CHAPTERI
ITwasLadyWindermere’slastreceptionbeforeEaster，andBentinckHousewasevenmorecrowdedthanusual。SixCabinetMinistershadcomeonfromtheSpeaker’sLeveeintheirstarsandribands，alltheprettywomenworetheirsmartestdresses，andattheendofthepicture-gallerystoodthePrincessSophiaofCarlsruhe，aheavyTartar-lookinglady，withtinyblackeyesandwonderfulemeralds，talkingbadFrenchatthetopofhervoice，andlaughingimmoderatelyateverythingthatwassaidtoher。Itwascertainlyawonderfulmedleyofpeople。GorgeouspeeresseschattedaffablytoviolentRadicals，popularpreachersbrushedcoat-tailswitheminentsceptics，aperfectbevyofbishopskeptfollowingastoutprima-donnafromroomtoroom，onthestaircasestoodseveralRoyalAcademicians，disguisedasartists，anditwassaidthatatonetimethesupper-roomwasabsolutelycrammedwithgeniuses。Infact，itwasoneofLadyWindermere’sbestnights，andthePrincessstayedtillnearlyhalf-pasteleven。
Assoonasshehadgone，LadyWindermerereturnedtothepicture-
gallery，whereacelebratedpoliticaleconomistwassolemnlyexplainingthescientifictheoryofmusictoanindignantvirtuosofromHungary，andbegantotalktotheDuchessofPaisley。Shelookedwonderfullybeautifulwithhergrandivorythroat，herlargeblueforget-me-noteyes，andherheavycoilsofgoldenhair。OR
PURtheywere-notthatpalestrawcolourthatnowadaysusurpsthegraciousnameofgold，butsuchgoldasiswovenintosunbeamsorhiddeninstrangeamber;andtheygavetoherfacesomethingoftheframeofasaint，withnotalittleofthefascinationofasinner。
Shewasacuriouspsychologicalstudy。Earlyinlifeshehaddiscoveredtheimportanttruththatnothinglookssolikeinnocenceasanindiscretion;andbyaseriesofrecklessescapades，halfofthemquiteharmless，shehadacquiredalltheprivilegesofapersonality。Shehadmorethanoncechangedherhusband;indeed，Debrettcreditsherwiththreemarriages;butasshehadneverchangedherlover，theworldhadlongagoceasedtotalkscandalabouther。Shewasnowfortyyearsofage，childless，andwiththatinordinatepassionforpleasurewhichisthesecretofremainingyoung。
Suddenlyshelookedeagerlyroundtheroom，andsaid，inherclearcontraltovoice，’Whereismycheiromantist？’
’Yourwhat，Gladys？’exclaimedtheDuchess，givinganinvoluntarystart。
’Mycheiromantist，Duchess;Ican’tlivewithouthimatpresent。’
’DearGladys！youarealwayssooriginal，’murmuredtheDuchess，tryingtorememberwhatacheiromantistreallywas，andhopingitwasnotthesameasacheiropodist。
’Hecomestoseemyhandtwiceaweekregularly，’continuedLadyWindermere，’andismostinterestingaboutit。’
’Goodheavens！’saidtheDuchesstoherself，’heisasortofcheiropodistafterall。Howverydreadful。Ihopeheisaforeigneratanyrate。Itwouldn’tbequitesobadthen。’
’Imustcertainlyintroducehimtoyou。’
’Introducehim！’criedtheDuchess;’youdon’tmeantosayheishere？’andshebeganlookingaboutforasmalltortoise-shellfanandaverytatteredlaceshawl，soastobereadytogoatamoment’snotice。
’Ofcourseheishere;Iwouldnotdreamofgivingapartywithouthim。HetellsmeIhaveapurepsychichand，andthatifmythumbhadbeentheleastlittlebitshorter，Ishouldhavebeenaconfirmedpessimist，andgoneintoaconvent。’
’Oh，Isee！’saidtheDuchess，feelingverymuchrelieved;’hetellsfortunes，Isuppose？’
’Andmisfortunes，too，’answeredLadyWindermere，’anyamountofthem。Nextyear，forinstance，Iamingreatdanger，bothbylandandsea，soIamgoingtoliveinaballoon，anddrawupmydinnerinabasketeveryevening。Itisallwrittendownonmylittlefinger，oronthepalmofmyhand，Iforgetwhich。’
’ButsurelythatistemptingProvidence，Gladys。’
’MydearDuchess，surelyProvidencecanresisttemptationbythistime。Ithinkeveryoneshouldhavetheirhandstoldonceamonth，soastoknowwhatnottodo。Ofcourse，onedoesitallthesame，butitissopleasanttobewarned。Nowifsomeonedoesn’tgoandfetchMr。Podgersatonce，Ishallhavetogomyself。’
’Letmego，LadyWindermere，’saidatallhandsomeyoungman，whowasstandingby，listeningtotheconversationwithanamusedsmile。
’Thankssomuch，LordArthur;butIamafraidyouwouldn’trecognisehim。’
’Ifheisaswonderfulasyousay，LadyWindermere，Icouldn’twellmisshim。Tellmewhatheislike，andI’llbringhimtoyouatonce。’
’Well，heisnotabitlikeacheiromantist。Imeanheisnotmysterious，oresoteric，orromantic-looking。Heisalittle，stoutman，withafunny，baldhead，andgreatgold-rimmedspectacles;somethingbetweenafamilydoctorandacountryattorney。I’mreallyverysorry，butitisnotmyfault。Peoplearesoannoying。Allmypianistslookexactlylikepoets，andallmypoetslookexactlylikepianists;andIrememberlastseasonaskingamostdreadfulconspiratortodinner，amanwhohadblownupeversomanypeople，andalwaysworeacoatofmail，andcarriedadaggeruphisshirt-sleeve;anddoyouknowthatwhenhecamehelookedjustlikeaniceoldclergyman，andcrackedjokesalltheevening？Ofcourse，hewasveryamusing，andallthat，butIwasawfullydisappointed;andwhenIaskedhimaboutthecoatofmail，heonlylaughed，andsaiditwasfartoocoldtowearinEngland。
Ah，hereisMr。Podgers！Now，Mr。Podgers，IwantyoutotelltheDuchessofPaisley’shand。Duchess，youmusttakeyourgloveoff。
No，notthelefthand，theother。’
’DearGladys，Ireallydon’tthinkitisquiteright，’saidtheDuchess，feeblyunbuttoningarathersoiledkidglove。
’Nothinginterestingeveris，’saidLadyWindermere：’ONAFAITLE
MONDEAINSI。ButImustintroduceyou。Duchess，thisisMr。
Podgers，mypetcheiromantist。Mr。Podgers，thisistheDuchessofPaisley，andifyousaythatshehasalargermountainofthemoonthanIhave，Iwillneverbelieveinyouagain。’
’Iamsure，Gladys，thereisnothingofthekindinmyhand，’saidtheDuchessgravely。
’YourGraceisquiteright，’saidMr。Podgers，glancingatthelittlefathandwithitsshortsquarefingers，’themountainofthemoonisnotdeveloped。Thelineoflife，however，isexcellent。
Kindlybendthewrist。Thankyou。ThreedistinctlinesontheRASCETTE！Youwilllivetoagreatage，Duchess，andbeextremelyhappy。Ambition-verymoderate，lineofintellectnotexaggerated，lineofheart-’
’Now，dobeindiscreet，Mr。Podgers，’criedLadyWindermere。
