstood。
NowNedisgone，littleMuirwillappear，Ifancy，hesaidtohimself;but"littleMuir"didnotappear，andseemedtoshunhimmorecarefullythanshehaddoneherlover。Ifhewenttothedrawingroomintheeveninghopingformusic，Luciaalonewasthere。IfhetappedatBella’sdoor，therewasalwaysapausebeforesheopenedit，andnosignofJeanappearedthoughhervoicehadbeenaudiblewhenheknocked。
Ifhewenttothelibrary，ahastyrustleandthesoundofflyingfeetbetrayedthattheroomwasdesertedathisapproach。InthegardenMissMuirneverfailedtoavoidhim，andifbychancetheymetinhallorbreakfastroom，shepassedhimwithdowncasteyesandthebriefest，coldestgreeting。
Allthisannoyedhimintensely，andthemoresheeludedhim，themorehedesiredtoseeher——fromaspiritofopposition，hesaid，nothingmore。
Itfrettedandyetitentertainedhim，andhefoundalaysortofpleasureinthwartingthegirl’slittlemaneuvers。Hispatiencegaveoutatlast，andheresolvedtoknowwhatwasthemeaningofthispeculiarconduct。
Havinglockedandtakenawaythekeyofonedoorinthelibrary，hewaitedtillMissMuirwentintogetabookforhisuncle。HehadheardherspeaktoBellaofit，knewthatshebelievedhimwithhismother，andsmiledtohimselfashestoleafterher。Shewasstandinginachair，reachingup，andhehadtimetoseeaslenderwaist，aprettyfoot，beforehespoke。
"CanIhelpyou，MissMuir？"
Shestarted，droppedseveralbooks，andturnedscarlet，asshesaidhurriedly，"Thankyou，no;Icangetthesteps。"
"Mylongarmwillbelesstrouble。I’vegotbutone，andthatistiredofbeingidle，soitisverymuchatyourservice。Whatwillyouhave？"
"I——I——youstartledmesoI’veforgotten。"AndJeanlaughed，nervously，asshelookedaboutherasifplanningtoescape。
"Ibegyourpardon，waittillyouremember，andletmethankyoufortheenchantedsleepyougavemetendaysago。I’vehadnochanceyet，you’veshunnedmesopertinaciously。"
"IndeedItrynottoberude，but——"Shecheckedherself，andturnedherfaceaway，adding，withanaccentofpaininhervoice，"Itisnotmyfault，Mr。Coventry。Ionlyobeyorders。"
"Whoseorders？"hedemanded，stillstandingsothatshecouldnotescape。
"Don’task;itisonewhohasarighttocommandwhereyouareconcerned。Besurethatitiskindlymeant，thoughitmayseemfollytous。Nay，don’tbeangry，laughatit，asIdo，andletmerunaway，please。"
Sheturned，andlookeddownathimwithtearsinhereyes，asmileonherlips，andanexpressionhalfsad，halfarch，whichwasaltogethercharming。Thefrownpassedfromhisface，buthestilllookedgraveandsaiddecidedly，"Noonehasarighttocommandinthishousebutmymotherormyself。WasitshewhobadeyouavoidmeasifIwasamadmanorapest？"
"Ah，don’task。Ipromisednottotell，andyouwouldnothavemebreakmyword，Iknow。"Andstillsmiling，sheregardedhimwithalookofmerrymalicewhichmadeanyotherreplyunnecessary。ItwasLucia，hethought，anddislikedhiscousinintenselyjustthen。MissMuirmovedasiftostepdown;hedetainedher，sayingearnestly，yetwithasmile，"Doyouconsidermethemasterhere？"
"Yes，"andtothewordshegaveasweet，submissiveintonationwhichmadeitexpressiveoftherespect，regard，andconfidencewhichmenfindpleasantestwhenwomenfeelandshowit。Unconsciouslyhisfacesoftened，andhelookedupatherwithadifferentglancefromanyhehadevergivenherbefore。
"Well，then，willyouconsenttoobeymeifIamnottyrannicalorunreasonableinmydemands？"
"I’lltry。"
"Good！Nowfrankly，Iwanttosaythatallthissortofthingisverydisagreeabletome。Itannoysmetobearestraintuponanyone’slibertyorcomfort，andIbegyouwillgoandcomeasfreelyasyoulike，andnotmindLucia’sabsurdities。Shemeanswell，buthasn’taparticleofpenetrationortact。Willyoupromisethis？"
