Reading Help DRACULA by Bram Stoker Ch.13-27
Let any obstructing cause, no matter what, be removed in any way, even `
` by death, and we fly back to first principles of hope and enjoyment. `
` More than once as we sat around the table, my eyes opened in wonder `
` whether the whole of the past days had not been a dream. It was only `
` when I caught sight of the red blotch on Mrs. Harker's forehead that I `
` was brought back to reality. Even now, when I am gravely revolving `
` the matter, it is almost impossible to realize that the cause of all `
` our trouble is still existent. Even Mrs. Harker seems to lose sight `
` of her trouble for whole spells. It is only now and again, when `
` something recalls it to her mind, that she thinks of her terrible `
` scar. We are to meet here in my study in half an hour and decide on `
` our course of action. I see only one immediate difficulty, I know it `
` by instinct rather than reason. We shall all have to speak frankly. `
` And yet I fear that in some mysterious way poor Mrs. Harker's tongue `
` is tied. I know that she forms conclusions of her own, and from all `
` that has been I can guess how brilliant and how true they must be. `
` But she will not, or cannot, give them utterance. I have mentioned `
` this to Van Helsing, and he and I are to talk it over when we are `
` alone. I suppose it is some of that horrid poison which has got into `
` her veins beginning to work. The Count had his own purposes when he `
` gave her what Van Helsing called "the Vampire's baptism of blood." `
` Well, there may be a poison that distills itself out of good things. `
` In an age when the existence of ptomaines is a mystery we should not `
` wonder at anything! One thing I know, that if my instinct be true `
` regarding poor Mrs. Harker's silences, then there is a terrible `
` difficulty, an unknown danger, in the work before us. The same power `
` that compels her silence may compel her speech. I dare not think `
` further, for so I should in my thoughts dishonour a noble woman! `
` `
` `
` Later.--When the Professor came in, we talked over the state of `
` things. I could see that he had something on his mind, which he `
` wanted to say, but felt some hesitancy about broaching the subject. `
` After beating about the bush a little, he said, "Friend John, there is `
` something that you and I must talk of alone, just at the first at any `
` rate. Later, we may have to take the others into our confidence." `
` `
` Then he stopped, so I waited. He went on, "Madam Mina, our poor, dear `
` Madam Mina is changing." `
` `
` A cold shiver ran through me to find my worst fears thus endorsed. `
` Van Helsing continued. `
` `
` "With the sad experience of Miss Lucy, we must this time be warned `
` before things go too far. Our task is now in reality more difficult `
` than ever, and this new trouble makes every hour of the direst `
` importance. I can see the characteristics of the vampire coming in `
` her face. It is now but very, very slight. But it is to be seen if `
` we have eyes to notice without prejudge. Her teeth are sharper, and `
` at times her eyes are more hard. But these are not all, there is to `
` her the silence now often, as so it was with Miss Lucy. She did not `
` speak, even when she wrote that which she wished to be known later. `
` Now my fear is this. If it be that she can, by our hypnotic trance, `
` tell what the Count see and hear, is it not more true that he who have `
` hypnotize her first, and who have drink of her very blood and make her `
` drink of his, should if he will, compel her mind to disclose to him `
` that which she know?" `
` `
` I nodded acquiescence. He went on, "Then, what we must do is to `
` prevent this. We must keep her ignorant of our intent, and so she `
` cannot tell what she know not. This is a painful task! Oh, so `
` painful that it heartbreak me to think of it, but it must be. When `
` today we meet, I must tell her that for reason which we will not to `
` speak she must not more be of our council, but be simply guarded by `
` us." `
` `
` He wiped his forehead, which had broken out in profuse perspiration at `
` the thought of the pain which he might have to inflict upon the poor `
` soul already so tortured. I knew that it would be some sort of `
` comfort to him if I told him that I also had come to the same `
` conclusion. For at any rate it would take away the pain of doubt. I `
` told him, and the effect was as I expected. `
` `
