Therewasnohelpforit;shemuststayanddoherduty，orexposeherjealousytothequickeyesabouther。Foratimesheboreit;butthesightofhercousinleaningoverthechairshehadleftandchattingwiththegoverness，whonowfilledit，grewunbearable，andshedispatchedalittlegirlwithamessagetoMissMuir。
"Please，MissBeaufortwantsyouforQueenBess，asyouaretheonlyladywithredhair。Willyoucome？"whisperedthechild，quiteunconsciousofanyhiddenstinginherwords。
"Yes，dear，willinglythoughI’mnotstatelyenoughforHerMajesty，norhandsomeenough，"saidJean，risingwithanuntroubledface，thoughsheresentedthefeminineinsult。
"DoyouwantanEssex？I’malldressedforit，"saidCoventry，followingtothedoorwithawistfullook。
"No，MissBeaufortsaidyouwerenottocome。Shedoesn’twantyoubothtogether，"saidthechilddecidedly。
Jeangavehimasignificantlook，shruggedhershoulders，andwentawaysmilingheroddsmile，whileCoventrypacedupanddownthehallinacuriousstateofunrest，whichmadehimforgetfulofeverythingtilltheyoungpeoplecamegailyouttosupper。
"Come，bonnyPrinceCharlie，takemedown，andplaytheloverascharminglyasyoudidanhourago。Ineverthoughtyouhadsomuchwarmthinyou，"saidBella，takinghisarmanddrawinghimonagainsthiswill。
"Don’tbefoolish，child。Whereis——Lucia？"
WhyhecheckedJean’snameonhislipsandsubstitutedanother’s，hecouldnottell;butasuddenshynessinspeakingofherpossessedhim，andthoughhesawhernowhere，hewouldnotaskforher。Hiscousincamedownlookinglovelyinaclassicalcostume;butGeraldscarcelysawherand，whenthemerrimentwasatitsheight，heslippedawaytodiscoverwhathadbecomeofMissMuir。
Aloneinthedeserteddrawingroomhefoundher，andpausedtowatchheramomentbeforehespoke;forsomethinginherattitudeandfacestruckhim。Shewasleaningwearilybackinthegreatchairwhichhadservedforathrone。Herroyalrobeswerestillunchanged，thoughthecrownwasoffandallherfairhairhungabouthershoulders。
Excitementandexertionmadeherbrilliant，therichdressbecameherwonderfully，andanairofluxuriousindolencechangedthemeekgovernessintoacharmingwoman。Sheleanedonthevelvetcushionsasifshewereusedtosuchsupport;
sheplayedwiththejewelswhichhadcrownedherascarelesslyasifshewereborntowearthem;herattitudewasfullofnegligentgrace，andtheexpressionofherfacehalfproud，halfpensive，asifherthoughtswerebittersweet。
Onewouldknowshewaswellborntoseehernow。Poorgirl，whataburdenalifeofdependencemustbetoaspiritlikehers！
Iwonderwhatsheisthinkingofsointently。AndCoventryindulgedinanotherlookbeforehespoke。
"ShallIbringyousomesupper，MissMuir？"
"Supper！"sheejaculated，withastart。"Whothinksofone’sbodywhenone’ssoulis——"Shestoppedthere，knitherbrows，andlaughedfaintlyassheadded，"No，thankyou。Iwantnothingbutadvice，andthatIdarenotaskofanyone。"
"Whynot？"
"BecauseIhavenoright。"
"Everyonehasarighttoaskhelp，especiallytheweakofthestrong。CanIhelpyou？Believeme，Imostheartilyoffermypoorservices。"
"Ah，youforget！Thisdress，theborrowedsplendorofthesejewels，thefreedomofthisgayevening，theromanceofthepartyouplayed，allblindyoutothereality。ForamomentIceasetobeaservant，andforamomentyoutreatmeasanequal。"
Itwastrue;hehadforgotten。Thatsoft，reproachfulglancetouchedhim，hisdistrustmeltedunderthenewcharm，andheansweredwithrealfeelinginvoiceandface，"Itreatyouasanequalbecauseyouareone;andwhenIofferhelp，itisnottomysister’sgovernessalone，buttoLadyHoward’sdaughter。"
"Whotoldyouthat？"shedemanded，sittingerect。
"Myuncle。Donotreproachhim。Itshallgonofurther，ifyouforbidit。AreyousorrythatIknowit？"
"Yes。"
"Why？"
"BecauseIwillnotbepitied！"Andhereyesflashedasshemadeahalf-defiantgesture。
"Then，ifImaynotpitythehardfatewhichhasbefallenaninnocentlife，mayIadmirethecouragewhichmeetsadversefortunesobravely，andconquerstheworldbywinningtherespectandregardofallwhoseeandhonorit？"
MissMuiravertedherface，putupherhand，andansweredhastily，"No，no，notthat！Donotbekind;itdestroystheonlybarriernowleftbetweenus。Becoldtomeasbefore，forgetwhatIam，andletmegoonmyway，unknown，unpitied，andunloved！"
Hervoicefalteredandfailedasthelastwordwasuttered，andshebentherfaceuponherhand。SomethingjarreduponCoventryinthisspeech，andmovedhimtosay，almostrudely，"Youneedhavenofearsforme。LuciawilltellyouwhatanicebergIam。"
"ThenLuciawouldtellmewrong。Ihavethefatalpowerofreadingcharacter;Iknowyoubetterthanshedoes，andIsee——"Thereshestoppedabruptly。
"What？Tellmeandproveyourskill，"hesaideagerly。
Turning，shefixedhereyesonhimwithapenetratingpowerthatmadehimshrinkasshesaidslowly，"UndertheiceIseefire，andwarnyoutobewarelestitproveavolcano。"
Foramomenthesatdumb，wonderingattheinsightofthegirl;forshewasthefirsttodiscoverthehiddenwarmthofanaturetooproudtoconfessitstenderimpulses，ortheambitionsthatslepttillsomepotentvoiceawokethem。Theblunt，almoststernmannerinwhichshewarnedhimawayfromheronlymadehermoreattractive;fortherewasnoconceitorarroganceinit，onlyaforebodingfearemboldenedbypastsufferingtobefrank。Suddenlyhespokeimpetuously："Youareright！IamnotwhatIseem，andmyindolentindifferenceisbutthemaskunderwhichIconcealmyrealself。Icouldbeaspassionate，asenergeticandaspiringasNed，ifIhadanyaiminlife。Ihavenone，andsoIamwhatyouoncecalledme，athingtopityanddespise。"
"Ineversaidthat！"criedJeanindignantly。
"Notinthosewords，perhaps;butyoulookeditandthoughtit，thoughyouphraseditmoremildly。Ideservedit，butIshalldeserveitnolonger。Iambeginningtowakefrommydisgracefulidleness，andlongforsomeworkthatshallmakeamanofme。Whydoyougo？Iannoyyouwithmyconfessions。Pardonme。TheyarethefirstIevermade;theyshallbethelast。"
"No，ohno！Iamtoomuchhonoredbyyourconfidence;
butisitwise，isitloyaltotellmeyourhopesandaims？HasnotMissBeaufortthefirstrighttobeyourconfidante？"
Coventrydrewback，lookingintenselyannoyed，forthenamerecalledmuchthathewouldgladlyhaveforgotteninthenovelexcitementofthehour。Lucia’slove，Edward’spartingwords，hisownreservesostrangelythrownaside，sodifficulttoresume。Whathewouldhavesaidwascheckedbythesightofahalf-openletterwhichfellfromJean’sdressasshemovedaway。Mechanicallyhetookituptoreturnit，and，ashedidso，herecognizedSydney’shandwriting。Jeansnatcheditfromhim，turningpaletothelipsasshecried，"Didyoureadit？Whatdidyousee？
Tellme，tellme，onyourhonor！"
"Onmyhonor，Isawnothingbutthissinglesentence，’BytheloveIbearyou，believewhatIsay。’Nomore，asIamagentleman。
Iknowthehand，Iguessthepurportoftheletter，andasafriendofSydney，Iearnestlydesiretohelpyou，ifIcan。Isthisthematteruponwhichyouwantadvice？"
"Yes。"
"Thenletmegiveit？"
"Youcannot，withoutknowingall，anditissohardtotell！"
"Letmeguessit，andspareyouthepainoftelling。
MayI？"AndCoventrywaitedeagerlyforherreply，forthespellwasstilluponhim。