"No。"
"Whynot？"
"Itisbetterasitis，perhaps，"
"Butyoucalleditfollyjustnow。"
"Yes，itseemsso，andyet——"Shepaused，lookingbothconfusedanddistressed。
Coventrylostpatience，andsaidhastily，"YouwomenaresuchenigmasIneverexpecttounderstandyou！Well，I’vedonemybesttomakeyoucomfortable，butifyouprefertoleadthissortoflife，I
begyouwilldoso。"
"Idon’tpreferit;itishatefultome。Iliketobemyself，tohavemyliberty，andtheconfidenceofthoseaboutme。ButIcannotthinkitkindtodisturbthepeaceofanyone，andsoItrytoobey。I’vepromisedBellatoremain，butIwillgoratherthanhaveanotherscenewithMissBeaufortorwithyou。"
MissMuirhadburstoutimpetuously，andstoodtherewithasuddenfireinhereyes，suddenwarmthandspiritinherfaceandvoicethatamazedCoventry。Shewasangry，hurt，andhaughty，andthechangeonlymadehermoreattractive，fornotatraceofherformermeekselfremained。Coventrywaselectrified，andstillmoresurprisedwhensheadded，imperiously，withagestureasiftoputhimaside，"Handmethatbookandmoveaway。Iwishtogo。"
Heobeyed，evenofferedhishand，butsherefusedit，steppedlightlydown，andwenttothedoor。Theresheturned，andwiththesameindignantvoice，thesamekindlingeyesandglowingcheeks，shesaidrapidly，"IknowIhavenorighttospeakinthisway。IrestrainmyselfaslongasIcan，butwhenIcanbearnomore，mytrueselfbreaksloose，andIdefyeverything。Iamtiredofbeingacold，calmmachine;
itisimpossiblewithanardentnaturelikemine，andIshalltrynolonger。
Icannothelpitifpeopleloveme。Idon’twanttheirlove。Ionlyasktobeleftinpeace，andwhyIamtormentedsoIcannotsee。I’veneitherbeauty，money，norrank，yeteveryfoolishboymistakesmyfrankinterestforsomethingwarmer，andmakesmemiserable。Itismymisfortune。Thinkofmewhatyouwill，butbewareofmeintime，foragainstmywillImaydoyouharm。"
Almostfiercelyshehadspoken，andwithawarninggestureshehurriedfromtheroom，leavingtheyoungmanfeelingasifasuddenthunder-gusthadsweptthroughthehouse。Forseveralminuteshesatinthechairsheleft，thinkingdeeply。Suddenlyherose，wenttohissister，andsaid，inhisusualtoneofindolentgoodnature，"Bella，didn’tIhearNedaskyoutobekindtoMissMuir？"
"Yes，andItrytobe，butsheissooddlately。"
"Odd！Howdoyoumean？"
"Why，sheiseitherascalmandcoldasastatue，orrestlessandqueer;shecriesatnight，Iknow，andsighssadlywhenshethinksIdon’thear。Somethingisthematter。"
"ShefretsforNedperhaps，"beganCoventry。
"Ohdear，no;it’sagreatrelieftoherthatheisgone。I’mafraidthatshelikessomeoneverymuch，andsomeonedon’tlikeher。CanitbeMr。Sydney？"
"Shecalledhima’titledfool’once，butperhapsthatdidn’tmeananything。Didyoueveraskherabouthim？"saidCoventry，feelingratherashamedofhiscuriosity，yetunabletoresistthetemptationofquestioningunsuspectingBella。
"Yes，butsheonlylookedatmeinhertragicalway，andsaid，sopitifully，’Mylittlefriend，IhopeyouwillneverhavetopassthroughthescenesI’vepassedthrough，butkeepyourpeaceunbrokenallyourlife。’AfterthatIdaredsaynomore。I’mveryfondofher，I
wanttomakeherhappy，butIdon’tknowhow。Canyouproposeanything？"
"Iwasgoingtoproposethatyoumakehercomeamongusmore，nowNedisgone。Itmustbedullforher，mopingaboutalone。
I’msureitisforme。Sheisanentertaininglittleperson，andIenjoyhermusicverymuch。It’sgoodforMammatohavegayevenings;soyoubestiryourself，andseewhatyoucandoforthegeneralgoodofthefamily。"