’Nothingwouldgivemegreaterpleasure，’saidMr。Podgers，bowing，’iftheDuchesseverhadbeen，butIamsorrytosaythatIseegreatpermanenceofaffection，combinedwithastrongsenseofduty。’
’Praygoon，Mr。Podgers，’saidtheDuchess，lookingquitepleased。
’EconomyisnottheleastofyourGrace’svirtues，’continuedMr。
Podgers，andLadyWindermerewentoffintofitsoflaughter。
’Economyisaverygoodthing，’remarkedtheDuchesscomplacently;
’whenImarriedPaisleyhehadelevencastles，andnotasinglehousefittolivein。’
’Andnowhehastwelvehouses，andnotasinglecastle，’criedLadyWindermere。
’Well，mydear，’saidtheDuchess，’Ilike-’
’Comfort，’saidMr。Podgers，’andmodernimprovements，andhotwaterlaidonineverybedroom。YourGraceisquiteright。
Comfortistheonlythingourcivilisationcangiveus。
’YouhavetoldtheDuchess’scharacteradmirably，Mr。Podgers，andnowyoumusttellLadyFlora’s’;andinanswertoanodfromthesmilinghostess，atallgirl，withsandyScotchhair，andhighshoulder-blades，steppedawkwardlyfrombehindthesofa，andheldoutalong，bonyhandwithspatulatefingers。
’Ah，apianist！Isee，’saidMr。Podgers，’anexcellentpianist，butperhapshardlyamusician。Veryreserved，veryhonest，andwithagreatloveofanimals。’
’Quitetrue！’exclaimedtheDuchess，turningtoLadyWindermere，’absolutelytrue！FlorakeepstwodozencolliedogsatMacloskie，andwouldturnourtownhouseintoamenagerieifherfatherwouldlether。’
’Well，thatisjustwhatIdowithmyhouseeveryThursdayevening，’criedLadyWindermere，laughing，’onlyIlikelionsbetterthancolliedogs。’
’Youronemistake，LadyWindermere，’saidMr。Podgers，withapompousbow。
’Ifawomancan’tmakehermistakescharming，sheisonlyafemale，’wastheanswer。’Butyoumustreadsomemorehandsforus。Come，SirThomas，showMr。Podgersyours’;andagenial-
lookingoldgentleman，inawhitewaistcoat，cameforward，andheldoutathickruggedhand，withaverylongthirdfinger。
’Anadventurousnature;fourlongvoyagesinthepast，andonetocome。Beenship-wreckedthreetimes。No，onlytwice，butindangerofashipwreckyournextjourney。AstrongConservative，verypunctual，andwithapassionforcollectingcuriosities。Hadasevereillnessbetweentheagessixteenandeighteen。Wasleftafortunewhenaboutthirty。GreataversiontocatsandRadicals。’
’Extraordinary！’exclaimedSirThomas;’youmustreallytellmywife’shand，too。’
’Yoursecondwife’s，’saidMr。Podgersquietly，stillkeepingSirThomas’shandinhis。’Yoursecondwife’s。Ishallbecharmed’;
butLadyMarvel，amelancholy-lookingwoman，withbrownhairandsentimentaleyelashes，entirelydeclinedtohaveherpastorherfutureexposed;andnothingthatLadyWindermerecoulddowouldinduceMonsieurdeKoloff，theRussianAmbassador，eventotakehisglovesoff。Infact，manypeopleseemedafraidtofacetheoddlittlemanwithhisstereotypedsmile，hisgoldspectacles，andhisbright，beadyeyes;andwhenhetoldpoorLadyFermor，rightoutbeforeeveryone，thatshedidnotcareabitformusic，butwasextremelyfondofmusicians，itwasgenerallyfeltthatcheiromancywasamostdangerousscience，andonethatoughtnottobeencouraged，exceptinaTETE-A-TETE。
LordArthurSavile，however，whodidnotknowanythingaboutLadyFermor’sunfortunatestory，andwhohadbeenwatchingMr。Podgerswithagreatdealofinterest，wasfilledwithanimmensecuriositytohavehisownhandread，andfeelingsomewhatshyaboutputtinghimselfforward，crossedovertheroomtowhereLadyWindermerewassitting，and，withacharmingblush，askedherifshethoughtMr。
Podgerswouldmind。
’Ofcourse，hewon’tmind，’saidLadyWindermere，’thatiswhatheisherefor。Allmylions，LordArthur，areperforminglions，andjumpthroughhoopswheneverIaskthem。ButImustwarnyoubeforehandthatIshalltellSybileverything。Sheiscomingtolunchwithmeto-morrow，totalkaboutbonnets，andifMr。Podgersfindsoutthatyouhaveabadtemper，oratendencytogout，orawifelivinginBayswater，Ishallcertainlyletherknowallaboutit。’
LordArthursmiled，andshookhishead。’Iamnotafraid，’heanswered。’SybilknowsmeaswellasIknowher。’
’Ah！Iamalittlesorrytohearyousaythat。Theproperbasisformarriageisamutualmisunderstanding。No，Iamnotatallcynical，Ihavemerelygotexperience，which，however，isverymuchthesamething。Mr。Podgers，LordArthurSavileisdyingtohavehishandread。Don’ttellhimthatheisengagedtooneofthemostbeautifulgirlsinLondon，becausethatappearedintheMORNINGPOSTamonthago。
’DearLadyWindermere，’criedtheMarchionessofJedburgh，’doletMr。Podgersstayherealittlelonger。HehasjusttoldmeI
shouldgoonthestage，andIamsointerested。’
’Ifhehastoldyouthat，LadyJedburgh，Ishallcertainlytakehimaway。Comeoveratonce，Mr。Podgers，andreadLordArthur’shand。’
’Well，’saidLadyJedburgh，makingalittleMOUEassherosefromthesofa，’ifIamnottobeallowedtogoonthestage，Imustbeallowedtobepartoftheaudienceatanyrate。’
’Ofcourse;weareallgoingtobepartoftheaudience，’saidLadyWindermere;’andnow，Mr。Podgers，besureandtellussomethingnice。LordArthurisoneofmyspecialfavourites。’
ButwhenMr。PodgerssawLordArthur’shandhegrewcuriouslypale，andsaidnothing。Ashudderseemedtopassthroughhim，andhisgreatbushyeyebrowstwitchedconvulsively，inanodd，irritatingwaytheyhadwhenhewaspuzzled。Thensomehugebeadsofperspirationbrokeoutonhisyellowforehead，likeapoisonousdew，andhisfatfingersgrewcoldandclammy。
LordArthurdidnotfailtonoticethesestrangesignsofagitation，and，forthefirsttimeinhislife，hehimselffeltfear。Hisimpulsewastorushfromtheroom，butherestrainedhimself。Itwasbettertoknowtheworst，whateveritwas，thantobeleftinthishideousuncertainty。
’Iamwaiting，Mr。Podgers，’hesaid。
’Weareallwaiting，’criedLadyWindermere，inherquick，impatientmanner，butthecheiromantistmadenoreply。
’IbelieveArthurisgoingonthestage，’saidLadyJedburgh，’andthat，afteryourscolding，Mr。Podgersisafraidtotellhimso。’
SuddenlyMr。PodgersdroppedLordArthur’srighthand，andseizedholdofhisleft，bendingdownsolowtoexamineitthatthegoldrimsofhisspectaclesseemedalmosttotouchthepalm。Foramomenthisfacebecameawhitemaskofhorror，buthesoonrecoveredhisSANG-FROID，andlookingupatLadyWindermere，saidwithaforcedsmile，’Itisthehandofacharmingyoungman。
