They found the body in the study, lying near the desk, which was broken open and terribly damaged. As Meg, the cook, stated, his head was smashed in like a pumpkin8, and near by lay the weapon with which the deed had been done--a Zulu knobkerrie, which had been torn from the decorative9 weapons of the wall. Dora was an exceptionally brave woman, cool in danger and collected in trouble; but even she felt qualmish to see that revered10 head all beaten, all splashed with gore11. The place was like a shambles12. Amid the blood lay a pistol, near to the hand of the dead man, and many papers were scattered13 about it, tossed in confusion from the bureau.
Mr. Edermont had been nothing more to Dora than her legal guardian14. He had been a selfish, cowardly creature, who had done nothing to win her love; yet, as Dora looked at the body lying there, red with blood, battered15, and beaten, and bruised16, she felt at once sorry and angered. The first, that so harmless--so far as she knew--a creature had been so cruelly done to death; the second, that his assassin had escaped. However, as the deed was done, and the man was dead, no time was to be lost in raising the alarm. It was just possible that the murderer might be secured if prompt measures were taken.
Dora knew now that the cry she had heard in the night had been no fancy, no dreaming, but a terrible reality; and the striking of the clock immediately afterwards enabled her to fix the exact time when the crime had been committed. However, she was wise enough to say nothing on the point until called upon to do so. But raising, with the aid of Meg, the dead body on to the sofa, she sent the woman across the road to summon Joad. Hardly had she issued the order when the voice of that very person, in surprised tones, was heard in the drawing-room off the study.
Considerably17 astonished at his early arrival, for it was not yet eight o'clock, Dora ran into the next room. At the door she paused in sheer amazement18. The glass door at the side of the apartment had no shutters19 up, and was wide open, while Joad was looking through it, apparently20 as much taken aback by her appearance as she was by his.
"What is it? What is it?" he demanded hastily. "This door ajar--the postern gate open--you here----"
"The postern gate open?" cried Dora suddenly. "The assassin must have escaped that way."
"Come in at once, Mr. Joad, and I will show you. The sight requires no explanation."
Still amazed, Joad heaved his fat body through the door, and followed Dora into the room of death. When he saw what had taken place--the blood on the floor, the dead body on the sofa--his jaw22 dropped, his skin turned the colour of a dirty yellow, and he stared dumbfounded at the sight. So long did he remain in his semi-trance, that Dora was obliged to shake him by the elbow to bespeak23 his attention.
"You see Mr. Edermont has been murdered. Meg found him like that when she came to clean up the study."
"Aye, I did for sure!" cried Meg, her coarse face blanched24 with dread2. "Master did not lock kitchen last night, and I found doors all wide. I came here with broom and dust-pan, and there I saw he with poor head bashed to jelly."
Joad approached the sofa and examined the body, then reverently25 spread his handkerchief over the disfigured face.
"My poor friend!" he muttered with emotion. "And you thought that you were safe!"
"Does that mean you know who killed him?" asked Dora, making a step forward.
"No, I do not know who killed him. Julian was always afraid that he would be murdered by a certain person; but who that person is, or why he should desire Julian's death, I know no more than you do."
Dora only believed half of this statement. From what she had seen it would appear that Joad had been completely in the confidence of the dead man, and his denial seemed to be unnecessary. However, she made no comment on the speech, but with sudden suspicion asked Joad how it was he had come to the Red House before his usual time. He guessed what was in her mind, and laughed slyly.
"If you think I know anything of this terrible deed, you are wrong," said he slowly; "it is not likely I should kill the only friend I have in the world, and reduce myself to beggary."
"Good heavens, Mr. Joad! I never accused you of such a thing!" cried Dora indignantly.
"Nevertheless, you thought it, Miss Carew," he replied smoothly26, "and you deemed that I had come thus early to look at my handiwork. You are wrong: it's my custom to take a short walk to get an appetite for breakfast. In crossing the fields, I saw to my amazement that the postern door was open. Knowing that Julian was particular to keep it locked, I went to see what was the matter. I came up to the house, and saw the side door was open also. In my surprise I uttered an ejaculation, and you appeared. You know the rest."
Dora did know the rest, but she did not know who had killed her guardian. However, now that a man was on the spot, she wished him to take the management of the matter into his own hands. But Joad declined to saddle himself with any such responsibility. He said that Dora was a New Woman, who thought that the weaker sex was the stronger of the two. This being the case, Mr. Joad suggested that she should prove her boast by assuming the position of the necessary male. Dora was annoyed at his niggling arguments, and disgusted at his laziness; but, not deeming the matter worth discussing, she took all authority into her own hands.