"That’sallverycharming，andI’veproposeditmorethanonce，butLuciaspoilsallmyplans。Sheisafraidyou’llfollowNed’sexample，andthatissosilly。"
"Luciaisa——no，Iwon’tsayfool，becauseshehassenseenoughwhenshechooses;butIwishyou’djustsettlethingswithMamma，andthenLuciacandonothingbutsubmit，"saidGeraldangrily。
"I’lltry，butshegoesuptoreadtoUncle，youknow，andsincehehashadthegout，shestayslater，soIseelittleofherintheevening。Thereshegoesnow。Ithinkshewillcaptivatetheoldoneaswellastheyoungone，sheissodevoted。"
Coventrylookedafterherslenderblackfigure，justvanishingthroughthegreatgate，andanuncomfortablefancytookpossessionofhim，bornofBella’scarelesswords。Hesaunteredaway，andaftereludinghiscousin，whoseemedlookingforhim，heturnedtowardtheHall，sayingtohimself，Iwillseewhatisgoingonuphere。Suchthingshavehappened。
Uncleisthesimplestsoulalive，andifthegirlisambitious，shecandowhatshewillwithhim。
Hereaservantcamerunningafterhimandgavehimaletter，whichhethrustintohispocketwithoutexaminingit。WhenhereachedtheHall，hewentquietlytohisuncle’sstudy。Thedoorwasajar，andlookingin，hesawasceneoftranquilcomfort，verypleasanttowatch。
SirJohnleanedinhiseasychairwithonefootonacushion。Hewasdressedwithhisusualcareand，inspiteofthegout，lookedlikeahandsome，well-preservedoldgentleman。Hewassmilingashelistened，andhiseyesrestedcomplacentlyonJeanMuir，whosatnearhimreadinginhermusicalvoice，whilethesunshineglitteredonherhairandthesoftroseofhercheek。Shereadwell，yetCoventrythoughtherheartwasnotinhertask，foroncewhenshepaused，whileSirJohnspoke，hereyeshadanabsentexpression，andsheleanedherheaduponherhand，withanairofpatientweariness。
Poorgirl！Ididhergreatinjustice;shehasnothoughtofcaptivatingtheoldman，butamuseshimfromsimplekindness。
Sheistired。I’llputanendtohertask;andCoventryenteredwithoutknocking。
SirJohnreceivedhimwithanairofpoliteresignation，MissMuirwithaperfectlyexpressionlessface。
"Mother’slove，andhowareyoutoday，sir？"
"Comfortable，butdull，soIwantyoutobringthegirlsoverthisevening，toamusetheoldgentleman。Mrs。KinghasgotouttheantiquecostumesandtrumperyasIpromisedBellasheshouldhavethem，andtonightwearetohaveamerrymaking，asweusedtodowhenNedwashere。"
"Verywell，sir，I’llbringthem。We’veallbeenoutofsortssincetheladleft，andalittlejollitywilldousgood。
Areyougoingback，MissMuir？"askedCoventry。
"No，Ishallkeephertogivememyteaandgetthingsready。Don’treadanymore，mydear，butgoandamuseyourselfwiththepictures，orwhateveryoulike，"saidSirJohn;andlikeadutifuldaughtersheobeyed，asifgladtogetaway。
"That’saverycharminggirl，Gerald，"beganSirJohnasshelefttheroom。"I’mmuchinterestedinher，bothonherownaccountandonhermother’s。"
"Hermother’s！Whatdoyouknowofhermother？"askedCoventry，muchsurprised。
"HermotherwasLadyGraceHoward，whoranawaywithapoorScotchministertwentyyearsago。Thefamilycastheroff，andshelivedanddiedsoobscurelythatverylittleisknownofherexceptthatsheleftanorphangirlatsomesmallFrenchpension。Thisisthegirl，andafinegirl，too。I’msurprisedthatyoudidnotknowthis。"
"SoamI，butitislikehernottotell。Sheisastrange，proudcreature。LadyHoward’sdaughter！Uponmyword，thatisadiscovery，"andCoventryfelthisinterestinhissister’sgovernessmuchincreasedbythisfact;for，likeallwellbornEnglishmen，hevaluedrankandgentlebloodevenmorethanhecaredtoown。