’Ofcourseitis！’answeredLadyWindermere，’butwillhebeacharminghusband？ThatiswhatIwanttoknow。’
’Allcharmingyoungmenare，’saidMr。Podgers。
’Idon’tthinkahusbandshouldbetoofascinating，’murmuredLadyJedburghpensively，’itissodangerous。’
’Mydearchild，theyneveraretoofascinating，’criedLadyWindermere。’ButwhatIwantaredetails。Detailsaretheonlythingsthatinterest。WhatisgoingtohappentoLordArthur？’
’Well，withinthenextfewmonthsLordArthurwillgoavoyage-’
’Ohyes，hishoneymoon，ofcourse！’
’Andlosearelative。’
’Nothissister，Ihope？’saidLadyJedburgh，inapiteoustoneofvoice。
’Certainlynothissister，’answeredMr。Podgers，withadeprecatingwaveofthehand，’adistantrelativemerely。’
’Well，Iamdreadfullydisappointed，’saidLadyWindermere。’I
haveabsolutelynothingtotellSybilto-morrow。Noonecaresaboutdistantrelativesnowadays。Theywentoutoffashionyearsago。However，Isupposeshehadbetterhaveablacksilkbyher;
italwaysdoesforchurch，youknow。Andnowletusgotosupper。
Theyaresuretohaveeateneverythingup，butwemayfindsomehotsoup。Francoisusedtomakeexcellentsouponce，butheissoagitatedaboutpoliticsatpresent，thatIneverfeelquitecertainabouthim。IdowishGeneralBoulangerwouldkeepquiet。Duchess，Iamsureyouaretired？’
’Notatall，dearGladys，’answeredtheDuchess，waddlingtowardsthedoor。’Ihaveenjoyedmyselfimmensely，andthecheiropodist，Imeanthecheiromantist，ismostinteresting。Flora，wherecanmytortoise-shellfanbe？Oh，thankyou，SirThomas，somuch。Andmylaceshawl，Flora？Oh，thankyou，SirThomas，verykind，I’msure’;andtheworthycreaturefinallymanagedtogetdownstairswithoutdroppingherscent-bottlemorethantwice。
AllthistimeLordArthurSavilehadremainedstandingbythefireplace，withthesamefeelingofdreadoverhim，thesamesickeningsenseofcomingevil。Hesmiledsadlyathissister，asshesweptpasthimonLordPlymdale’sarm，lookinglovelyinherpinkbrocadeandpearls，andhehardlyheardLadyWindermerewhenshecalledtohimtofollowher。HethoughtofSybilMerton，andtheideathatanythingcouldcomebetweenthemmadehiseyesdimwithtears。
Lookingathim，onewouldhavesaidthatNemesishadstolentheshieldofPallas，andshownhimtheGorgon’shead。Heseemedturnedtostone，andhisfacewaslikemarbleinitsmelancholy。
Hehadlivedthedelicateandluxuriouslifeofayoungmanofbirthandfortune，alifeexquisiteinitsfreedomfromsordidcare，itsbeautifulboyishinsouciance;andnowforthefirsttimehebecameconsciousoftheterriblemysteryofDestiny，oftheawfulmeaningofDoom。
Howmadandmonstrousitallseemed！Coulditbethatwrittenonhishand，incharactersthathecouldnotreadhimself，butthatanothercoulddecipher，wassomefearfulsecretofsin，someblood-
redsignofcrime？Wastherenoescapepossible？Werewenobetterthanchessmen，movedbyanunseenpower，vesselsthepotterfashionsathisfancy，forhonourorforshame？Hisreasonrevoltedagainstit，andyethefeltthatsometragedywashangingoverhim，andthathehadbeensuddenlycalledupontobearanintolerableburden。Actorsaresofortunate。Theycanchoosewhethertheywillappearintragedyorincomedy，whethertheywillsufferormakemerry，laughorshedtears。Butinreallifeitisdifferent。Mostmenandwomenareforcedtoperformpartsforwhichtheyhavenoqualifications。OurGuildensternsplayHamletforus，andourHamletshavetojestlikePrinceHal。Theworldisastage，buttheplayisbadlycast。
SuddenlyMr。Podgersenteredtheroom。WhenhesawLordArthurhestarted，andhiscoarse，fatfacebecameasortofgreenish-yellowcolour。Thetwomen’seyesmet，andforamomenttherewassilence。
’TheDuchesshasleftoneofhergloveshere，LordArthur，andhasaskedmetobringittoher，’saidMr。Podgersfinally。’Ah，Iseeitonthesofa！Goodevening。’
’Mr。Podgers，ImustinsistonyourgivingmeastraightforwardanswertoaquestionIamgoingtoputtoyou。’
’Anothertime，LordArthur，buttheDuchessisanxious。IamafraidImustgo。’
’Youshallnotgo。TheDuchessisinnohurry。’
’Ladiesshouldnotbekeptwaiting，LordArthur，’saidMr。Podgers，withhissicklysmile。’Thefairsexisapttobeimpatient。’
LordArthur’sfinely-chiselledlipscurledinpetulantdisdain。
ThepoorDuchessseemedtohimofverylittleimportanceatthatmoment。HewalkedacrosstheroomtowhereMr。Podgerswasstanding，andheldhishandout。
’Tellmewhatyousawthere，’hesaid。’Tellmethetruth。Imustknowit。Iamnotachild。’
Mr。Podgers’seyesblinkedbehindhisgold-rimmedspectacles，andhemoveduneasilyfromonefoottotheother，whilehisfingersplayednervouslywithaflashwatch-chain。
’WhatmakesyouthinkthatIsawanythinginyourhand，LordArthur，morethanItoldyou？’
’Iknowyoudid，andIinsistonyourtellingmewhatitwas。I
willpayyou。Iwillgiveyouachequeforahundredpounds。’
Thegreeneyesflashedforamoment，andthenbecamedullagain。
’Guineas？’saidMr。Podgersatlast，inalowvoice。
’Certainly。Iwillsendyouachequeto-morrow。Whatisyourclub？’
’Ihavenoclub。Thatistosay，notjustatpresent。Myaddressis-，butallowmetogiveyoumycard’;andproducingabitofgilt-edgepasteboardfromhiswaistcoatpocket，Mr。Podgershandedit，withalowbow，toLordArthur，whoreadonit，MR。SEPTIMUSR。PODGERS
PROFESSIONALCHEIROMANTIST
103AWESTMOONSTREET
’Myhoursarefromtentofour，’murmuredMr。Podgersmechanically，’andImakeareductionforfamilies。’
’Bequick，’criedLordArthur，lookingverypale，andholdinghishandout。
Mr。Podgersglancednervouslyround，anddrewtheheavyPORTIERE
acrossthedoor。
’Itwilltakealittletime，LordArthur，youhadbettersitdown。’
’Bequick，sir，’criedLordArthuragain，stampinghisfootangrilyonthepolishedfloor。
Mr。Podgerssmiled，drewfromhisbreast-pocketasmallmagnifyingglass，andwipeditcarefullywithhishandkerchief’Iamquiteready，’hesaid。
CHAPTERII