Holdingtheletterfast，shebeckonedhimtofollow，andglidedbeforehimtoasecludedlittlenook，halfboudoir，halfconservatory。
Thereshepaused，stoodaninstantasifindoubt，thenlookedupathimwithconfidingeyesandsaiddecidedly，"Iwilldoit;for，strangeasitmayseem，youaretheonlypersontowhomIcanspeak。YouknowSydney，youhavediscoveredthatIamanequal，youhaveofferedyourhelp。Iacceptit;butoh，donotthinkmeunwomanly！RememberhowaloneIam，howyoung，andhowmuchIrelyuponyoursincerity，yoursympathy！"
"Speakfreely。Iamindeedyourfriend。"AndCoventrysatdownbesideher，forgetfulofeverythingbutthesoft-eyedgirlwhoconfidedinhimsoentirely。
Speakingrapidly，Jeanwenton，"YouknowthatSydneylovedme，thatIrefusedhimandwentaway。Butyoudonotknowthathisimportunitiesnearlydrovemewild，thathethreatenedtorobmeofmyonlytreasure，mygoodname，andthat，indesperation，Itriedtokillmyself。Yes，mad，wickedasitwas，Ididlongtoendthelifewhichwas，atbest，aburden，andunderhispersecutionhadbecomeatorment。Youareshocked，yetwhatIsayisthelivingtruth。LadySydneywillconfirmit，thenursesatthehospitalwillconfessthatitwasnotafeverwhichbroughtmethere;andhere，thoughtheexternalwoundishealed，myheartstillachesandburnswiththeshameandindignationwhichonlyaproudwomancanfeel。"
Shepausedandsatwithkindlingeyes，glowingcheeks，andbothhandspressedtoherheavingbosom，asiftheoldinsultrousedherspiritanew。Coventrysaidnotaword，forsurprise，anger，incredulity，andadmirationmingledsoconfusedlyinhismindthatheforgottospeak，andJeanwenton，"Thatwildactofmineconvincedhimofmyindomitabledislike。Hewentaway，andIbelievedthatthisstormyloveofhiswouldbecuredbyabsence。Itisnot，andIliveindailyfearoffreshentreaties，renewedpersecution。HismotherpromisednottobetraywhereIhadgone，buthefoundmeoutandwrotetome。TheletterIaskedyoutotaketoLadySydneywasareplytohis，imploringhimtoleavemeinpeace。Youfailedtodeliverit，andIwasglad，forIthoughtsilencemightquenchhope。Allinvain;thisisamorepassionateappealthanever，andhevowshewillneverdesistfromhisendeavorstillIgiveanothermantherighttoprotectme。Icandothis——Iamsorelytemptedtodoit，butIrebelagainstthecruelty。Ilovemyfreedom，Ihavenowishtomarryatthisman’sbidding。WhatcanIdo？HowcanIfreemyself？Bemyfriend，andhelpme！"
Tearsstreameddownhercheeks，sobschokedherwords，andsheclaspedherhandsimploringlyassheturnedtowardtheyoungmaninalltheabandonmentofsorrow，fear，andsupplication。Coventryfoundithardtomeetthoseeloquenteyesandanswercalmly，forhehadnoexperienceinsuchscenesandknewnothowtoplayhispart。Itisthisabsurddressandthatromanticnonsensewhichmakesmefeelsounlikemyself，hethought，quiteunconsciousofthedangerouspowerwhichtheduskyroom，themidsummerwarmthandfragrance，thememoryofthe"romanticnonsense，"and，mostofall，thepresenceofabeautiful，afflictedwomanhadoverhim。Hisusualself-possessiondesertedhim，andhecouldonlyechothewordswhichhadmadethestrongestimpressionuponhim：
"Youcandothis，youaretemptedtodoit。IsNedthemanwhocanprotectyou？"
"No"wasthesoftreply。
"Whothen？"
"Donotaskme。Agoodandhonorableman;onewholovesmewell，andwoulddevotehislifetome;onewhomonceitwouldhavebeenhappinesstomarry，butnow——"
Therehervoiceendedinasigh，andallherfairhairfelldownaboutherface，hidingitinashiningveil。
"Whynotnow？Thisisasureandspeedywayofendingyourdistress。Isitimpossible？"
Inspiteofhimself，Geraldleanednearer，tookoneofthelittlehandsinhis，andpresseditashespoke，urgently，compassionately，nay，almosttenderly。Frombehindtheveilcameaheavysigh，andthebriefanswer，"Itisimpossible。"
"Why，Jean？"
Sheflungherhairbackwithasuddengesture，drewawayherhand，andanswered，almostfiercely，"BecauseIdonotlovehim！
Whydoyoutormentmewithsuchquestions？ItellyouIaminasorestraitandcannotseemyway。ShallIdeceivethegoodman，andsecurepeaceatthepriceoflibertyandtruth？OrshallIdefySydneyandleadalifeofdread？Ifhemenacedmylife，Ishouldnotfear;buthemenacesthatwhichisdearerthanlife——mygoodname。Alook，awordcantarnishit;
ascornfulsmile，asignificantshrugcandomemoreharmthananyblow;
forIamawoman——friendless，poor，andatthemercyofhistongue。Ah，bettertohavedied，andsohavebeensavedthebitterpainthathascomenow！"
Shesprangup，claspedherhandsoverherhead，andpaceddespairinglythroughthelittleroom，notweeping，butwearinganexpressionmoretragicalthantears。Stillfeelingasifhehadsuddenlysteppedintoaromance，yetfindingakeenpleasureinthepartassignedhim，Coventrythrewhimselfintoitwithspirit，andheartilydidhisbesttoconsolethepoorgirlwhoneededhelpsomuch。Goingtoher，hesaidasimpetuouslyasNedeverdid，"MissMuir——nay，IwillsayJean，ifthatwillcomfortyou——listen，andrestassuredthatnoharmshalltouchyouifIcanwarditoff。Youareneedlesslyalarmed。Indignantyoumaywellbe，but，uponmylife，IthinkyouwrongSydney。Heisviolent，I
know，butheistoohonorableamantoinjureyoubyalightword，anunjustact。Hedidbutthreaten，hopingtosoftenyou。Letmeseehim，orwritetohim。Heismyfriend;hewilllistentome。OfthatIamsure。"
"Besureofnothing。WhenamanlikeSydneylovesandisthwartedinhislove，nothingcancontrolhisheadstrongwill。Promisemeyouwillnotseeorwritetohim。MuchasIfearanddespisehim，I
willsubmit，ratherthananyharmshouldbefallyou——oryourbrother。
Youpromiseme，Mr。Coventry？"
Hehesitated。Sheclungtohisarmwithunfeignedsolicitudeinhereager，pleadingface，andhecouldnotresistit。
"Ipromise;butinreturnyoumustpromisetoletmegivewhathelpIcan;and，Jean，neversayagainthatyouarefriendless。"
"Youaresokind！Godblessyouforit。ButIdarenotacceptyourfriendship;shewillnotpermitit，andIhavenorighttomarherpeace。"
"Whowillnotpermitit？"hedemandedhotly。
"MissBeaufort。"
"HangMissBeaufort！"exclaimedCoventry，withsuchenergythatJeanbrokeintoamusicallaugh，despitehertrouble。Hejoinedinit，and，foraninstanttheystoodlookingatoneanotherasifthelastbarrierweredown，andtheywerefriendsindeed。Jeanpausedsuddenly，withthesmileonherlips，thetearsstillonhercheek，andmadeawarninggesture。Helistened：thesoundoffeetmingledwithcallsandlaughterprovedthattheyweremissedandsought。
"Thatlaughbetrayedus。Stayandmeetthem。Icannot。"
AndJeandartedoutuponthelawn。Coventryfollowed;forthethoughtofconfrontingsomanyeyes，somanyquestions，dauntedhim，andhefledlikeacoward。ThesoundofJean’sflyingfootstepsguidedhim，andheovertookherjustasshepausedbehindarosethickettotakebreath。
"Faintheartedknight！Youshouldhavestayedandcoveredmyretreat。Hark！theyarecoming！Hide！Hide！"shepanted，halfinfear，halfinmerriment，asthegaypursuersrapidlydrewnearer。
"Kneeldown;themooniscomingoutandtheglitterofyourembroiderywillbetrayyou，"whisperedJean，astheycoweredbehindtheroses。
"Yourarmsandhairwillbetrayyou。’Comeundermyplaiddie，’asthesongsays。"AndCoventrytriedtomakehisvelvetcloakcoverthewhiteshouldersandfairlocks。