"Shehashadahardlifeofit，thispoorlittlegirl，butshehasabravespirit，andwillmakeherwayanywhere，"saidSirJohnadmiringly。
"DidNedknowthis？"askedGeraldsuddenly。
"No，sheonlytoldmeyesterday。IwaslookinginthePeerageandchancedtospeakoftheHowards。SheforgotherselfandcalledLadyGracehermother。ThenIgotthewholestory，forthelonelylittlethingwasgladtomakeaconfidantofsomeone。"
"ThataccountsforherrejectionofSydneyandNed：
sheknowssheistheirequalandwillnotsnatchattherankwhichishersbyright。No，she’snotmercenaryorambitious。"
"Whatdoyousay？"askedSirJohn，forCoventryhadspokenmoretohimselfthantohisuncle。
"IwonderifLadySydneywasawareofthis？"wasallGerald’sanswer。
"No，Jeansaidshedidnotwishtobepitied，andsotoldnothingtothemother。Ithinkthesonknew，butthatwasadelicatepoint，andIaskednoquestions。"
"IshallwritetohimassoonasIdiscoverhisaddress。
WehavebeensointimateIcanventuretomakeafewinquiriesaboutMissMuir，andprovethetruthofherstory。"
"Doyoumeantosaythatyoudoubtit？"demandedSirJohnangrily。
"Ibegyourpardon，Uncle，butImustconfessIhaveaninstinctivedistrustofthatyoungperson。Itisunjust，Idaresay，yetIcannotbanishit。"
"Don’tannoymebyexpressingit，ifyouplease。
Ihavesomepenetrationandexperience，andIrespectandpityMissMuirheartily。Thisdislikeofyoursmaybethecauseofherlatemelancholy，hey，Gerald？"AndSirJohnlookedsuspiciouslyathisnephew。
Anxioustoaverttherisingstorm，Coventrysaidhastilyasheturnedaway，"I’veneithertimenorinclinationtodiscussthematternow，sir，butwillbecarefulnottooffendagain。I’lltakeyourmessagetoBella，sogood-byeforanhour，Uncle。"
AndCoventrywenthiswaythroughthepark，thinkingwithinhimself，Thedearoldgentlemanisgettingfascinated，likepoorNed。Howthedeucedoesthegirldoit？LadyHoward’sdaughter，yetnevertoldus;Idon’tunderstandthat。
BehindaMask：or，AWoman’sPower。Chapter5HOWTHEGIRLDIDITAthomehefoundapartyofyoungfriends，whohailedwithdelighttheprospectofarevelattheHall。Anhourlater，theblithecompanytroopedintothegreatsaloon，wherepreparationshadalreadybeenmadeforadramaticevening。
GoodSirJohnwasinhiselement，forhewasneversohappyaswhenhishousewasfullofyoungpeople。Severalpersonswerechosen，andinafewmomentsthecurtainswerewithdrawnfromthefirstoftheseimpromptutableaux。Aswarthy，darklybeardedmanlayasleeponatigerskin，intheshadowofatent。Orientalarmsanddraperysurroundedhim;anantiquesilverlampburneddimlyonatablewherefruitlayheapedincostlydishes，andwineshoneredlyinhalf-emptiedgoblets。Bendingoverthesleeperwasawomanrobedwithbarbaricsplendor。Onehandturnedbacktheembroideredsleevefromthearmwhichheldascimitar;oneslenderfootinascarletsandalwasvisibleunderthewhitetunic;herpurplemantlesweptdownfromsnowyshoulders;filletsofgoldboundherhair，andjewelsshoneonneckandarms。Shewaslookingoverhershouldertowardtheentranceofthetent，withasteadyyetstealthylook，soeffectivethatforamomentthespectatorsheldtheirbreath，asiftheyalsoheardapassingfootstep。
"Whoisit？"whisperedLucia，forthefacewasnewtoher。
"JeanMuir，"answeredCoventry，withanabsorbedlook。
"Impossible！Sheissmallandfair，"beganLucia，butahasty"Hush，letmelook！"fromhercousinsilencedher。
Impossibleasitseemed，hewasrightnevertheless;