TENminuteslater，withfaceblanchedbyterror，andeyeswildwithgrief，LordArthurSavilerushedfromBentinckHouse，crushinghiswaythroughthecrowdoffur-coatedfootmenthatstoodroundthelargestripedawning，andseemingnottoseeorhearanything。Thenightwasbittercold，andthegas-lampsroundthesquareflaredandflickeredinthekeenwind;buthishandswerehotwithfever，andhisforeheadburnedlikefire。Onandonhewent，almostwiththegaitofadrunkenman。Apolicemanlookedcuriouslyathimashepassed，andabeggar，whoslouchedfromanarchwaytoaskforalms，grewfrightened，seeingmiserygreaterthanhisown。Oncehestoppedunderalamp，andlookedathishands。Hethoughthecoulddetectthestainofbloodalreadyuponthem，andafaintcrybrokefromhistremblinglips。
Murder！thatiswhatthecheiromantisthadseenthere。Murder！
Theverynightseemedtoknowit，andthedesolatewindtohowlitinhisear。Thedarkcornersofthestreetswerefullofit。Itgrinnedathimfromtheroofsofthehouses。
FirsthecametothePark，whosesombrewoodlandseemedtofascinatehim。Heleanedwearilyupagainsttherailings，coolinghisbrowagainstthewetmetal，andlisteningtothetremuloussilenceofthetrees。’Murder！murder！’hekeptrepeating，asthoughiterationcoulddimthehorroroftheword。Thesoundofhisownvoicemadehimshudder，yethealmosthopedthatEchomighthearhim，andwaketheslumberingcityfromitsdreams。Hefeltamaddesiretostopthecasualpasser-by，andtellhimeverything。
ThenhewanderedacrossOxfordStreetintonarrow，shamefulalleys。
Twowomenwithpaintedfacesmockedathimashewentby。Fromadarkcourtyardcameasoundofoathsandblows，followedbyshrillscreams，and，huddleduponadampdoor-step，hesawthecrook-
backedformsofpovertyandeld。Astrangepitycameoverhim。
Werethesechildrenofsinandmiserypredestinedtotheirend，ashetohis？Werethey，likehim，merelythepuppetsofamonstrousshow？
Andyetitwasnotthemystery，butthecomedyofsufferingthatstruckhim;itsabsoluteuselessness，itsgrotesquewantofmeaning。Howincoherenteverythingseemed！Howlackinginallharmony！Hewasamazedatthediscordbetweentheshallowoptimismoftheday，andtherealfactsofexistence。Hewasstillveryyoung。
AfteratimehefoundhimselfinfrontofMaryleboneChurch。Thesilentroadwaylookedlikealongribandofpolishedsilver，fleckedhereandtherebythedarkarabesquesofwavingshadows。
Farintothedistancecurvedthelineofflickeringgas-lamps，andoutsidealittlewalled-inhousestoodasolitaryhansom，thedriverasleepinside。HewalkedhastilyinthedirectionofPortlandPlace，nowandthenlookinground，asthoughhefearedthathewasbeingfollowed。AtthecornerofRichStreetstoodtwomen，readingasmallbilluponahoarding。Anoddfeelingofcuriositystirredhim，andhecrossedover。Ashecamenear，theword’Murder，’printedinblackletters，methiseye。Hestarted，andadeepflushcameintohischeek。Itwasanadvertisementofferingarewardforanyinformationleadingtothearrestofamanofmediumheight，betweenthirtyandfortyyearsofage，wearingabilly-cockhat，ablackcoat，andchecktrousers，andwithascaruponhisrightcheek。Hereaditoverandoveragain，andwonderedifthewretchedmanwouldbecaught，andhowhehadbeenscarred。Perhaps，someday，hisownnamemightbeplacardedonthewallsofLondon。Someday，perhaps，apricewouldbesetonhisheadalso。
Thethoughtmadehimsickwithhorror。Heturnedonhisheel，andhurriedonintothenight。
Wherehewenthehardlyknew。Hehadadimmemoryofwanderingthroughalabyrinthofsordidhouses，ofbeinglostinagiantwebofsombrestreets，anditwasbrightdawnwhenhefoundhimselfatlastinPiccadillyCircus。AshestrolledhometowardsBelgraveSquare，hemetthegreatwaggonsontheirwaytoCoventGarden。
Thewhite-smockedcarters，withtheirpleasantsunburntfacesandcoarsecurlyhair，strodesturdilyon，crackingtheirwhips，andcallingoutnowandthentoeachother;onthebackofahugegreyhorse，theleaderofajanglingteam，satachubbyboy，withabunchofprimrosesinhisbatteredhat，keepingtightholdofthemanewithhislittlehands，andlaughing;andthegreatpilesofvegetableslookedlikemassesofjadeagainstthemorningsky，likemassesofgreenjadeagainstthepinkpetalsofsomemarvellousrose。LordArthurfeltcuriouslyaffected，hecouldnottellwhy。
Therewassomethinginthedawn’sdelicatelovelinessthatseemedtohiminexpressiblypathetic，andhethoughtofallthedaysthatbreakinbeauty，andthatsetinstorm。Theserustics，too，withtheirrough，good-humouredvoices，andtheirnonchalantways，whatastrangeLondontheysaw！ALondonfreefromthesinofnightandthesmokeofday，apallid，ghost-likecity，adesolatetownoftombs！Hewonderedwhattheythoughtofit，andwhethertheyknewanythingofitssplendouranditsshame，ofitsfierce，fiery-
colouredjoys，anditshorriblehunger，ofallitmakesandmarsfrommorntoeve。Probablyitwastothemmerelyamartwheretheybroughttheirfruitstosell，andwheretheytarriedforafewhoursatmost，leavingthestreetsstillsilent，thehousesstillasleep。Itgavehimpleasuretowatchthemastheywentby。Rudeastheywere，withtheirheavy，hob-nailedshoes，andtheirawkwardgait，theybroughtalittleofareadywiththem。HefeltthattheyhadlivedwithNature，andthatshehadtaughtthempeace。Heenviedthemallthattheydidnotknow。
BythetimehehadreachedBelgraveSquaretheskywasafaintblue，andthebirdswerebeginningtotwitterinthegardens。
CHAPTERIII
WHENLordArthurwokeitwastwelveo’clock，andthemiddaysunwasstreamingthroughtheivory-silkcurtainsofhisroom。Hegotupandlookedoutofthewindow。Adimhazeofheatwashangingoverthegreatcity，andtheroofsofthehouseswerelikedullsilver。
Intheflickeringgreenofthesquarebelowsomechildrenwereflittingaboutlikewhitebutterflies，andthepavementwascrowdedwithpeopleontheirwaytothePark。Neverhadlifeseemedloveliertohim，neverhadthethingsofevilseemedmoreremote。
Thenhisvaletbroughthimacupofchocolateonatray。Afterhehaddrunkit，hedrewasideaheavyPORTIEREofpeach-colouredplush，andpassedintothebathroom。Thelightstolesoftlyfromabove，throughthinslabsoftransparentonyx，andthewaterinthemarbletankglimmeredlikeamoonstone。Heplungedhastilyin，tillthecoolripplestouchedthroatandhair，andthendippedhisheadrightunder，asthoughhewouldhavewipedawaythestainofsomeshamefulmemory。Whenhesteppedouthefeltalmostatpeace。
Theexquisitephysicalconditionsofthemomenthaddominatedhim，asindeedoftenhappensinthecaseofveryfinely-wroughtnatures，forthesenses，likefire，canpurifyaswellasdestroy。
