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？\"