"Weareactingourpartsinrealitynow。HowBellawillenjoythethingwhenItellher！"saidJeanasthenoisesdiedaway。
"Donottellher，"whisperedCoventry。
"Andwhynot？"sheasked，lookingupintothefacesonearherown，withanartlessglance。
"Canyounotguesswhy？"
"Ah，youaresoproudyoucannotbeartobelaughedat。"
"Itisnotthat。ItisbecauseIdonotwantyoutobeannoyedbysillytongues;youhaveenoughtopainyouwithoutthat。
Iamyourfriend，now，andIdomybesttoproveit。"
"Sokind，sokind！HowcanIthankyou？"murmuredJean。Andsheinvoluntarilynestledcloserunderthecloakthatshelteredboth。
Neitherspokeforamoment，andinthesilencetherapidbeatingoftwoheartswasheard。Todrownthesound，Coventrysaidsoftly，"Areyoufrightened？"
"No，Ilikeit，"sheanswered，assoftly，thenaddedabruptly，"Butwhydowehide？Thereisnothingtofear。Itislate。I
mustgo。Youarekneelingonmytrain。Pleaserise。"
"Whyinsuchhaste？Thisflightandsearchonlyaddstothecharmoftheevening。I’llnotgetupyet。Willyouhavearose，Jean？"
"No，Iwillnot。Letmego，Mr。Coventry，Iinsist。
Therehasbeenenoughofthisfolly。Youforgetyourself。"
Shespokeimperiously，flungoffthecloak，andputhimfromher。Heroseatonce，saying，likeonewakingsuddenlyfromapleasantdream，"Idoindeedforgetmyself。"
Herethesoundofvoicesbrokeonthem，nearerthanbefore。Pointingtoacoveredwalkthatledtothehouse，hesaid，inhisusuallycool，calmtone，"Gointhatway;Iwillcoveryourretreat。"Andturning，hewenttomeetthemerryhunters。
Halfanhourlater，whenthepartybrokeup，MissMuirjoinedtheminherusualquietdress，lookingpaler，meeker，andsadderthanusual。Coventrysawthis，thoughheneitherlookedathernoraddressedher。Luciasawitalso，andwasgladthatthedangerousgirlhadfallenbackintoherproperplaceagain，forshehadsufferedmuchthatnight。
Sheappropriatedhercousin’sarmastheywentthroughthepark，buthewasinoneofhistaciturnmoods，andallherattemptsatconversationwereinvain。MissMuirwalkedalone，singingsoftlytoherselfasshefollowedinthedusk。WasGeraldsosilentbecausehelistenedtothatfitfulsong？Luciathoughtso，andfeltherdislikerapidlydeepeningtohatred。
Whentheyoungfriendsweregone，andthefamilywereexchanginggood-nightsamongthemselves，JeanwassurprisedbyCoventry’sofferinghishand，forhehadneverdoneitbefore，andwhispering，asheheldit，thoughLuciawatchedhimallthewhile，"Ihavenotgivenmyadvice，yet。"
"Thanks，Inolongerneedit。Ihavedecidedformyself。"
"MayIaskhow？"
"Tobravemyenemy。"
"Good！Butwhatdecidedyousosuddenly？"
"Thefindingofafriend。"Andwithagratefulglanceshewasgone。
BehindaMask：or，AWoman’sPower。Chapter6ONTHEWATCH"Ifyouplease，Mr。Coventry，didyougettheletterlastnight？"werethefirstwordsthatgreetedthe"youngmaster"ashelefthisroomnextmorning。
"Whatletter，Dean？Idon’trememberany，"heanswered，pausing，forsomethinginthemaid’smannerstruckhimaspeculiar。
"ItcamejustasyouleftfortheHall，sir。Bensonranafteryouwithit，asitwasmarked’Haste。’Didn’tyougetit，sir？"
askedthewoman，anxiously。
"Yes，butuponmylife，Iforgotallaboutittillthisminute。It’sinmyothercoat，Isuppose，ifI’venotlostit。Thatabsurdmasqueradingputeverythingelseoutofmyhead。"Andspeakingmoretohimselfthantothemaid，Coventryturnedbacktolookforthemissingletter。
Deanremainedwhereshewas，apparentlybusyaboutthearrangementofthecurtainsatthehallwindow，butfurtivelywatchingmeanwhilewithamostunwontedairofcuriosity。
"Notthere，Ithoughtso！"shemuttered，asCoventryimpatientlythrusthishandintoonepocketafteranother。Butasshespoke，anexpressionofamazementappearedinherface，forsuddenlytheletterwasdiscovered。
"I’dhaveswornitwasn’tthere！Idon’tunderstandit，butshe’sadeepone，orI’mdeceived。"AndDeanshookherheadlikeoneperplexed，butnotconvinced。
Coventryutteredanexclamationofsatisfactiononglancingattheaddressand，standingwherehewas，toreopentheletter。
DearC：
I’mofftoBaden。Comeandjoinme，thenyou’llbeoutofharm’sway;forifyoufallinlovewithJ。M。（andyoucan’tescapeifyoustaywheresheis），youwillincurthetriflinginconvenienceofhavingyourbrainsblownoutbyYourstruly，F。R。Sydney"Themanismad！"ejaculatedCoventry，staringattheletterwhileanangryflushrosetohisface。"Whatthedeucedoeshemeanbywritingtomeinthatstyle？Joinhim——not！Andasforthethreat，Ilaughatit。PoorJean！Thisheadstrongfoolseemsbentontormentingher。Well，Dean，whatareyouwaitingfor？"hedemanded，asifsuddenlyconsciousofherpresence。
"Nothing，sir;Ionlystoppedtoseeifyoufoundtheletter。Begpardon，sir。"
AndshewasmovingonwhenCoventryasked，withasuspiciouslook，"Whatmadeyouthinkitwaslost？Youseemtotakeanuncommoninterestinmyaffairstoday。"
"Ohdear，no，sir。Ifeltabitanxious，Bensonissoforgetful，anditwasmewhosenthimafteryou，forIhappenedtoseeyougoout，soIfeltresponsible。Beingmarkedthatway，IthoughtitmightbeimportantsoIaskedaboutit。"
"Verywell，youcango，Dean。It’sallright，yousee。"
"I’mnotsosureofthat，"mutteredthewoman，asshecurtsiedrespectfullyandwentaway，lookingasiftheletterhadnotbeenfound。
DeanwasMissBeaufort’smaid，agrave，middle-agedwomanwithkeeneyesandasomewhatgrimair。Havingbeenlonginthefamily，sheenjoyedalltheprivilegesofafaithfulandfavoriteservant。Shelovedheryoungmistresswithanalmostjealousaffection。Shewatchedoverherwithhevigilantcareofamotherandresentedanyattemptatinterferenceonthepartofothers。AtfirstshehadpitiedandlikedJeanMuir，thendistrustedher，andnowheartilyhatedher，asthecauseoftheincreasedindifferenceofCoventrytowardhiscousin。DeanknewthedepthofLucia’slove，andthoughnoman，inhereyes，wasworthyofhermistress，still，havinghonoredhimwithherregard，Deanfeltboundtolikehim，andthelatechangeinhismannerdisturbedthemaidalmostasmuchasitdidthemistress。ShewatchedJeannarrowly，causingthatamiablecreaturemuchamusementbutlittleannoyance，asyet，forDean’sslowEnglishwitwasnomatchforthesubtlemindofthegoverness。Ontheprecedingnight，DeanhadbeensentuptotheHallwithcostumesandhadthereseensomethingwhichmuchdisturbedher。Shebegantospeakofitwhileundressinghermistress，butLucia，beinginanunhappymood，hadsosternlyorderedhernottogossipthatthetaleremaineduntold，andshewasforcedtobidehertime。
NowI’llseehowshelooksafterit;thoughthere’snotmuchtobegotoutofherface，thedeceitfulhussy，thoughtDean，marchingdownthecorridorandknittingherblackbrowsasshewent。
"Goodmorning，Mrs。Dean。Ihopeyouarenonetheworseforlastnight’sfrolic。Youhadtheworkandwetheplay，"saidablithevoicebehindher;andturningsharply，sheconfrontedMissMuir。
Freshandsmiling，thegovernessnoddedwithanairofcordialitywhichwouldhavebeenirresistiblewithanyonebutDean。
"I’mquitewell，thankyou，miss，"shereturnedcoldly，asherkeeneyefastenedonthegirlasiftowatchtheeffectofherwords。
"Ihadagoodrestwhentheyoungladiesandgentlemenwereatsupper，forwhilethemaidsclearedup，Isatinthe’littleanteroom。’"