Afterbreakfast，heflunghimselfdownonadivan，andlitacigarette。Onthemantel-shelf，framedindaintyoldbrocade，stoodalargephotographofSybilMerton，ashehadseenherfirstatLadyNoel’sball。Thesmall，exquisitely-shapedheaddroopedslightlytooneside，asthoughthethin，reed-likethroatcouldhardlybeartheburdenofsomuchbeauty;thelipswereslightlyparted，andseemedmadeforsweetmusic;andallthetenderpurityofgirlhoodlookedoutinwonderfromthedreamingeyes。Withhersoft，clingingdressofCREPE-DE-CHINE，andherlargeleaf-shapedfan，shelookedlikeoneofthosedelicatelittlefiguresmenfindintheolive-woodsnearTanagra;andtherewasatouchofGreekgraceinherposeandattitude。YetshewasnotPETITE。Shewassimplyperfectlyproportioned-ararethinginanagewhensomanywomenareeitheroverlife-sizeorinsignificant。
NowasLordArthurlookedather，hewasfilledwiththeterriblepitythatisbornoflove。Hefeltthattomarryher，withthedoomofmurderhangingoverhishead，wouldbeabetrayallikethatofJudas，asinworsethananytheBorgiahadeverdreamedof。
Whathappinesscouldtherebeforthem，whenatanymomenthemightbecalledupontocarryouttheawfulprophecywritteninhishand？
WhatmanneroflifewouldbetheirswhileFatestillheldthisfearfulfortuneinthescales？Themarriagemustbepostponed，atallcosts。Ofthishewasquiteresolved。Ardentlythoughhelovedthegirl，andthemeretouchofherfingers，whentheysattogether，madeeachnerveofhisbodythrillwithexquisitejoy，herecognisednonethelessclearlywherehisdutylay，andwasfullyconsciousofthefactthathehadnorighttomarryuntilhehadcommittedthemurder。Thisdone，hecouldstandbeforethealtarwithSybilMerton，andgivehislifeintoherhandswithoutterrorofwrongdoing。Thisdone，hecouldtakehertohisarms，knowingthatshewouldneverhavetoblushforhim，neverhavetohangherheadinshame。Butdoneitmustbefirst;andthesoonerthebetterforboth。
Manymeninhispositionwouldhavepreferredtheprimrosepathofdalliancetothesteepheightsofduty;butLordArthurwastooconscientioustosetpleasureaboveprinciple。Therewasmorethanmerepassioninhislove;andSybilwastohimasymbolofallthatisgoodandnoble。Foramomenthehadanaturalrepugnanceagainstwhathewasaskedtodo，butitsoonpassedaway。Hishearttoldhimthatitwasnotasin，butasacrifice;hisreasonremindedhimthattherewasnoothercourseopen。Hehadtochoosebetweenlivingforhimselfandlivingforothers，andterriblethoughthetasklaiduponhimundoubtedlywas，yetheknewthathemustnotsufferselfishnesstotriumphoverlove。Soonerorlaterweareallcalledupontodecideonthesameissue-ofusall，thesamequestionisasked。ToLordArthuritcameearlyinlife-
beforehisnaturehadbeenspoiledbythecalculatingcynicismofmiddle-age，orhisheartcorrodedbytheshallow，fashionableegotismofourday，andhefeltnohesitationaboutdoinghisduty。
Fortunatelyalso，forhim，hewasnomeredreamer，oridledilettante。Hadhebeenso，hewouldhavehesitated，likeHamlet，andletirresolutionmarhispurpose。Buthewasessentiallypractical。Lifetohimmeantaction，ratherthanthought。Hehadthatrarestofallthings，commonsense。
Thewild，turbidfeelingsofthepreviousnighthadbythistimecompletelypassedaway，anditwasalmostwithasenseofshamethathelookedbackuponhismadwanderingsfromstreettostreet，hisfierceemotionalagony。Theverysincerityofhissufferingsmadethemseemunrealtohimnow。Hewonderedhowhecouldhavebeensofoolishastorantandraveabouttheinevitable。Theonlyquestionthatseemedtotroublehimwas，whomtomakeawaywith;
forhewasnotblindtothefactthatmurder，likethereligionsofthePaganworld，requiresavictimaswellasapriest。Notbeingagenius，hehadnoenemies，andindeedhefeltthatthiswasnotthetimeforthegratificationofanypersonalpiqueordislike，themissioninwhichhewasengagedbeingoneofgreatandgravesolemnity。Heaccordinglymadeoutalistofhisfriendsandrelativesonasheetofnotepaper，andaftercarefulconsideration，decidedinfavourofLadyClementinaBeauchamp，adearoldladywholivedinCurzonStreet，andwashisownsecondcousinbyhismother’sside。HehadalwaysbeenveryfondofLadyClem，aseveryonecalledher，andashewasverywealthyhimself，havingcomeintoallLordRugby’spropertywhenhecameofage，therewasnopossibilityofhisderivinganyvulgarmonetaryadvantagebyherdeath。Infact，themorehethoughtoverthematter，themoresheseemedtohimtobejusttherightperson，and，feelingthatanydelaywouldbeunfairtoSybil，hedeterminedtomakehisarrangementsatonce。
Thefirstthingtobedonewas，ofcourse，tosettlewiththecheiromantist;sohesatdownatasmallSheratonwriting-tablethatstoodnearthewindow，drewachequefor105pounds，payabletotheorderofMr。SeptimusPodgers，and，enclosingitinanenvelope，toldhisvalettotakeittoWestMoonStreet。Hethentelephonedtothestablesforhishansom，anddressedtogoout。
AshewasleavingtheroomhelookedbackatSybilMerton’sphotograph，andsworethat，comewhatmay，hewouldneverletherknowwhathewasdoingforhersake，butwouldkeepthesecretofhisself-sacrificehiddenalwaysinhisheart。
OnhiswaytotheBuckingham，hestoppedataflorist’s，andsentSybilabeautifulbasketofnarcissus，withlovelywhitepetalsandstaringpheasants’eyes，andonarrivingattheclub，wentstraighttothelibrary，rangthebell，andorderedthewaitertobringhimalemon-and-soda，andabookonToxicology。Hehadfullydecidedthatpoisonwasthebestmeanstoadoptinthistroublesomebusiness。Anythinglikepersonalviolencewasextremelydistastefultohim，andbesides，hewasveryanxiousnottomurderLadyClementinainanywaythatmightattractpublicattention，ashehatedtheideaofbeinglionisedatLadyWindermere’s，orseeinghisnamefiguringintheparagraphsofvulgarsociety-newspapers。
HehadalsotothinkofSybil’sfatherandmother，whowereratherold-fashionedpeople，andmightpossiblyobjecttothemarriageiftherewasanythinglikeascandal，thoughhefeltcertainthatifhetoldthemthewholefactsofthecasetheywouldbetheveryfirsttoappreciatethemotivesthathadactuatedhim。Hehadeveryreason，then，todecideinfavourofpoison。Itwassafe，sure，andquiet，anddidawaywithanynecessityforpainfulscenes，towhich，likemostEnglishmen，hehadarootedobjection。