` It is now close to the time of our general gathering. Van Helsing has `
` gone away to prepare for the meeting, and his painful part of it. I `
` really believe his purpose is to be able to pray alone. `
` `
` `
` Later.--At the very outset of our meeting a great personal relief was `
` experienced by both Van Helsing and myself. Mrs. Harker had sent a `
` message by her husband to say that she would not join us at present, `
` as she thought it better that we should be free to discuss our `
` movements without her presence to embarrass us. The Professor and I `
` looked at each other for an instant, and somehow we both seemed `
` relieved. For my own part, I thought that if Mrs. Harker realized the `
` danger herself, it was much pain as well as much danger averted. `
` Under the circumstances we agreed, by a questioning look and answer, `
` with finger on lip, to preserve silence in our suspicions, until we `
` should have been able to confer alone again. We went at once into our `
` Plan of Campaign. `
` `
` Van Helsing roughly put the facts before us first, "The Czarina `
` Catherine left the Thames yesterday morning. It will take her at the `
` quickest speed she has ever made at least three weeks to reach Varna. `
` But we can travel overland to the same place in three days. Now, if `
` we allow for two days less for the ship's voyage, owing to such `
` weather influences as we know that the Count can bring to bear, and if `
` we allow a whole day and night for any delays which may occur to us, `
` then we have a margin of nearly two weeks. `
` `
` "Thus, in order to be quite safe, we must leave here on 17th at `
` latest. Then we shall at any rate be in Varna a day before the ship `
` arrives, and able to make such preparations as may be necessary. Of `
` course we shall all go armed, armed against evil things, spiritual as `
` well as physical." `
` `
` Here Quincey Morris added, "I understand that the Count comes from a `
` wolf country, and it may be that he shall get there before us. I `
` propose that we add Winchesters to our armament. I have a kind of `
` belief in a Winchester when there is any trouble of that sort around. `
` Do you remember, Art, when we had the pack after us at Tobolsk? What `
` wouldn't we have given then for a repeater apiece!" `
` `
` "Good!" said Van Helsing, "Winchesters it shall be. Quincey's head is `
` level at times, but most so when there is to hunt, metaphor be more `
` dishonour to science than wolves be of danger to man. In the meantime `
` we can do nothing here. And as I think that Varna is not familiar to `
` any of us, why not go there more soon? It is as long to wait here as `
` there. Tonight and tomorrow we can get ready, and then if all be `
` well, we four can set out on our journey." `
` `
` "We four?" said Harker interrogatively, looking from one to another of `
` us. `
` `
` "Of course!" answered the Professor quickly. "You must remain to take `
` care of your so sweet wife!" `
` `
` Harker was silent for awhile and then said in a hollow voice, "Let us `
` talk of that part of it in the morning. I want to consult with Mina." `
` `
` I thought that now was the time for Van Helsing to warn him not to `
` disclose our plan to her, but he took no notice. I looked at him `
` significantly and coughed. For answer he put his finger to his lips `
` and turned away. `
` `
` `
` `
` JONATHAN HARKER'S JOURNAL `
` `
` 5 October, afternoon.--For some time after our meeting this morning I `
` could not think. The new phases of things leave my mind in a state of `
` wonder which allows no room for active thought. Mina's determination `
` not to take any part in the discussion set me thinking. And as I `
` could not argue the matter with her, I could only guess. I am as far `
` as ever from a solution now. The way the others received it, too `
` puzzled me. The last time we talked of the subject we agreed that `
` there was to be no more concealment of anything amongst us. Mina is `
` sleeping now, calmly and sweetly like a little child. Her lips are `
` curved and her face beams with happiness. Thank God, there are such `
` moments still for her. `
` `
` `
` Later.--How strange it all is. I sat watching Mina's happy sleep, and `
` I came as near to being happy myself as I suppose I shall ever be. As `
` the evening drew on, and the earth took its shadows from the sun `
` sinking lower, the silence of the room grew more and more solemn to `
` me. `
` `
` All at once Mina opened her eyes, and looking at me tenderly said, `