"Yes，Isawyou，andfearedyou’dtakecold。Verygladyoudidn’t。HowisMissBeaufort？Sheseemedratherpoorlylastnight"
wasthetranquilreply，asJeansettledthelittlefrillsaboutherdelicatewrists。ThecoolquestionwasareturnshotforDean’shintthatshehadbeenwhereshecouldoverseetheinterviewbetweenCoventryandMissMuir。
"Sheisabittired，asanyladywouldbeaftersuchanevening。Peoplewhoareusedtoplay-actingwouldn’tmindit，perhaps，butMissBeaufortdon’tenjoyrompsasmuchassomedo。"
TheemphasisuponcertainwordsmadeDean’sspeechasimpertinentasshedesired。ButJeanonlylaughed，andasCoventry’sstepwasheardbehindthem，sherandownstairs，sayingblandly，butwithawickedlook，"Iwon’tstoptothankyounow，lestMr。Coventryshouldbidmegood-morning，andsoincreaseMissBeaufort’sindisposition。"
Dean’seyesflashedasshelookedafterthegirlwithawrathfulface，andwentherway，sayinggrimly，"I’llbidemytime，butI’llgetthebetterofheryet。"
Fancyinghimselfquiteremovedfrom"lastnight’sabsurdity，"yetcurioustoseehowJeanwouldmeethim，Coventryloungedintothebreakfastroomwithhisusualairoflistlessindifference。A
languidnodandmurmurwasallthereplyhevouchsafedtothegreetingsofcousin，sister，andgovernessashesatdownandtookuphispaper。
"HaveyouhadaletterfromNed？"askedBella，lookingatthenotewhichherbrotherstillheld。
"No"wasthebriefanswer。
"Whothen？Youlookasifyouhadreceivedbadnews。"
Therewasnoreply，and，peepingoverhisarm，Bellacaughtsightofthesealandexclaimed，inadisappointedtone，"ItistheSydneycrest。Idon’tcareaboutthenotenow。Men’sletterstoeachotherarenotinteresting。"
MissMuirhadbeenquietlyfeedingoneofEdward’sdogs，butatthenameshelookedupandmetCoventry’seyes，coloringsodistressfullythathepitiedher。Whyheshouldtakethetroubletocoverherconfusion，hedidnotstoptoaskhimself，butseeingthecurlofLucia’slip，hesuddenlyaddressedherwithanairofdispleasure，"DoyouknowthatDeanisgettingimpertinent？Shepresumestoomuchonherageandyourindulgence，andforgetsherplace。"
"Whathasshedone？"askedLuciacoldly。
"ShetroublesherselfaboutmyaffairsandtakesituponherselftokeepBensoninorder。"
HereCoventrytoldabouttheletterandthewoman’sevidentcuriosity。
"PoorDean，shegetsnothanksforremindingyouofwhatyouhadforgotten。Nexttimeshewillleaveyourletterstotheirfate，andperhapsitwillbeaswell，iftheyhavesuchabadeffectuponyourtemper，Gerald。"
Luciaspokecalmly，buttherewasanangrycolorinhercheekassheroseandlefttheroom。Coventrylookedmuchannoyed，foronJean’sfacehedetectedafaintsmile，halfpitiful，halfsatirical，whichdisturbedhimmorethanhiscousin’sinsinuation。Bellabroketheawkwardsilencebysaying，withasigh，"PoorNed！Idosolongtohearagainfromhim。Ithoughtaletterhadcomeforsomeofus。Deansaidshesawonebearinghiswritingonthehalltableyesterday。"
"Sheseemstohaveamaniaforinspectingletters。
Iwon’tallowit。Whowastheletterfor，Bella？"saidCoventry，puttingdownhispaper。
"Shewouldn’torcouldn’ttell，butlookedverycrossandtoldmetoaskyou。"
"Veryodd！I’vehadnone，"beganCoventry。
"ButIhadoneseveraldaysago。Willyoupleasereadit，andmyreply？"Andasshespoke，Jeanlaidtwolettersbeforehim。
"Certainlynot。ItwouldbedishonorabletoreadwhatNedintendedfornoeyesbutyourown。Youaretooscrupulousinoneway，andnotenoughsoinanother，MissMuir。"AndCoventryofferedboththeletterswithanairofgravedecision，whichcouldnotconcealtheinterestandsurprisehefelt。
"Youareright。Mr。Edward’snoteshouldbekeptsacred，forinitthepoorboyhaslaidbarehishearttome。ButmineIbegyouwillread，thatyoumayseehowwellItrytokeepmywordtoyou。Obligemeinthis，Mr。Coventry;Ihavearighttoaskitofyou。"
Sourgentlyshespoke，sowistfullyshelooked，thathecouldnotrefuseand，goingtothewindow，readtheletter。Itwasevidentlyananswertoapassionateappealfromtheyounglover，andwaswrittenwithconsummateskill。Asheread，Geraldcouldnothelpthinking，Ifthisgirlwritesinthiswaytoamanwhomshedoesnotlove，withwhataworldofpowerandpassionwouldshewritetoonewhomshedidlove。Andthisthoughtkeptreturningtohimashiseyewentoverlineafterlineofwiseargument，gentlereproof，goodcounsel，andfriendlyregard。Hereandthereaword，aphrase，betrayedwhatshehadalreadyconfessed，andCoventryforgottoreturntheletter，ashestoodwonderingwhowasthemanwhomJeanloved。
ThesoundofBella’svoicerecalledhim，forshewassaying，halfkindly，halfpetulantly，"Don’tlooksosad，Jean。Nedwilloutliveit，Idaresay。Yourememberyousaidoncemenneverdiedoflove，thoughwomenmight。Inhisonenotetome，hespokesobeautifullyofyou，andbeggedmetobekindtoyouforhissake，thatItrytobewithallmyheart，thoughifitwasanyonebutyou，IreallythinkIshouldhatethemformakingmydearboysounhappy。"
"Youaretookind，Bella，andIoftenthinkI’llgoawaytorelieveyouofmypresence;butunwiseanddangerousasitistostay，Ihaven’tthecouragetogo。I’vebeensohappyhere。"Andasshespoke，Jean’sheaddroppedloweroverthedogasitnestledtoheraffectionately。
BeforeBellacouldutterhalfthelovingwordsthatsprangtoherlips，Coventrycametothemwithalllanguorgonefromfaceandmien，andlayingJean’sletterbeforeher，hesaid，withanundertoneofdeepfeelinginhisusuallyemotionlessvoice，"Arightwomanlyandeloquentletter，butIfearitwillonlyincreasethefireitwasmeanttoquench。Ipitymybrothermorethanevernow。"
"ShallIsendit？"askedJean，lookingstraightupathim，likeonewhohadentirerelianceonhisjudgment。
"Yes，Ihavenotthehearttorobhimofsuchasweetsermonuponself-sacrifice。ShallIpostitforyou？"
"Thankyou;inamoment。"Andwithagratefullook，Jeandroppedhereyes。Producingherlittlepurse，sheselectedapenny，foldeditinabitofpaper，andthenofferedbothletterandcointoCoventry，withsuchaprettyairofbusiness，thathecouldnotcontrolalaugh。
"Soyouwon’tbeindebtedtomeforapenny？Whataproudwomanyouare，MissMuir。"
"Iam;it’safamilyfailing。"Andshegavehimasignificantglance，whichrecalledtohimthememoryofwhoshewas。Heunderstoodherfeeling，andlikedherthebetterforit，knowingthathewouldhavedonethesamehadhebeeninherplace。Itwasalittlething，butifdoneforeffect，itansweredadmirably，foritshowedaquickinsightintohischaracteronherpart，andbetrayedtohimtheexistenceofaprideinwhichhesympathizedheartily。HestoodbyJeanamoment，watchingherassheburntEdward’sletterintheblazeofthespiritlampundertheurn。
"Whydoyoudothat？"heaskedinvoluntarily。
"Becauseitismydutytoforget"wasallheranswer。
"Canyoualwaysforgetwhenitbecomesaduty？"
"IwishIcould！IwishIcould！"
Shespokepassionately，asifthewordsbrokefromheragainstherwill，and，risinghastily，shewentintothegarden，asifafraidtostay。
"Poor，dearJeanisveryunhappyaboutsomething，butIcan’tdiscoverwhatitis。LastnightIfoundhercryingoverarose，andnowsherunsaway，lookingasifherheartwasbroken。I’mgladI’vegotnolessons。"
"Whatkindofarose？"askedCoventryfrombehindhispaperasBellapaused。