They proved to be very capable hands. She sent a man to Canterbury for the police, and put them in charge of the body and the house. To the inspector27 she related all she knew, and Meg followed suit. As for Joad, he interviewed the authorities on his own account, and gave the same unvarnished statement as he had given to the two women. Mr. Inspector heard all that was to be heard, saw all that was to be seen; and after leaving a couple of policemen in charge, he returned to Canterbury to rack his brains as to the whereabouts of the assassin. He also detailed28 a doctor to examine the body; and with this doctor came Allen.
The young man appeared haggard and ill. His face was pale, his eyes were wild, and he looked as though he had been sitting up for several nights in succession. When he saw Dora he made no effort to embrace or kiss her, but stood before her with downcast eyes, like a detected criminal. The girl was profoundly astonished at this conduct. Ordinarily Scott was blithe29 and light-hearted, with a smile and a word for everybody. Now he looked dejected and worried, and had not a word to say, even to the girl to whom he was betrothed30. After a time Dora, finding him so unsatisfactory, took him to her own sitting-room31, and sat him in a chair. Then she spoke32 bluntly, and with some anger, which was surely natural.
"I am glad to see you, Allen," she said abruptly33, "as I wish to have an explanation of your singular conduct."
"I have none to give you," he said, flushing.
"Indeed! Then why did you come over to-day?"
"I heard of this murder, for one thing," said Allen slowly; "and for another, I wish to put an end to our engagement."
Dora started. She remembered the prophecy of Mrs. Tice and of the dead man. It had come true sooner than she expected, and in a fashion she did not anticipate. Many things might have arisen to prevent their marriage, but if she and Allen were true to one another, she hoped to overleap all obstacles. But here was the man himself--the man who had vowed34 a thousand times that he could not live without her--and he proposed to part. She could hardly believe her ears; and from outraged35 pride tears sprang to her eyes.
"I thought you loved me, Allen!" said she, then flung herself on the sofa and sobbed36 as though her heart would break.
Dr. Scott rose suddenly, and stood looking down at her, his face working with passion. He would fain have taken her in his arms; he would have assured her of his love and undying fidelity37. But between him and Dora a shadow was standing--the shadow of a dead man.
"I do love you, Dora," said Allen, as soon as he could command his voice; "I shall always love you; but I can never make you my wife."
"But why? What is your reason?"
"I dare not tell you my reason; but you shall learn this much: Mr. Edermont told me something which parts us for ever."
"What did he tell you?"
"I dare not say."
Dora rose slowly and looked steadily38 into his face. His eyes dropped before hers, and he would have turned away, but she compelled him to face her.
"Allen, you know who killed Mr. Edermont."
"No, no! As God is in heaven I do not!" he said vehemently39. "I have my suspicions, but they count as nothing. Don't ask me anything, Dora, for I can tell you nothing."
"At least tell me why you wish our engagement ended," said she, very pale.
"Then listen to me, Allen," she said in a firm voice. "Until you tell me the reason of this conduct I refuse to release you from the engagement. I love you; you say that you love me; so there is no reason why we should part. If you will not speak, others will; and I shall devote myself to finding out the truth. When I do find it," she added slowly, "then we may part. Until then"--her voice rose--"you are my affianced husband."
Allen rose from his chair and walked slowly towards the window, where he stood looking out at the green lawn, the brilliant sunshine. In his then mood of self-torture and sorrow, the brightness of the day seemed a cruel contrast to his own dark thoughts. His life was over, his joys were at an end; a deadly trouble, greater than he could bear, had come upon him. Yet the flowers bloomed, the birds sang, the sunlight bathed stretches of green grass and clumps41 of stately trees in its golden rays, as in mockery of his puny42 grief and trivial ruin. The contrast struck him as so ironical that he burst into bitter laughter; but the mirth thus wrung43 from his breaking heart ended in a sigh of regret.
"Why do you laugh, Allen?" asked Dora, scared by this cruel merriment. "Why do you not answer?"
"I laugh because of the contrast between the joy of Nature and our own sorrows," he replied, turning his pale face towards her, "and I did not reply because I was thinking."
"You heard what I said?"