` "Jonathan, I want you to promise me something on your word of honour. `
` A promise made to me, but made holily in God's hearing, and not to be `
` broken though I should go down on my knees and implore you with bitter `
` tears. Quick, you must make it to me at once." `
` `
` "Mina," I said, "a promise like that, I cannot make at once. I may `
` have no right to make it." `
` `
` "But, dear one," she said, with such spiritual intensity that her eyes `
` were like pole stars, "it is I who wish it. And it is not for myself. `
` You can ask Dr. Van Helsing if I am not right. If he disagrees you `
` may do as you will. Nay, more if you all agree, later you are `
` absolved from the promise." `
` `
` "I promise!" I said, and for a moment she looked supremely happy. `
` Though to me all happiness for her was denied by the red scar on her `
` forehead. `
` `
` She said, "Promise me that you will not tell me anything of the plans `
` formed for the campaign against the Count. Not by word, or inference, `
` or implication, not at any time whilst this remains to me!" And she `
` solemnly pointed to the scar. I saw that she was in earnest, and said `
` solemnly, "I promise!" and as I said it I felt that from that instant `
` a door had been shut between us. `
` `
` `
` Later, midnight.--Mina has been bright and cheerful all the evening. `
` So much so that all the rest seemed to take courage, as if infected `
` somewhat with her gaiety. As a result even I myself felt as if the `
` pall of gloom which weighs us down were somewhat lifted. We all `
` retired early. Mina is now sleeping like a little child. It is `
` wonderful thing that her faculty of sleep remains to her in the midst `
` of her terrible trouble. Thank God for it, for then at least she can `
` forget her care. Perhaps her example may affect me as her gaiety did `
` tonight. I shall try it. Oh! For a dreamless sleep. `
` `
` 6 October, morning.--Another surprise. Mina woke me early, about the `
` same time as yesterday, and asked me to bring Dr. Van Helsing. I `
` thought that it was another occasion for hypnotism, and without `
` question went for the Professor. He had evidently expected some such `
` call, for I found him dressed in his room. His door was ajar, so that `
` he could hear the opening of the door of our room. He came at once. `
`
` by death, and we fly back to first principles of hope and enjoyment. `
` More than once as we sat around the table, my eyes opened in wonder `
` whether the whole of the past days had not been a dream. It was only `
` when I caught sight of the red blotch on Mrs. Harker's forehead that I `
` was brought back to reality. Even now, when I am gravely revolving `
` the matter, it is almost impossible to realize that the cause of all `
` our trouble is still existent. Even Mrs. Harker seems to lose sight `
` of her trouble for whole spells. It is only now and again, when `
` something recalls it to her mind, that she thinks of her terrible `
` scar. We are to meet here in my study in half an hour and decide on `
` our course of action. I see only one immediate difficulty, I know it `
` by instinct rather than reason. We shall all have to speak frankly. `
` And yet I fear that in some mysterious way poor Mrs. Harker's tongue `
` is tied. I know that she forms conclusions of her own, and from all `
` that has been I can guess how brilliant and how true they must be. `
` But she will not, or cannot, give them utterance. I have mentioned `
` this to Van Helsing, and he and I are to talk it over when we are `
` alone. I suppose it is some of that horrid poison which has got into `
` her veins beginning to work. The Count had his own purposes when he `
` gave her what Van Helsing called "the Vampire's baptism of blood." `
` Well, there may be a poison that distills itself out of good things. `
` In an age when the existence of ptomaines is a mystery we should not `
` wonder at anything! One thing I know, that if my instinct be true `
` regarding poor Mrs. Harker's silences, then there is a terrible `
` difficulty, an unknown danger, in the work before us. The same power `
` that compels her silence may compel her speech. I dare not think `
` further, for so I should in my thoughts dishonour a noble woman! `
` `
` `
` Later.--When the Professor came in, we talked over the state of `
` things. I could see that he had something on his mind, which he `
` wanted to say, but felt some hesitancy about broaching the subject. `
` After beating about the bush a little, he said, "Friend John, there is `