"Alovelywhiteone。ItmusthavecomefromtheHall;
wehavenonelikeit。IwonderifJeanwasevergoingtobemarried，andlostherlover，andfeltsadbecausetheflowerremindedherofbridalroses。"Coventrymadenoreply，butfelthimselfchangecountenanceasherecalledthelittlescenebehindtherosehedge，wherehegaveJeantheflowerwhichshehadrefusedyettaken。Presently，toBella’ssurprise，heflungdownthepaper，toreSydney’snotetoatoms，andrangforhishorsewithanenergywhichamazedher。
"Why，Gerald，whathascomeoveryou？OnewouldthinkNed’srestlessspirithadsuddenlytakenpossessionofyou。Whatareyougoingtodo？"
"I’mgoingtowork"wastheunexpectedanswer，asCoventryturnedtowardherwithanexpressionsorarelyseenonhisfineface。
"Whathaswakedyouupallatonce？"askedBella，lookingmoreandmoreamazed。
"Youdid，"hesaid，drawinghertowardhim。
"I！When？How？"
"Doyouremembersayingoncethatenergywasbetterthanbeautyinaman，andthatnoonecouldrespectanidler？"
"Ineversaidanythinghalfsosensibleasthat。
Jeansaidsomethinglikeitonce，Ibelieve，butIforgot。Areyoutiredofdoingnothing，atlast，Gerald？"
"Yes，IneglectedmydutytoNed，tillhegotintotrouble，andnowIreproachmyselfforit。It’snottoolatetodootherneglectedtasks，soI’mgoingatthemwithawill。Don’tsayanythingaboutittoanyone，anddon’tlaughatme，forI’minearnest，Bell。"
"Iknowyouare，andIadmireandloveyouforit，mydearoldboy，"criedBellaenthusiastically，asshethrewherarmsabouthisneckandkissedhimheartily。"Whatwillyoudofirst？"sheasked，ashestoodthoughtfullysmoothingthebrightheadthatleaneduponhisshoulder，withthatnewexpressionstillclearandsteadyinhisface。
"I’mgoingtorideoverthewholeestate，andattendtothingsasamastershould;notleaveitalltoBent，ofwhomI’veheardmanycomplaints，buthavebeentooidletoinquireaboutthem。IshallconsultUncle，andendeavortobeallthatmyfatherwasinhistime。Isthataworthyambition，dear？"
"Oh，Gerald，letmetellMamma。Itwillmakehersohappy。Youareheridol，andtohearyousaythesethings，toseeyoulooksolikedearPapa，woulddomoreforherspiritsthanallthedoctorsinEngland。"
"WaittillIprovewhatmyresolutionisworth。WhenIhavereallydonesomething，thenI’llsurpriseMammawithasampleofmywork。"
"Ofcourseyou’lltellLucia？"
"Notonanyaccount。Itisalittlesecretbetweenus，sokeepittillIgiveyouleavetotellit。"
"ButJeanwillseeitatonce;sheknowseverythingthathappens，sheissoquickandwise。Doyoumindherknowing？"
"Idon’tseethatIcanhelpitifsheissowonderfullygifted。Letherseewhatshecan，Idon’tmindher。NowI’moff。"Andwithakisstohissister，asuddensmileonhisface，Coventryspranguponhishorseandrodeawayatapacewhichcausedthegroomtostareafterhiminblankamazement。
Nothingmorewasseenofhimtilldinnertime，whenhecameinsoexhilaratedbyhisbriskrideandbusymorningthathefoundsomedifficultyinassuminghiscustomarymanner，andmorethanonceastonishedthefamilybytalkinganimatedlyonvarioussubjectswhichtillnowhadalwaysseemedutterlyuninterestingtohim。Luciawasamazed，hismotherdelighted，andBellacouldhardlycontrolherdesiretoexplainthemystery;
butJeantookitverycalmlyandregardedhimwiththeairofonewhosaid，"Iunderstand，butyouwillsoontireofit。"Thisnettledhimmorethanhewouldconfess，andheexertedhimselftosilentlycontradictthatprophecy。
"HaveyouansweredMr。Sydney’sletter？"askedBella，whentheywereallscatteredaboutthedrawingroomafterdinner。
"No，"answeredherbrother，whowaspacingupanddownwithrestlesssteps，insteadofloungingnearhisbeautifulcousin。
"IaskbecauseIrememberedthatNedsentamessageforhiminmylastnote，ashethoughtyouwouldknowSydney’saddress。
Hereitis，somethingaboutahorse。Pleaseputitinwhenyouwrite，"
andBellalaidthenoteonthewritingtablenearby。
"I’llsenditatonceandhavedonewithit，"mutteredCoventryand，seatinghimself，hedashedoffafewlines，sealedandsenttheletter，andthenresumedhismarch，eyeingthethreeyoungladieswiththreedifferentexpressions，ashepassedandrepassed。Luciasatapart，feigningtobeintentuponabook，andherhandsomefacelookedalmoststerninitshaughtycomposure，forthoughherheartached，shewastooproudtoownit。Bellanowlayonthesofa，halfasleep，arosylittlecreature，asunconsciouslyprettyasachild。MissMuirsatintherecessofadeepwindow，inalowloungingchair，workingatanembroideryframewithagracefulindustrypleasanttosee。Oflateshehadworncolors，forBellahadbeengenerousingifts，andthepalebluemuslinwhichflowedinsoftwavesaboutherwasverybecomingtoherfairskinandgoldenhair。
Theclosebraidsweregone，andloosecurlsdroppedhereandtherefromtheheavycoilwoundaroundherwell-shapedhead。Thetipofonedaintyfootwasvisible，andapetulantlittlegesturewhichnowandthenshookbackthefallingsleevegaveglimpsesofaroundwhitearm。Ned’sgreathoundlaynearby，thesunshineflickeredonherthroughtheleaves，andasshesatsmilingtoherself，whilethedexteroushandsshapedleafandflower，shemadeacharmingpictureofallthatismostwomanlyandwinning;
apicturewhichfewmen’seyeswouldnothavelikedtorestupon。
Anotherchairstoodnearher，andasCoventrywentupanddown，astrongdesiretotakeitpossessedhim。Hewastiredofhisthoughtsandwishedtobeamusedbywatchingthechangesofthegirl’sexpressiveface，listeningtothevaryingtonesofhervoice，andtryingtodiscoverthespellwhichsostronglyattractedhiminspiteofhimself。
Morethanonceheswervedfromhiscoursetogratifyhiswhim，butLucia’spresencealwaysrestrainedhim，andwithawordtothedog，oraglancefromthewindow，aspretextforapause，heresumedhiswalkagain。Somethinginhiscousinsfacereproachedhim，buthermanneroflatewassorepellentthathefeltnodesiretoresumetheirformerfamiliarity，and，wishingtoshowthathedidnotconsiderhimselfbound，hekeptaloof。Itwasaquiettestofthepowerofeachwomanoverthisman;theyinstinctivelyfeltit，andbothtriedtoconquer。Luciaspokeseveraltimes，andtriedtospeakfranklyandaffably;buthermannerwasconstrained，andCoventry，havingansweredpolitely，relapsedintosilence。Jeansaidnothing，butsilentlyappealedtoeyeandearbytheprettypictureshemadeofherself，thesnatchesofsongshesoftlysang，asifforgettingthatshewasnotalone，andashyglancenowandthen，halfwistful，halfmerry，whichwasmorealluringthangracefulfigureorsweetvoice。WhenshehadtormentedLuciaandtemptedCoventrylongenough，shequietlyassertedhersupremacyinawaywhichastonishedherrival，whoknewnothingofthesecretofherbirth，whichknowledgedidmuchtoattractandcharmtheyoungman。
Lettingaballofsilkescapefromherlap，shewatcheditrolltowardthepromenader，whocaughtandreturneditwithanalacritywhichaddedgracetothetriflingservice。
Asshetookit，shesaid，inthefrankwaythatneverfailedtowinhim，"Ithinkyoumustbetired;butifexerciseisnecessary，employyourenergiestosomepurposeandputyourmother’sbasketofsilksinorder。Theyareinatangle，anditwillpleasehertoknowthatyoudidit，asyourbrotherusedtodo。"