Ofthescienceofpoisons，however，heknewabsolutelynothing，andasthewaiterseemedquiteunabletofindanythinginthelibrarybutRUFF’SGUIDEandBAILEY’SMAGAZINE，heexaminedthebook-
shelveshimself，andfinallycameacrossahandsomely-boundeditionofthePHARMACOPOEIA，andacopyofErskine’sTOXICOLOGY，editedbySirMathewReid，thePresidentoftheRoyalCollegeofPhysicians，andoneoftheoldestmembersoftheBuckingham，havingbeenelectedinmistakeforsomebodyelse;aCONTRETEMPSthatsoenragedtheCommittee，thatwhentherealmancameuptheyblack-balledhimunanimously。LordArthurwasagooddealpuzzledatthetechnicaltermsusedinbothbooks，andhadbeguntoregretthathehadnotpaidmoreattentiontohisclassicsatOxford，wheninthesecondvolumeofErskine，hefoundaveryinterestingandcompleteaccountofthepropertiesofaconitine，writteninfairlyclearEnglish。
Itseemedtohimtobeexactlythepoisonhewanted。Itwasswift-indeed，almostimmediate，initseffect-perfectlypainless，andwhentakenintheformofagelatinecapsule，themoderecommendedbySirMathew，notbyanymeansunpalatable。Heaccordinglymadeanote，uponhisshirt-cuff，oftheamountnecessaryforafataldose，putthebooksbackintheirplaces，andstrolledupSt。
James’sStreet，toPestleandHumbey’s，thegreatchemists。Mr。
Pestle，whoalwaysattendedpersonallyonthearistocracy，wasagooddealsurprisedattheorder，andinaverydeferentialmannermurmuredsomethingaboutamedicalcertificatebeingnecessary。
However，assoonasLordArthurexplainedtohimthatitwasforalargeNorwegianmastiffthathewasobligedtogetridof，asitshowedsignsofincipientrabies，andhadalreadybittenthecoachmantwiceinthecalfoftheleg，heexpressedhimselfasbeingperfectlysatisfied，complimentedLordArthuronhiswonderfulknowledgeofToxicology，andhadtheprescriptionmadeupimmediately。
LordArthurputthecapsuleintoaprettylittlesilverBONBONNIERE
thathesawinashopwindowinBondStreet，threwawayPestleandHambey’suglypill-box，anddroveoffatoncetoLadyClementina’s。
’Well，MONSIEURLEMAUVAISSUJET，’criedtheoldlady，asheenteredtheroom，’whyhaven’tyoubeentoseemeallthistime？’
’MydearLadyClem，Ineverhaveamomenttomyself，’saidLordArthur，smiling。
’IsupposeyoumeanthatyougoaboutalldaylongwithMissSybilMerton，buyingCHIFFONSandtalkingnonsense？Icannotunderstandwhypeoplemakesuchafussaboutbeingmarried。Inmydayweneverdreamedofbillingandcooinginpublic，orinprivateforthatmatter。’
’IassureyouIhavenotseenSybilfortwenty-fourhours，LadyClem。AsfarasIcanmakeout，shebelongsentirelytohermilliners。’
’Ofcourse;thatistheonlyreasonyoucometoseeanuglyoldwomanlikemyself。Iwonderyoumendon’ttakewarning。ONAFAIT
DESFOLIESPOURMOI，andhereIam，apoorrheumaticcreature，withafalsefrontandabadtemper。Why，ifitwerenotfordearLadyJansen，whosendsmealltheworstFrenchnovelsshecanfind，I
don’tthinkIcouldgetthroughtheday。Doctorsarenouseatall，excepttogetfeesoutofone。Theycan’tevencuremyheartburn。’
’Ihavebroughtyouacureforthat，LadyClem，’saidLordArthurgravely。’Itisawonderfulthing，inventedbyanAmerican。’
’Idon’tthinkIlikeAmericaninventions，Arthur。IamquitesureIdon’t。IreadsomeAmericannovelslately，andtheywerequitenonsensical。’
’Oh，butthereisnononsenseatallaboutthis，LadyClem！I
assureyouitisaperfectcure。Youmustpromisetotryit’;andLordArthurbroughtthelittleboxoutofhispocket，andhandedittoher。
’Well，theboxischarming，Arthur。Isitreallyapresent？Thatisverysweetofyou。Andisthisthewonderfulmedicine？ItlookslikeaBONBON。I’lltakeitatonce。’
’Goodheavens！LadyClem，’criedLordArthur，catchingholdofherhand，’youmustn’tdoanythingofthekind。Itisahomoeopathicmedicine，andifyoutakeitwithouthavingheartburn，itmightdoyounoendofharm。Waittillyouhaveanattack，andtakeitthen。Youwillbeastonishedattheresult。’
’Ishouldliketotakeitnow，’saidLadyClementina，holdinguptothelightthelittletransparentcapsule，withitsfloatingbubbleofliquidaconitine。Iamsureitisdelicious。Thefactisthat，thoughIhatedoctors，Ilovemedicines。However，I’llkeepittillmynextattack。’
’Andwhenwillthatbe？’askedLordArthureagerly。’Willitbesoon？’
’Ihopenotforaweek。Ihadaverybadtimeyesterdaymorningwithit。Butoneneverknows。’
’Youaresuretohaveonebeforetheendofthemonththen，LadyClem？’
’Iamafraidso。Buthowsympatheticyouareto-day，Arthur！
Really，Sybilhasdoneyouagreatdealofgood。Andnowyoumustrunaway，forIamdiningwithsomeverydullpeople，whowon’ttalkscandal，andIknowthatifIdon’tgetmysleepnowIshallneverbeabletokeepawakeduringdinner。Good-bye，Arthur，givemylovetoSybil，andthankyousomuchfortheAmericanmedicine。’
’Youwon’tforgettotakeit，LadyClem，willyou？’saidLordArthur，risingfromhisseat。
’OfcourseIwon’t，yousillyboy。Ithinkitismostkindofyoutothinkofme，andIshallwriteandtellyouifIwantanymore。’
LordArthurleftthehouseinhighspirits，andwithafeelingofimmenserelief。
ThatnighthehadaninterviewwithSybilMerton。Hetoldherhowhehadbeensuddenlyplacedinapositionofterribledifficulty，fromwhichneitherhonournordutywouldallowhimtorecede。Hetoldherthatthemarriagemustbeputoffforthepresent，asuntilhehadgotridofhisfearfulentanglements，hewasnotafreeman。Heimploredhertotrusthim，andnottohaveanydoubtsaboutthefuture。Everythingwouldcomeright，butpatiencewasnecessary。
ThescenetookplaceintheconservatoryofMr。Merton’shouse，inParkLane，whereLordArthurhaddinedasusual。Sybilhadneverseemedmorehappy，andforamomentLordArthurhadbeentemptedtoplaythecoward’spart，towritetoLadyClementinaforthepill，andtoletthemarriagegoonasiftherewasnosuchpersonasMr。
Podgersintheworld。Hisbetternature，however，soonasserteditself，andevenwhenSybilflungherselfweepingintohisarms，hedidnotfalter。Thebeautythatstirredhissenseshadtouchedhisconsciencealso。Hefeltthattowrecksofairalifeforthesakeofafewmonths’pleasurewouldbeawrongthingtodo。