forJeanMuiritwas。Shehaddarkenedherskin，paintedhereyebrows，disposedsomewildblacklocksoverherfairhair，andthrownsuchanintensityofexpressionintohereyesthattheydarkenedanddilatedtilltheywereasfierceasanysoutherneyesthateverflashed。Hatred，thedeepestandbitterest，waswrittenonhersternlybeautifulface，courageglowedinherglance，powerspokeinthenervousgripoftheslenderhandthatheldtheweapon，andtheindomitablewillofthewomanwasexpressed——eventhefirmpressureofthelittlefoothalfhiddeninthetigerskin。
"Oh，isn’tshesplendid？"criedBellaunderherbreath。
"Shelooksasifshe’duseherswordwellwhenthetimecomes，"saidsomeoneadmiringly。
"GoodnighttoHolofernes;hisfateiscertain，"
addedanother。
"HeistheimageofSydney，withthatbeardon。"
"Doesn’tshelookasifshereallyhatedhim？"
"Perhapsshedoes。"
Coventryutteredthelastexclamation，forthetwowhichprecededitsuggestedanexplanationofthemarvelouschangeinJean。
Itwasnotallart：theintensedetestationmingledwithasavagejoythattheobjectofherhatredwasinherpowerwastooperfecttobefeigned;
andhavingthekeytoapartofherstory，Coventryfeltasifhecaughtaglimpseofthetruth。Itwasbutaglimpse，however，forthecurtaindroppedbeforehehadhalfanalyzedthesignificanceofthatstrangeface。
"Horrible！I’mgladit’sover，"saidLuciacoldly。
"Magnificent！Encore！Encore！"criedGeraldenthusiastically。
Butthescenewasover，andnoapplausecouldrecalltheactress。Twoorthreegracefulorgaypicturesfollowed，butJeanwasinnone，andeachlackedthecharmwhichrealtalentlendstothesimplestpart。
"Coventry，youarewanted，"calledavoice。Andtoeveryone’ssurprise，Coventrywent，thoughheretoforehehadalwaysrefusedtoexerthimselfwhenhandsomeactorswereindemand。
"WhatpartamItospoil？"heasked，asheenteredthegreenroom，whereseveralexcitedyounggentlemenwerecostumingandattitudinizing。
"Afugitivecavalier。Putyourselfintothissuit，andlosenotimeaskingquestions。MissMuirwilltellyouwhattodo。
Sheisinthetableau，sonoonewillmindyou，"saidthemanagerprotem，throwingaricholdsuittowardCoventryandresumingthepaintingofamoustacheonhisownboyishface。
AgallantcavalierwastheresultofGerald’shastytoilet，andwhenheappearedbeforetheladiesageneralglanceofadmirationwasbestoweduponhim。
"Comealongandbeplaced;Jeanisreadyonthestage。"
AndBellaranbeforehim，exclaimingtohergoverness，"Hereheis，quitesplendid。Wasn’thegoodtodoit？"
MissMuir，inthecharminglyprimandpuritanicaldressofaRoundheaddamsel，wasarrangingsomeshrubs，butturnedsuddenlyanddroppedthegreenbranchsheheld，ashereyemettheglitteringfigureadvancingtowardher。
"You！"shesaidwithatroubledlook，addinglowtoBella，"Whydidyouaskhim？Ibeggedyounot。"
"Heistheonlyhandsomemanhere，andthebestactorifhelikes。Hewon’tplayusually，somakethemostofhim。"AndBellawasofftofinishpowderingherhairfor"TheMarriagealaMode。"
"IwassentforandIcame。Doyouprefersomeotherperson？"askedCoventry，atalosstounderstandthehalf-anxious，half-eagerexpressionofthefaceunderthelittlecap。
Itchangedtooneofmingledannoyanceandresignationasshesaid，"Itistoolate。Pleasekneelhere，halfbehindtheshrubs;
putdownyourhat，and——allowme——youaretooelegantforafugitive。"
Ashekneltbeforeher，shedisheveledhishair，pulledhislacecollarawry，threwawayhisglovesandsword，andhalfuntiedthecloakthathungabouthisshoulders。
