\"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。