HestayedwithSybiltillnearlymidnight，comfortingherandbeingcomfortedinturn，andearlythenextmorningheleftforVenice，afterwritingamanly，firmlettertoMr。Mertonaboutthenecessarypostponementofthemarriage。
CHAPTERIV
INVenicehemethisbrother，LordSurbiton，whohappenedtohavecomeoverfromCorfuinhisyacht。Thetwoyoungmenspentadelightfulfortnighttogether。InthemorningtheyrodeontheLido，orglidedupanddownthegreencanalsintheirlongblackgondola;intheafternoontheyusuallyentertainedvisitorsontheyacht;andintheeveningtheydinedatFlorian’s，andsmokedinnumerablecigarettesonthePiazza。YetsomehowLordArthurwasnothappy。EverydayhestudiedtheobituarycolumnintheTIMES，expectingtoseeanoticeofLadyClementina’sdeath，buteverydayhewasdisappointed。Hebegantobeafraidthatsomeaccidenthadhappenedtoher，andoftenregrettedthathehadpreventedhertakingtheaconitinewhenshehadbeensoanxioustotryitseffect。Sybil’sletters，too，thoughfulloflove，andtrust，andtenderness，wereoftenverysadintheirtone，andsometimesheusedtothinkthathewaspartedfromherforever。
AfterafortnightLordSurbitongotboredwithVenice，anddeterminedtorundownthecoasttoRavenna，asheheardthattherewassomecapitalcock-shootinginthePinetum。LordArthuratfirstrefusedabsolutelytocome，butSurbiton，ofwhomhewasextremelyfond，finallypersuadedhimthatifhestayedatDanieli’sbyhimselfhewouldbemopedtodeath，andonthemorningofthe15ththeystarted，withastrongnor’-eastwindblowing，andaratherchoppysea。Thesportwasexcellent，andthefree，open-
airlifebroughtthecolourbacktoLordArthur’scheek，butaboutthe22ndhebecameanxiousaboutLadyClementina，and，inspiteofSurbiton’sremonstrances，camebacktoVenicebytrain。
Ashesteppedoutofhisgondolaontothehotelsteps，theproprietorcameforwardtomeethimwithasheafoftelegrams。
LordArthursnatchedthemoutofhishand，andtorethemopen。
Everythinghadbeensuccessful。LadyClementinahaddiedquitesuddenlyonthenightofthe17th！
HisfirstthoughtwasforSybil，andhesentheroffatelegramannouncinghisimmediatereturntoLondon。Hethenorderedhisvalettopackhisthingsforthenightmail，senthisgondoliersaboutfivetimestheirproperfare，andranuptohissitting-roomwithalightstepandabuoyantheart。Therehefoundthreeletterswaitingforhim。OnewasfromSybilherself，fullofsympathyandcondolence。Theotherswerefromhismother，andfromLadyClementina’ssolicitor。ItseemedthattheoldladyhaddinedwiththeDuchessthatverynight，haddelightedeveryonebyherwitandESPRIT，buthadgonehomesomewhatearly，complainingofheartburn。Inthemorningshewasfounddeadinherbed，havingapparentlysufferednopain。SirMathewReidhadbeensentforatonce，but，ofcourse，therewasnothingtobedone，andshewastobeburiedonthe22ndatBeauchampChalcote。Afewdaysbeforeshediedshehadmadeherwill，andleftLordArthurherlittlehouseinCurzonStreet，andallherfurniture，personaleffects，andpictures，withtheexceptionofhercollectionofminiatures，whichwastogotohersister，LadyMargaretRufford，andheramethystnecklace，whichSybilMertonwastohave。Thepropertywasnotofmuchvalue;butMr。Mansfield，thesolicitor，wasextremelyanxiousforLordArthurtoreturnatonce，ifpossible，astherewereagreatmanybillstobepaid，andLadyClementinahadneverkeptanyregularaccounts。
LordArthurwasverymuchtouchedbyLadyClementina’skindremembranceofhim，andfeltthatMr。Podgershadagreatdealtoanswerfor。HisloveofSybil，however，dominatedeveryotheremotion，andtheconsciousnessthathehaddonehisdutygavehimpeaceandcomfort。WhenhearrivedatCharingCross，hefeltperfectlyhappy。
TheMertonsreceivedhimverykindly。Sybilmadehimpromisethathewouldneveragainallowanythingtocomebetweenthem，andthemarriagewasfixedforthe7thJune。Lifeseemedtohimoncemorebrightandbeautiful，andallhisoldgladnesscamebacktohimagain。
Oneday，however，ashewasgoingoverthehouseinCurzonStreet，incompanywithLadyClementina’ssolicitorandSybilherself，burningpackagesoffadedletters，andturningoutdrawersofoddrubbish，theyounggirlsuddenlygavealittlecryofdelight。
’Whathaveyoufound，Sybil？’saidLordArthur，lookingupfromhiswork，andsmiling。
’ThislovelylittlesilverBONBONNIERE，Arthur。Isn’titquaintandDutch？Dogiveittome！Iknowamethystswon’tbecomemetillIamovereighty。’
Itwastheboxthathadheldtheaconitine。
LordArthurstarted，andafaintblushcameintohischeek。Hehadalmostentirelyforgottenwhathehaddone，anditseemedtohimacuriouscoincidencethatSybil，forwhosesakehehadgonethroughallthatterribleanxiety，shouldhavebeenthefirsttoremindhimofit。
’Ofcourseyoucanhaveit，Sybil。IgaveittopoorLadyClemmyself。’
’Oh！thankyou，Arthur;andmayIhavetheBONBONtoo？IhadnonotionthatLadyClementinalikedsweets。Ithoughtshewasfartoointellectual。’
LordArthurgrewdeadlypale，andahorribleideacrossedhismind。
’BONBON，Sybil？Whatdoyoumean？’hesaidinaslow，hoarsevoice。
’Thereisoneinit，thatisall。Itlooksquiteoldanddusty，andIhavenottheslightestintentionofeatingit。Whatisthematter，Arthur？Howwhiteyoulook！’
LordArthurrushedacrosstheroom，andseizedthebox。Insideitwastheamber-colouredcapsule，withitspoison-bubble。LadyClementinahaddiedanaturaldeathafterall！
Theshockofthediscoverywasalmosttoomuchforhim。Heflungthecapsuleintothefire，andsankonthesofawithacryofdespair。
CHAPTERV
MR。MERTONwasagooddealdistressedatthesecondpostponementofthemarriage，andLadyJulia，whohadalreadyorderedherdressforthewedding，didallinherpowertomakeSybilbreakoffthematch。Dearly，however，asSybillovedhermother，shehadgivenherwholelifeintoLordArthur’shands，andnothingthatLadyJuliacouldsaycouldmakeherwaverinherfaith。AsforLordArthurhimself，ittookhimdaystogetoverhisterribledisappointment，andforatimehisnerveswerecompletelyunstrung。
Hisexcellentcommonsense，however，soonasserteditself，andhissound，practicalminddidnotleavehimlongindoubtaboutwhattodo。Poisonhavingprovedacompletefailure，dynamite，orsomeotherformofexplosive，wasobviouslytheproperthingtotry。