"I heard you, and I agree," said he softly. "God bless you for a good woman, Dora, for you have behaved nobly. Many a woman would have cast me off in scorn for my refusal to speak. But you are content to wait in hope. Alas45, my darling!" he cried, with a burst of sorrow; "there is no hope; there never can be hope. You and I are parted as surely as though the one were following the other to the graveyard46."
"But, Allen, we have committed no sin. Why should we part?"
"Because of the sins of others. Our trouble comes from the past, Dora, and it was that dead man who revealed it to me. Did I tell you what he said, you would agree with me that the only thing left to us is to kiss and part. But I dare not tell you; in mercy to yourself I spare you the burden of the secret which has made my life so bitter."
"I know that you act in all kindness, Allen, but you are wrong. It would be better to tell me all, and let me share your troubles. I am strong; I can bear anything."
"Not this, not this," replied Allen, releasing her hands and going to the door; "it would wreck47 your life, your happiness, as it has wrecked48 mine."
"Happiness!" she said in a tone of despair; "I have done with that."
"I hope not. Oh, my dear, I trust not. Time may bring you the content that I cannot give you. I accept your noble offer, Dora. Let us still continue our engagement, although we must rarely meet. But if you are wise, you will not seek to know the secret. It will bring you no good, only evil. For your own sake I keep silent. I can do no more; I can do no less."
He paused at the door, looking at her sadly. She stood in the centre of the room, a quiet and sorrowful figure in her black dress. Allen returned, and kissed her twice on the forehead; then he left her under the same roof as the dead man, and passed out of her life--as he thought--for ever.
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1
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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ironical
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| adj.讽刺的，冷嘲的 | |
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lulled
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| vt.使镇静，使安静（lull的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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smite
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| v.重击；彻底击败；n.打；尝试；一点儿 | |
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reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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7
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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pumpkin
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| n.南瓜 | |
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decorative
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| adj.装饰的，可作装饰的 | |
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revered
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| v.崇敬，尊崇，敬畏( revere的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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11
gore
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| n.凝血，血污；v.（动物）用角撞伤，用牙刺破；缝以补裆；顶 | |
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12
shambles
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| n.混乱之处；废墟 | |
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scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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battered
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| adj.磨损的；v.连续猛击；磨损 | |
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bruised
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| [医]青肿的，瘀紫的 | |
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considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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shutters
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| 百叶窗( shutter的名词复数 )； （照相机的）快门 | |
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apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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stammered
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| v.结巴地说出( stammer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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jaw
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| n.颚，颌，说教，流言蜚语；v.喋喋不休，教训 | |
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bespeak
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| v.预定；预先请求 | |
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24
blanched
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| v.使变白( blanch的过去式 )；使（植物）不见阳光而变白；酸洗（金属）使有光泽；用沸水烫（杏仁等）以便去皮 | |
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reverently
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| adv.虔诚地 | |
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smoothly
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| adv.平滑地，顺利地，流利地，流畅地 | |
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inspector
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| n.检查员，监察员，视察员 | |
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detailed
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| adj.详细的，详尽的，极注意细节的，完全的 | |
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blithe
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| adj.快乐的，无忧无虑的 | |
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betrothed
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| n. 已订婚者 动词betroth的过去式和过去分词 | |
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31
sitting-room
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| n.（BrE）客厅，起居室 | |
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32
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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34
vowed
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| 起誓，发誓（vow的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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35
outraged
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| a.震惊的，义愤填膺的 | |
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sobbed
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| 哭泣，啜泣( sob的过去式和过去分词 )； 哭诉，呜咽地说 | |
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fidelity
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| n.忠诚，忠实；精确 | |
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38
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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vehemently
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| adv. 热烈地 | |
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40
groaned
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| v.呻吟( groan的过去式和过去分词 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
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41
clumps
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| n.（树、灌木、植物等的）丛、簇( clump的名词复数 )；（土、泥等）团；块；笨重的脚步声v.（树、灌木、植物等的）丛、簇( clump的第三人称单数 )；（土、泥等）团；块；笨重的脚步声 | |
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42
puny
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| adj.微不足道的，弱小的 | |
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43
wrung
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| 绞( wring的过去式和过去分词 )； 握紧（尤指别人的手）； 把（湿衣服）拧干； 绞掉（水） | |
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44
anguished
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| adj.极其痛苦的v.使极度痛苦(anguish的过去式) | |
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45
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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46
graveyard
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| n.坟场 | |
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47
wreck
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| n.失事，遇难；沉船；vt.(船等)失事，遇难 | |
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48
wrecked
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| adj.失事的，遇难的 | |
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