"Herculesatthedistaff，"saidCoventrygaily，anddownhesatinthelong-desiredseat。Jeanputthebasketonhisknee，andashesurveyedit，asifdauntedathistask，sheleanedback，andindulgedinamusicallittlepealoflaughtercharmingtohear。Luciasatdumbwithsurprise，toseeherproud，indolentcousinobeyingthecommandsofagoverness，andlookingasifheheartilyenjoyedit。Intenminutesshewasasentirelyforgottenasifshehasbeenmilesaway;forJeanseemedinherwittiest，gayestmood，andasshenowtreatedthe"youngmaster"
likeanequal，therewasnoneoftheformermeektimidity。Yetoftenhereyesfell，hercolorchanged，andthepiquantsalliesfalteredonhertongue，asCoventryinvoluntarilylookeddeepintothefineeyeswhichhadonceshoneonhimsotenderlyinthatmimictragedy。Hecouldnotforgetit，andthoughneitheralludedtoit，thememoryofthepreviouseveningseemedtohauntbothandlendasecretcharmtothepresentmoment。Luciaborethisaslongasshecould，andthenlefttheroomwiththeairofaninsultedprincess;butCoventrydidnot，andJeanfeignednottoseehergo。Bellawasfastasleep，andbeforeheknewhowitcametopass，theyoungmanwaslisteningtothestoryofhiscompanion’slife。Asadtale，toldwithwonderfulskill，forsoonhewasabsorbedinit。Thebasketslidunobservedfromhisknee，thedogwaspushedaway，and，leaningforward，helistenedeagerlyasthegirl’slowvoicerecountedallthehardships，loneliness，andgriefofhershortlife。Inthemidstofatouchingepisodeshestarted，stopped，andlookedstraightbeforeher，withanintentexpressionwhichchangedtooneofintensecontempt，andhereyeturnedtoCoventry’s，asshesaid，pointingtothewindowbehindhim，"Wearewatched。"
"Bywhom？"hedemanded，startingupangrily。
"Hush，saynothing，letitpass。Iamusedtoit。"
"ButIamnot，andI’llnotsubmittoit。Whowasit，Jean？"heansweredhotly。
Shesmiledsignificantlyataknotofrose-coloredribbon，whichalittlegustwasblowingtowardthemalongtheterrace。
Ablackfrowndarkenedtheyoungman’sfaceashesprangoutofthelongwindowandwentrapidlyoutofsight，scrutinizingeachgreennookashepassed。Jeanlaughedquietlyasshewatchedhim，andsaidsoftlytoherself，withhereyesontheflutteringribbon，"Thatwasafortunateaccident，andahappyinspiration。Yes，mydearMrs。Dean，youwillfindthatplayingthespywillonlygetyourmistressaswellasyourselfintotrouble。Youwouldnotbewarned，andyoumusttaketheconsequences，reluctantasI
amtoinjureaworthycreaturelikeyourself。"
SoonCoventrywasheardreturning。Jeanlistenedwithsuspendedbreathtocatchhisfirstwords，forhewasnotalone。
"Sinceyouinsistthatitwasyouandnotyourmistress，Iletitpass，althoughIstillhavemysuspicions。TellMissBeaufortIdesiretoseeherforafewmomentsinthelibrary。Nowgo，Dean，andbecarefulforthefuture，ifyouwishtostayinmyhouse。"
Themaidretired，andtheyoungmancameinlookingbothirefulandstern。
"IwishIhadsaidnothing，butIwasstartled，andspokeinvoluntarily。Nowyouareangry，andIhavemadefreshtroubleforpoorMissLucia。ForgivemeasIforgiveher，andletitpass。Ihavelearnedtobearthissurveillance，andpityhercauselessjealousy，"saidJeanwithaself-reproachfulair。
"Iwillforgivethedishonorableact，butIcannotforgetit，andIintendtoputastoptoit。Iamnotbetrothedtomycousin，asItoldyouonce，butyou，likealltherest，seembentonbelievingthatIam。HithertoIhavecaredtoolittleaboutthemattertosettleit，butnowIshallprovebeyondalldoubtthatIamfree。"
Asheutteredthelastword，CoventrycastonJeanalookthataffectedherstrangely。Shegrewpale，herworkdroppedonherlapandhereyesrosetohis，withaneager，questioningexpression，whichslowlychangedtooneofmingledpainandpity，assheturnedherfaceaway，murmuringinatoneoftendersorrow，"PoorLucia，whowillcomforther？"
ForamomentCoventrystoodsilent，asifweighingsomefatefulpurposeinhismind。AsJean’sraptsighofcompassionreachedhisear，hehadechoeditwithinhimself，andhalfrepentedofhisresolution;
thenhiseyerestedonthegirlbeforehimlookingsolonelyinhersweetsympathyforanotherthathisheartyearnedtowardher。Suddenfireshotintohiseye，suddenwarmthreplacedthecoldsternnessofhisface，andhissteadyvoicefalteredsuddenly，ashesaid，verylow，yetveryearnestly，"Jean，Ihavetriedtoloveher，butIcannot。OughtItodeceiveher，andmakemyselfmiserabletopleasemyfamily？"
"Sheisbeautifulandgood，andlovesyoutenderly;
istherenohopeforher？"askedJean，stillpale，butveryquiet，thoughsheheldonehandagainstherheart，asiftostillorhideitsrapidbeating。
"None，"answeredCoventry。
"Butcanyounotlearntoloveher？Yourwillisstrong，andmostmenwouldnotfinditahardtask。"
"Icannot，forsomethingstrongerthanmyownwillcontrolsme。"
"Whatisthat？"AndJean’sdarkeyeswerefixeduponhim，fullofinnocentwonder。
Hisfell，andhesaidhastily，"Idarenottellyouyet。"
"Pardon！Ishouldnothaveasked。Donotconsultmeinthismatter;Iamnotthepersontoadviseyou。Icanonlysaythatitseemstomeasifanymanwithanemptyheartwouldbegladtohavesobeautifulawomanasyourcousin。"
"Myheartisnotempty，"beganCoventry，drawingastepnearer，andspeakinginapassionatevoice。"Jean，Imustspeak;
hearme。Icannotlovemycousin，becauseIloveyou。"
"Stop！"AndJeansprangupwithacommandinggesture。
"Iwillnothearyouwhileanypromisebindsyoutoanother。Rememberyourmother’swishes，Lucia’shopes，Edward’slastwords，yourownpride，myhumblelot。Youforgetyourself，Mr。Coventry。Thinkwellbeforeyouspeak，weighthecostofthisact，andrecollectwhoIambeforeyouinsultmebyanytransientpassion，anyfalsevows。"
"Ihavethought，Idoweighthecost，andIswearthatIdesiretowooyouashumbly，honestlyasIwouldanyladyintheland。Youspeakofmypride。DoIstoopinlovingmyequalinrank？Youspeakofyourlowlylot，butpovertyisnodisgrace，andthecouragewithwhichyoubearitmakesitbeautiful。IshouldhavebrokenwithLuciabeforeIspoke，butIcouldnotcontrolmyself。Mymotherlovesyou，andwillbehappyinmyhappiness。Edwardmustforgiveme，forIhavetriedtodomybest，butloveisirresistible。Tellme，Jean，isthereanyhopeforme？"
Hehadseizedherhandandwasspeakingimpetuously，withardentfaceandtendertone，butnoanswercame，forasJeanturnedhereloquentcountenancetowardhim，fullofmaidenshameandtimidlove，Dean’sprimfigureappearedatthedoor，andherharshvoicebrokethemomentarysilence，saying，sternly，"MissBeaufortiswaitingforyou，sir。"
"Go，goatonce，andbekind，formysake，Gerald，"
whisperedJean，forhestoodasifdeafandblindtoeverythingbuthervoice，herface。
Asshedrewhisheaddowntowhisper，hercheektouchedhis，andregardlessofDean，hekissedit，passionately，whisperingback，"MylittleJean！ForyoursakeIcanbeanything。"
"MissBeaufortiswaiting。ShallIsayyouwillcome，sir？"demandedDean，paleandgrimwithindignation。
"Yes，yes，I’llcome。Waitformeinthegarden，Jean。"AndCoventryhurriedaway，innomoodfortheinterviewbutanxioustohaveitover。
Asthedoorclosedbehindhim，DeanwalkeduptoMissMuir，tremblingwithanger，andlayingaheavyhandonherarm，shesaidbelowherbreath，"I’vebeenexpectingthis，youartfulcreature。