` something that you and I must talk of alone, just at the first at any `
` rate. Later, we may have to take the others into our confidence." `
` `
` Then he stopped, so I waited. He went on, "Madam Mina, our poor, dear `
` Madam Mina is changing." `
` `
` A cold shiver ran through me to find my worst fears thus endorsed. `
` Van Helsing continued. `
` `
` "With the sad experience of Miss Lucy, we must this time be warned `
` before things go too far. Our task is now in reality more difficult `
` than ever, and this new trouble makes every hour of the direst `
` importance. I can see the characteristics of the vampire coming in `
` her face. It is now but very, very slight. But it is to be seen if `
` we have eyes to notice without prejudge. Her teeth are sharper, and `
` at times her eyes are more hard. But these are not all, there is to `
` her the silence now often, as so it was with Miss Lucy. She did not `
` speak, even when she wrote that which she wished to be known later. `
` Now my fear is this. If it be that she can, by our hypnotic trance, `
` tell what the Count see and hear, is it not more true that he who have `
` hypnotize her first, and who have drink of her very blood and make her `
` drink of his, should if he will, compel her mind to disclose to him `
` that which she know?" `
` `
` I nodded acquiescence. He went on, "Then, what we must do is to `
` prevent this. We must keep her ignorant of our intent, and so she `
` cannot tell what she know not. This is a painful task! Oh, so `
` painful that it heartbreak me to think of it, but it must be. When `
` today we meet, I must tell her that for reason which we will not to `
` speak she must not more be of our council, but be simply guarded by `
` us." `
` `
` He wiped his forehead, which had broken out in profuse perspiration at `
` the thought of the pain which he might have to inflict upon the poor `
` soul already so tortured. I knew that it would be some sort of `
` comfort to him if I told him that I also had come to the same `
` conclusion. For at any rate it would take away the pain of doubt. I `
` told him, and the effect was as I expected. `
` `
` It is now close to the time of our general gathering. Van Helsing has `
` gone away to prepare for the meeting, and his painful part of it. I `
` really believe his purpose is to be able to pray alone. `
` `
` `
` Later.--At the very outset of our meeting a great personal relief was `
` experienced by both Van Helsing and myself. Mrs. Harker had sent a `
` message by her husband to say that she would not join us at present, `
` as she thought it better that we should be free to discuss our `
` movements without her presence to embarrass us. The Professor and I `
` looked at each other for an instant, and somehow we both seemed `
` relieved. For my own part, I thought that if Mrs. Harker realized the `
` danger herself, it was much pain as well as much danger averted. `
` Under the circumstances we agreed, by a questioning look and answer, `
` with finger on lip, to preserve silence in our suspicions, until we `
` should have been able to confer alone again. We went at once into our `
` Plan of Campaign. `
` `
` Van Helsing roughly put the facts before us first, "The Czarina `
` Catherine left the Thames yesterday morning. It will take her at the `
` quickest speed she has ever made at least three weeks to reach Varna. `
` But we can travel overland to the same place in three days. Now, if `
` we allow for two days less for the ship's voyage, owing to such `
` weather influences as we know that the Count can bring to bear, and if `
` we allow a whole day and night for any delays which may occur to us, `
` then we have a margin of nearly two weeks. `
` `
` "Thus, in order to be quite safe, we must leave here on 17th at `
` latest. Then we shall at any rate be in Varna a day before the ship `
` arrives, and able to make such preparations as may be necessary. Of `
` course we shall all go armed, armed against evil things, spiritual as `
` well as physical." `
` `
` Here Quincey Morris added, "I understand that the Count comes from a `
` wolf country, and it may be that he shall get there before us. I `
` propose that we add Winchesters to our armament. I have a kind of `
` belief in a Winchester when there is any trouble of that sort around. `
` Do you remember, Art, when we had the pack after us at Tobolsk? What `
` wouldn't we have given then for a repeater apiece!" `
` `
` "Good!" said Van Helsing, "Winchesters it shall be. Quincey's head is `