"Thatisbetter;yourpalenessisexcellent——nay，don’tspoilit。WearetorepresentthepicturewhichhangsintheHall。
Ineedtellyounomore。Now，Roundheads，placeyourselves，andthenringupthecurtain。"
Withasmile，Coventryobeyedher;forthepicturewasoftwolovers，theyoungcavalierkneeling，withhisarmaroundthewaistofthegirl，whotriestohidehimwithherlittlemantle，andpresseshisheadtoherbosominanecstasyoffear，assheglancesbackattheapproachingpursuers。Jeanhesitatedaninstantandshrankalittleashishandtouchedher;sheblusheddeeply，andhereyesfellbeforehis。
Then，asthebellrang，shethrewherselfintoherpartwithsuddenspirit。
Onearmhalfcoveredhimwithhercloak，theotherpillowedhisheadonthemuslinkerchieffoldedoverherbosom，andshelookedbackwardwithsuchterrorinhereyesthatmorethanonechivalrousyoungspectatorlongedtohurrytotherescue。Itlastedbutamoment;yetinthatmomentCoventryexperiencedanothernewsensation。Manywomenhadsmiledonhim，buthehadremainedheart-whole，cool，andcareless，quiteunconsciousofthepowerwhichawomanpossessesandknowshowtouse，forthewealorwoeofman。Now，asheknelttherewithasoftarmabouthim，aslenderwaistyieldingtohistouch，andamaidenheartthrobbingagainsthischeek，forthefirsttimeinhislifehefelttheindescribablespellofwomanhood，andlookedtheardentlovertoperfection。Justashisfaceassumedthisnewandmostbecomingaspect，thecurtaindropped，andclamorousencoresrecalledhimtothefactthatMissMuirwastryingtoescapefromhishold，whichhadgrownpainfulinitsunconsciouspressure。Hesprangup，halfbewildered，andlookingashehadneverlookedbefore。
"Again！Again！"calledSirJohn。AndtheyoungmenwhoplayedtheRoundheads，eagertoshareintheapplausebeggedforarepetitioninnewattitudes。
"Arustlehasbetrayedyou，wehavefiredandshotthebravegirl，andsheliesdying，youknow。Thatwillbeeffective;tryit，MissMuir，"saidone。Andwithalongbreath，Jeancomplied。
Thecurtainwentup，showingtheloverstillonhisknees，unmindfulofthecaptorswhoclutchedhimbytheshoulder，forathisfeetthegirllaydying。Herheadwasonhisbreast，now，hereyeslookedfullintohis，nolongerwildwithfear，buteloquentwiththelovewhichevendeathcouldnotconquer。ThepowerofthosetendereyesthrilledCoventrywithastrangedelight，andsethisheartbeatingasrapidlyashershaddone。Shefelthishandstremble，sawthecolorflashintohischeek，knewthatshehadtouchedhimatlast，andwhensheroseitwaswithasenseoftriumphwhichshefoundithardtoconceal。Othersthoughtitfineacting;Coventrytriedtobelieveso;butLuciasetherteeth，and，asthecurtainfellonthatsecondpicture，sheleftherplacetohurrybehindthescenes，bentonputtinganendtosuchdangerousplay。
Severalactorswerecomplimentingthemimiclovers。Jeantookitmerrily，butCoventry，inspiteofhimself，betrayedthathewasexcitedbysomethingdeeperthanmeregratifiedvanity。
AsLuciaappeared，hismannerchangedtoitsusualindifference;buthecouldnotquenchtheunwontedfireofhiseyes，orkeepalltraceofemotionoutofhisface，andshesawthiswithasharppang。
"Ihavecometooffermyhelp。Youmustbetired，MissMuir。CanIrelieveyou？"saidLuciahastily。
"Yes，thankyou。Ishallbeverygladtoleavetheresttoyou，andenjoythemfromthefront。"
SowithasweetsmileJeantrippedaway，andtoLucia’sdismayCoventryfollowed。
"Iwantyou，Gerald;pleasestay，"shecried。
"I’vedonemypart——nomoretragedyformetonight。"
Andhewasgonebeforeshecouldentreatorcommand。
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