Isawyourgameanddidmybesttospoilit，butyouaretooquickforme。Youthinkyou’vegothim。Thereyouaremistaken;forassureasmynameisHesterDean，I’llpreventit，orSirJohnshall。"
"Takeyourhandawayandtreatmewithproperrespect，oryouwillbedismissedfromthishouse。DoyouknowwhoIam？"AndJeandrewherselfupwithahaughtyair，whichimpressedthewomanmoredeeplythanherwords。"IamthedaughterofLadyHowardand，ifIchooseit，canbethewifeofMr。Coventry。"
Deandrewbackamazed，yetnotconvinced。Beingawell-trainedservant，aswellasaprudentwoman，shefearedtooversteptheboundsofrespect，togotoofar，andgethermistressaswellasherselfintotrouble。So，thoughshestilldoubtedJean，andhatedhermorethanever，shecontrolledherself。Droppingacurtsy，sheassumedherusualairofdeference，andsaid，meekly，"Ibegpardon，miss。IfI’dknown，Ishouldhaveconductedmyselfdifferently，ofcourse，butordinarygovernessesmakesomuchmischiefinahouse，onecan’thelpmistrustingthem。Idon’twishtomeddleorbeoverbold，butbeingfondofmydearyounglady，I
naturallytakeherpart，andmustsaythatMr。Coventryhasnotactedlikeagentleman。"
"Thinkwhatyouplease，Dean，butIadviseyoutosayaslittleaspossibleifyouwishtoremain。IhavenotacceptedMr。
Coventryyet，andifhechoosestosetasidetheengagementhisfamilymadeforhim，Ithinkhehasarighttodoso。MissBeaufortwouldhardlycaretomarryhimagainsthiswill，becausehepitiesherforherunhappylove，"andwithatranquilsmile，MissMuirwalkedaway。
BehindaMask：or，AWoman’sPower。Chapter7THELASTCHANCE"ShewilltellSirJohn，willshe？ThenImustbebeforeher，andhastenevents。Itwillbeaswelltohaveallsurebeforetherecanbeanydanger。MypoorDean，youarenomatchforme，butyoumayproveannoying，nevertheless。"
ThesethoughtspassedthroughMissMuir’smindasshewentdownthehall，pausinganinstantatthelibrarydoor，forthemurmurofvoiceswasheard。Shecaughtnoword，andhadonlytimeforaninstant’spauseasDean’sheavystepfollowedher。Turning，Jeandrewachairbeforethedoor，and，beckoningtothewoman，shesaid，smilingstill，"Sithereandplaywatchdog。IamgoingtoMissBella，soyoucannodifyouwill。"
"Thankyou，miss。Iwillwaitformyyounglady。
Shemayneedmewhenthishardtimeisover。"AndDeanseatedherselfwitharesoluteface。
Jeanlaughedandwenton;buthereyesgleamedwithsuddenmalice，andsheglancedoverhershoulderwithanexpressionwhichbodedillforthefaithfuloldservant。
"I’vegotaletterfromNed，andhereisatinynoteforyou，"criedBellaasJeanenteredtheboudoir。"Mineisaveryodd，hastyletter，withnonewsinit，buthismeetingwithSydney。Ihopeyoursisbetter，oritwon’tbeverysatisfactory。"
AsSydney’snamepassedBella’slips，allthecolordiedoutofMissMuir’sface，andthenoteshookwiththetremorofherhand。
Herverylipswerewhite，butshesaidcalmly，"Thankyou。Asyouarebusy，I’llgoandreadmyletteronthelawn。"AndbeforeBellacouldspeak，shewasgone。
Hurryingtoaquietnook，Jeantoreopenthenoteandreadthefewblottedlinesitcontained。
IhaveseenSydney;hehastoldmeall;and，hardasIfoundittobelieve，itwasimpossibletodoubt，forhehasdiscoveredproofswhichcannotbedenied。Imakenoreproaches，shalldemandnoconfessionoratonement，forIcannotforgetthatIoncelovedyou。Igiveyouthreedaystofindanotherhome，beforeIreturntotellthefamilywhoyouare。
Goatonce，Ibeseechyou，andsparemethepainofseeingyourdisgrace。
Slowly，steadilyshereadittwiceover，thensatmotionless，knittingherbrowsindeepthought。Presentlyshedrewalongbreath，toreupthenote，andrising，wentslowlytowardtheHall，sayingtoherself，"Threedays，onlythreedays！Canitbeaccomplishedinsoshortatime？Itshallbe，ifwitandwillcandoit，foritismylastchance。Ifthisfails，I’llnotgobacktomyoldlife，butendallatonce。"
Settingherteethandclenchingherhands，asifsomememorystungher，shewentonthroughthetwilight，tofindSirJohnwaitingtogiveheraheartywelcome。
"Youlooktired，mydear。Nevermindthereadingtonight;restyourself，andletthebookgo，"hesaidkindly，observingherwornlook。
"Thankyou，sir。Iamtired，butI’dratherread，elsethebookwillnotbefinishedbeforeIgo。"
"Go，child！Whereareyougoing？"demandedSirJohn，lookinganxiouslyatherasshesatdown。
"Iwilltellyouby-and-by，sir。"Andopeningthebook，Jeanreadforalittlewhile。
Buttheusualcharmwasgone;therewasnospiritinthevoiceofthereader，nointerestinthefaceofthelistener，andsoonhesaid，abruptly，"Mydear，praystop！Icannotlistenwithadividedmind。Whattroublesyou？Tellyourfriend，andlethimcomfortyou。"
Asifthekindwordsovercameher，Jeandroppedthebook，coveredupherface，andweptsobitterlythatSirJohnwasmuchalarmed;forsuchademonstrationwasdoublytouchinginonewhousuallywasallgaietyandsmiles。Ashetriedtosootheher，hiswordsgrewtender，hissolicitudefullofamorethanpaternalanxiety，andhiskindheartoverflowedwithpityandaffectionfortheweepinggirl。Asshegrewcalmer，heurgedhertobefrank，promisingtohelpandcounselher，whatevertheafflictionorfaultmightbe。
"Ah，youaretookind，toogenerous！HowcanIgoawayandleavemyonefriend？"sighedJean，wipingthetearsawayandlookingupathimwithgratefuleyes。
"Thenyoudocarealittlefortheoldman？"saidSirJohnwithaneagerlook，aninvoluntarypressureofthehandheheld。
Jeanturnedherfaceaway，andanswered，verylow，"Nooneeverwassokindtomeasyouhavebeen。CanIhelpcaringforyoumorethanIcanexpress？"
SirJohnwasalittledeafattimes，butheheardthat，andlookedwellpleased。Hehadbeenratherthoughtfuloflate，haddressedwithunusualcare，beenparticularlygallantandgaywhentheyoungladiesvisitedhim，andmorethanonce，whenJeanpausedinthereadingtoaskaquestion，hehadbeenforcedtoconfessthathehadnotbeenlistening;
though，asshewellknew，hiseyeshadbeenfixeduponher。Sincethediscoveryofherbirth，hismannerhadbeenpeculiarlybenignant，andmanylittleactshadprovedhisinterestandgoodwill。Now，whenJeanspokeofgoing，apanicseizedhim，anddesolationseemedabouttofallupontheoldHall。
Somethinginherunusualagitationstruckhimaspeculiarandexcitedhiscuriosity。Neverhadsheseemedsointerestingasnow，whenshesatbesidehimwithtearfuleyes，andsomesofttroubleinherheartwhichshedarednotconfess。
"Tellmeeverything，child，andletyourfriendhelpyouifhecan。"Formerlyhesaid"father"or"theoldman，"butlatelyhealwaysspokeofhimselfasher"friend。"
"Iwilltellyou，forIhavenooneelsetoturnto。ImustgoawaybecauseMr。Coventryhasbeenweakenoughtoloveme。"
"What，Gerald？"criedSirJohn，amazed。
"Yes;todayhetoldmethis，andleftmetobreakwithLucia;soIrantoyoutohelpmepreventhimfromdisappointinghismother’shopesandplans。"
SirJohnhadstartedupandpaceddowntheroom，butasJeanpausedheturnedtowardher，saying，withanalteredface，"Thenyoudonotlovehim？Isitpossible？"
"No，Idonotlovehim，"sheansweredpromptly。
"Yetheisallthatwomenusuallyfindattractive。
Howisitthatyouhaveescaped，Jean？"
"Ilovesomeoneelse，"wasthescarcelyaudiblereply。