` level at times, but most so when there is to hunt, metaphor be more `
` dishonour to science than wolves be of danger to man. In the meantime `
` we can do nothing here. And as I think that Varna is not familiar to `
` any of us, why not go there more soon? It is as long to wait here as `
` there. Tonight and tomorrow we can get ready, and then if all be `
` well, we four can set out on our journey." `
` `
` "We four?" said Harker interrogatively, looking from one to another of `
` us. `
` `
` "Of course!" answered the Professor quickly. "You must remain to take `
` care of your so sweet wife!" `
` `
` Harker was silent for awhile and then said in a hollow voice, "Let us `
` talk of that part of it in the morning. I want to consult with Mina." `
` `
` I thought that now was the time for Van Helsing to warn him not to `
` disclose our plan to her, but he took no notice. I looked at him `
` significantly and coughed. For answer he put his finger to his lips `
` and turned away. `
` `
` `
` `
` JONATHAN HARKER'S JOURNAL `
` `
` 5 October, afternoon.--For some time after our meeting this morning I `
` could not think. The new phases of things leave my mind in a state of `
` wonder which allows no room for active thought. Mina's determination `
` not to take any part in the discussion set me thinking. And as I `
` could not argue the matter with her, I could only guess. I am as far `
` as ever from a solution now. The way the others received it, too `
` puzzled me. The last time we talked of the subject we agreed that `
` there was to be no more concealment of anything amongst us. Mina is `
` sleeping now, calmly and sweetly like a little child. Her lips are `
` curved and her face beams with happiness. Thank God, there are such `
` moments still for her. `
` `
` `
` Later.--How strange it all is. I sat watching Mina's happy sleep, and `
` I came as near to being happy myself as I suppose I shall ever be. As `
` the evening drew on, and the earth took its shadows from the sun `
` sinking lower, the silence of the room grew more and more solemn to `
` me. `
` `
` All at once Mina opened her eyes, and looking at me tenderly said, `
` "Jonathan, I want you to promise me something on your word of honour. `
` A promise made to me, but made holily in God's hearing, and not to be `
` broken though I should go down on my knees and implore you with bitter `
` tears. Quick, you must make it to me at once." `
` `
` "Mina," I said, "a promise like that, I cannot make at once. I may `
` have no right to make it." `
` `
` "But, dear one," she said, with such spiritual intensity that her eyes `
` were like pole stars, "it is I who wish it. And it is not for myself. `
` You can ask Dr. Van Helsing if I am not right. If he disagrees you `
` may do as you will. Nay, more if you all agree, later you are `
` absolved from the promise." `
` `
` "I promise!" I said, and for a moment she looked supremely happy. `
` Though to me all happiness for her was denied by the red scar on her `
` forehead. `
` `
` She said, "Promise me that you will not tell me anything of the plans `
` formed for the campaign against the Count. Not by word, or inference, `
` or implication, not at any time whilst this remains to me!" And she `
` solemnly pointed to the scar. I saw that she was in earnest, and said `
` solemnly, "I promise!" and as I said it I felt that from that instant `
` a door had been shut between us. `
` `
` `
` Later, midnight.--Mina has been bright and cheerful all the evening. `
` So much so that all the rest seemed to take courage, as if infected `
` somewhat with her gaiety. As a result even I myself felt as if the `
` pall of gloom which weighs us down were somewhat lifted. We all `
` retired early. Mina is now sleeping like a little child. It is `
` wonderful thing that her faculty of sleep remains to her in the midst `
` of her terrible trouble. Thank God for it, for then at least she can `
` forget her care. Perhaps her example may affect me as her gaiety did `
` tonight. I shall try it. Oh! For a dreamless sleep. `
` `
` 6 October, morning.--Another surprise. Mina woke me early, about the `
` same time as yesterday, and asked me to bring Dr. Van Helsing. I `
` thought that it was another occasion for hypnotism, and without `
` question went for the Professor. He had evidently expected some such `
` call, for I found him dressed in his room. His door was ajar, so that `
` he could hear the opening of the door of our room. He came at once. `
`