Heaccordinglylookedagainoverthelistofhisfriendsandrelatives，and，aftercarefulconsideration，determinedtoblowuphisuncle，theDeanofChichester。TheDean，whowasamanofgreatcultureandlearning，wasextremelyfondofclocks，andhadawonderfulcollectionoftimepieces，rangingfromthefifteenthcenturytothepresentday，anditseemedtoLordArthurthatthishobbyofthegoodDean’sofferedhimanexcellentopportunityforcarryingouthisscheme。Wheretoprocureanexplosivemachinewas，ofcourse，quiteanothermatter。TheLondonDirectorygavehimnoinformationonthepoint，andhefeltthattherewasverylittleuseingoingtoScotlandYardaboutit，astheyneverseemedtoknowanythingaboutthemovementsofthedynamitefactiontillafteranexplosionhadtakenplace，andnotmucheventhen。
SuddenlyhethoughtofhisfriendRouvaloff，ayoungRussianofveryrevolutionarytendencies，whomhehadmetatLadyWindermere’sinthewinter。CountRouvaloffwassupposedtobewritingalifeofPetertheGreat，andtohavecomeovertoEnglandforthepurposeofstudyingthedocumentsrelatingtothatTsar’sresidenceinthiscountryasashipcarpenter;butitwasgenerallysuspectedthathewasaNihilistagent，andtherewasnodoubtthattheRussianEmbassydidnotlookwithanyfavouruponhispresenceinLondon。LordArthurfeltthathewasjustthemanforhispurpose，anddrovedownonemorningtohislodgingsinBloomsbury，toaskhisadviceandassistance。
’Soyouaretakinguppoliticsseriously？’saidCountRouvaloff，whenLordArthurhadtoldhimtheobjectofhismission;butLordArthur，whohatedswaggerofanykind，feltboundtoadmittohimthathehadnottheslightestinterestinsocialquestions，andsimplywantedtheexplosivemachineforapurelyfamilymatter，inwhichnoonewasconcernedbuthimself。
CountRouvalofflookedathimforsomemomentsinamazement，andthenseeingthathewasquiteserious，wroteanaddressonapieceofpaper，initialledit，andhandedittohimacrossthetable。
’ScotlandYardwouldgiveagooddealtoknowthisaddress，mydearfellow。’
’Theyshan’thaveit，’criedLordArthur，laughing;andaftershakingtheyoungRussianwarmlybythehandherandownstairs，examinedthepaper，andtoldthecoachmantodrivetoSohoSquare。
Therehedismissedhim，andstrolleddownGreekStreet，tillhecametoaplacecalledBayle’sCourt。Hepassedunderthearchway，andfoundhimselfinacuriousCUL-DE-SAC，thatwasapparentlyoccupiedbyaFrenchLaundry，asaperfectnetworkofclothes-lineswasstretchedacrossfromhousetohouse，andtherewasaflutterofwhitelineninthemorningair。Hewalkedrighttotheend，andknockedatalittlegreenhouse。Aftersomedelay，duringwhicheverywindowinthecourtbecameablurredmassofpeeringfaces，thedoorwasopenedbyaratherrough-lookingforeigner，whoaskedhiminverybadEnglishwhathisbusinesswas。LordArthurhandedhimthepaperCountRouvaloffhadgivenhim。Whenthemansawithebowed，andinvitedLordArthurintoaveryshabbyfrontparlouronthegroundfloor，andinafewmomentsHerrWinckelkopf，ashewascalledinEngland，bustledintotheroom，withaverywine-
stainednapkinroundhisneck，andaforkinhislefthand。
’CountRouvaloffhasgivenmeanintroductiontoyou，’saidLordArthur，bowing，’andIamanxioustohaveashortinterviewwithyouonamatterofbusiness。MynameisSmith，Mr。RobertSmith，andIwantyoutosupplymewithanexplosiveclock。’
’Charmedtomeetyou，LordArthur，’saidthegeniallittleGerman，laughing。’Don’tlooksoalarmed，itismydutytoknoweverybody，andIrememberseeingyouoneeveningatLadyWindermere’s。Ihopeherladyshipisquitewell。DoyoumindsittingwithmewhileI
finishmybreakfast？ThereisanexcellentPATE，andmyfriendsarekindenoughtosaythatmyRhinewineisbetterthananytheygetattheGermanEmbassy，’andbeforeLordArthurhadgotoverhissurpriseatbeingrecognised，hefoundhimselfseatedintheback-
room，sippingthemostdeliciousMarcobrunneroutofapaleyellowhock-glassmarkedwiththeImperialmonogram，andchattinginthefriendliestmannerpossibletothefamousconspirator。
’Explosiveclocks，’saidHerrWinckelkopf，’arenotverygoodthingsforforeignexportation，as，eveniftheysucceedinpassingtheCustomHouse，thetrainserviceissoirregular，thattheyusuallygooffbeforetheyhavereachedtheirproperdestination。
If，however，youwantoneforhomeuse，Icansupplyyouwithanexcellentarticle，andguaranteethatyouwillhesatisfiedwiththeresult。MayIaskforwhomitisintended？Ifitisforthepolice，orforanyoneconnectedwithScotlandYard，IamafraidI
cannotdoanythingforyou。TheEnglishdetectivesarereallyourbestfriends，andIhavealwaysfoundthatbyrelyingontheirstupidity，wecandoexactlywhatwelike。Icouldnotspareoneofthem。’
’Iassureyou，’saidLordArthur，’thatithasnothingtodowiththepoliceatall。Infact，theclockisintendedfortheDeanofChichester。’
’Dearme！Ihadnoideathatyoufeltsostronglyaboutreligion，LordArthur。Fewyoungmendonowadays。’
’Iamafraidyouoverrateme，HerrWinckelkopf，’saidLordArthur，blushing。’Thefactis，Ireallyknownothingabouttheology。’
’Itisapurelyprivatematterthen？’
’Purelyprivate。’
HerrWinckelkopfshruggedhisshoulders，andlefttheroom，returninginafewminuteswitharoundcakeofdynamiteaboutthesizeofapenny，andaprettylittleFrenchclock，surmountedbyanormolufigureofLibertytramplingonthehydraofDespotism。
LordArthur’sfacebrightenedupwhenhesawit。’ThatisjustwhatIwant，’hecried，’andnowtellmehowitgoesoff。’
’Ah！thereismysecret，’answeredHerrWinckelkopf，contemplatinghisinventionwithajustifiablelookofpride;’letmeknowwhenyouwishittoexplode，andIwillsetthemachinetothemoment。’
’Well，to-dayisTuesday，andifyoucouldsenditoffatonce-’
’Thatisimpossible;IhaveagreatdealofimportantworkonhandforsomefriendsofmineinMoscow。Still，Imightsenditoffto-
morrow。’
’Oh，itwillbequitetimeenough！’saidLordArthurpolitely，’ifitisdeliveredto-morrownightorThursdaymorning。Forthemomentoftheexplosion，sayFridayatnoonexactly。TheDeanisalwaysathomeatthathour。’
’Friday，atnoon，’repeatedHerrWinckelkopf，andhemadeanotetothateffectinalargeledgerthatwaslyingonabureaunearthefireplace。