SirJohnresumedhisseatwiththeairofamanbentongettingatamystery，ifpossible。
"Itwillbeunjusttoletyousufferforthefollyoftheseboys，mylittlegirl。Nedisgone，andIwassurethatGeraldwassafe;butnowthathisturnhascome，Iamperplexed，forhecannotbesentaway。"
"No，itisIwhomustgo;butitseemssohardtoleavethissafeandhappyhome，andwanderawayintothewide，coldworldagain。Youhaveallbeentookindtome，andnowseparationbreaksmyheart。"
Asobendedthespeech，andJean’sheadwentdownuponherhandsagain。SirJohnlookedatheramoment，andhisfineoldfacewasfullofgenuineemotion，ashesaidslowly，"Jean，willyoustayandbeadaughtertothesolitaryoldman？"
"No，sir"wastheunexpectedanswer。
"Andwhynot？"askedSirJohn，lookingsurprised，butratherpleasedthanangry。
"BecauseIcouldnotbeadaughtertoyou;andevenifIcoulditwouldnotbewise，forthegossipswouldsayyouwerenotoldenoughtobetheadoptedfatherofagirllikeme。SirJohn，youngasIam，Iknowmuchoftheworld，andamsurethatthiskindplanisimpractical;
butIthankyoufromthebottomofmyheart。"
"Wherewillyougo，Jean？"askedSirJohn，afterapause。
"ToLondon，andtrytofindanothersituationwhereIcandonoharm。"
"Willitbedifficulttofindanotherhome？"
"Yes。IcannotaskMrs。Coventrytorecommendme，whenIhaveinnocentlybroughtsomuchtroubleintoherfamily;andLadySydneyisgone，soIhavenofriend。"
"ExceptJohnCoventry。Iwillarrangeallthat。Whenwillyougo，Jean？"
"Tomorrow。"
"Sosoon！"Andtheoldman’svoicebetrayedthetroublehewastryingtoconceal。
Jeanhadgrownverycalm，butitwasthecalmnessofdesperation。Shehadhopedthatthefirsttearswouldproducetheavowalforwhichshewaited。Ithadnot，andshebegantofearthatherlastchancewasslippingfromher。Didtheoldmanloveher？Ifso，whydidhenotspeak？Eagertoprofitbyeachmoment，shewasonthealertforanyhopefulhint，anypropitiousword，look，oract，andeverynervewasstrungtotheutmost。
"Jean，mayIaskonequestion？"saidSirJohn。
"Anythingofme，sir。"
"Thismanwhomyoulove——canhenothelpyou？"
"Hecouldifheknew，buthemustnot。"
"Ifheknewwhat？Yourpresenttrouble？"
"No。Mylove。"
"Hedoesknowthis，then？"
"No，thankheaven！Andheneverwill。"
"Whynot？"
"BecauseIamtooproudtoownit。"
"Helovesyou，mychild？"
"Idonotknow——Idarenothopeit，"murmuredJean。
"CanInothelpyouhere？Believeme，Idesiretoseeyousafeandhappy。IstherenothingIcando？"
"Nothing，nothing。"
"MayIknowthename？"
"No！No！Letmego;Icannotbearthisquestioning！"
AndJean’sdistressfulfacewarnedhimtoasknomore。
"Forgiveme，andletmedowhatImay。Restherequietly。I’llwritealettertoagoodfriendofmine，whowillfindyouahome，ifyouleaveus。"
AsSirJohnpassedintohisinnerstudy，Jeanwatchedhimwithdespairingeyesandwrungherhands，sayingtoherself，HasallmyskilldesertedmewhenIneeditmost？HowcanImakehimunderstand，yetnotoversteptheboundsofmaidenmodesty？Heissoblind，sotimid，orsodullhewillnotsee，andtimeisgoingfast。WhatshallIdotoopenhiseyes？
Herowneyesrovedabouttheroom，seekingforsomeaidfrominanimatethings，andsoonshefoundit。ClosebehindthecouchwhereshesathungafineminiatureofSirJohn。Atfirsthereyerestedonitasshecontrasteditsplacidcomelinesswiththeunusualpalloranddisquietofthelivingfaceseenthroughtheopendoor，astheoldmansatathisdesktryingtowriteandcastingcovertglancesatthegirlishfigurehehadleftbehindhim。Affectingunconsciousnessofthis，Jeangazedonasifforgetfulofeverythingbutthepicture，andsuddenly，asifobeyinganirresistibleimpulse，shetookitdown，lookedlongandfondlyatit，then，shakinghercurlsaboutherface，asiftohidetheact，pressedittoherlipsandseemedtoweepoveritinanuncontrollableparoxysmoftendergrief。Asoundstartledher，andlikeaguiltything，sheturnedtoreplacethepicture;butitdroppedfromherhandassheutteredafaintcryandhidherface，forSirJohnstoodbeforeher，withanexpressionwhichshecouldnotmistake。
"Jean，whydidyoudothat？"heasked，inaneager，agitatedvoice。
Noanswer，asthegirlsanklower，likeoneoverwhelmedwithshame。Layinghishandonthebenthead，andbendinghisown，hewhispered，"Tellme，isthenameJohnCoventry？"
Stillnoanswer，butastifledsoundbetrayedthathiswordshadgonehome。
"Jean，shallIgobackandwritetheletter，ormayIstayandtellyouthattheoldmanlovesyoubetterthanadaughter？"
Shedidnotspeak，butalittlehandstoleoutfromunderthefallinghair，asiftokeephim。Withabrokenexclamationheseizedit，drewherupintohisarms，andlaidhisgrayheadonherfairone，toohappyforwords。ForamomentJeanMuirenjoyedhersuccess;then，fearinglestsomesuddenmishapshoulddestroyit，shehastenedtomakeallsecure。Lookingupwithwell-feignedtimidityandhalf-confessedaffection，shesaidsoftly，"ForgivemethatIcouldnothidethisbetter。Imeanttogoawayandnevertellit，butyouweresokinditmadethepartingdoublyhard。Whydidyouasksuchdangerousquestions？Whydidyoulook，whenyoushouldhavebeenwritingmydismissal？"
"HowcouldIdreamthatyoulovedme，Jean，whenyourefusedtheonlyofferIdaredmake？CouldIbepresumptuousenoughtofancyyouwouldrejectyoungloversforanoldmanlikeme？"askedSirJohn，caressingher。
"Youarenotold，tome，buteverythingIloveandhonor！"interruptedJean，withatouchofgenuineremorse，asthisgenerous，honorablegentlemangaveherbothheartandhome，unconsciousofdeceit。
"ItisIwhoampresumptuous，todaretoloveonesofaraboveme。ButIdidnotknowhowdearyouweretometillIfeltthatImustgo。Ioughtnottoacceptthishappiness。Iamnotworthyofit;andyouwillregretyourkindnesswhentheworldblamesyouforgivingahometoonesopoor，andplain，andhumbleasI。"
"Hush，mydarling。Icarenothingfortheidlegossipoftheworld。Ifyouarehappyhere，lettongueswagastheywill。Ishallbetoobusyenjoyingthesunshineofyourpresencetoheedanythingthatgoesonaboutme。But，Jean，youaresureyouloveme？ItseemsincrediblethatIshouldwintheheartthathasbeensocoldtoyounger，bettermenthanI。"
"DearSirJohn，besureofthis，Iloveyoutruly。
Iwilldomybesttobeagoodwifetoyou，andprovethat，inspiteofmymanyfaults，Ipossessthevirtueofgratitude。"
Ifhehadknownthestraitshewasin，hewouldhaveunderstoodthecauseofthesuddentenorofherwords，theintensethankfulnessthatshoneinherface，therealhumilitythatmadeherstoopandkissthegeneroushandthatgavesomuch。Forafewmomentssheenjoyedandlethimenjoythehappypresent，undisturbed。Buttheanxietywhichdevouredher，thedangerwhichmenacedher，soonrecalledher，andforcedhertowringyetmorefromtheunsuspiciousheartshehadconquered。
"Noneedoflettersnow，"saidSirJohn，astheysatsidebyside，withthesummermoonlightglorifyingalltheroom。"Youhavefoundahomeforlife;mayitproveahappyone。"
"Itisnotmineyet，andIhaveastrangeforebodingthatitneverwillbe，"sheansweredsadly。
"Why，mychild？"
"BecauseIhaveanenemywhowilltrytodestroymypeace，topoisonyourmindagainstme，andtodrivemeoutfrommyparadise，tosufferagainallIhavesufferedthislastyear。"
"YoumeanthatmadSydneyofwhomyoutoldme？"
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