Reading Help DRACULA by Bram Stoker Ch.13-27
he could hear the opening of the door of our room. He came at once. `
` As he passed into the room, he asked Mina if the others might come, `
` too. `
` `
` "No," she said quite simply, "it will not be necessary. You can tell `
` them just as well. I must go with you on your journey." `
` `
` Dr. Van Helsing was as startled as I was. After a moment's pause he `
` asked, "But why?" `
` `
` "You must take me with you. I am safer with you, and you shall be `
` safer, too." `
` `
` "But why, dear Madam Mina? You know that your safety is our solemnest `
` duty. We go into danger, to which you are, or may be, more liable `
` than any of us from . . . from circumstances . . . things that have `
` been." He paused embarrassed. `
` `
` As she replied, she raised her finger and pointed to her forehead. "I `
` know. That is why I must go. I can tell you now, whilst the sun is `
` coming up. I may not be able again. I know that when the Count wills `
` me I must go. I know that if he tells me to come in secret, I must by `
` wile. By any device to hoodwink, even Jonathan." God saw the look `
` that she turned on me as she spoke, and if there be indeed a Recording `
` Angel that look is noted to her ever-lasting honour. I could only `
` clasp her hand. I could not speak. My emotion was too great for even `
` the relief of tears. `
` `
` She went on. "You men are brave and strong. You are strong in your `
` numbers, for you can defy that which would break down the human `
` endurance of one who had to guard alone. Besides, I may be of `
` service, since you can hypnotize me and so learn that which even I `
` myself do not know." `
` `
` Dr. Van Helsing said gravely, "Madam Mina, you are, as always, most `
` wise. You shall with us come. And together we shall do that which we `
` go forth to achieve." `
` `
` When he had spoken, Mina's long spell of silence made me look at her. `
` She had fallen back on her pillow asleep. She did not even wake when `
` I had pulled up the blind and let in the sunlight which flooded the `
` room. Van Helsing motioned to me to come with him quietly. We went `
` to his room, and within a minute Lord Godalming, Dr. Seward, and Mr. `
` Morris were with us also. `
` `
` He told them what Mina had said, and went on. "In the morning we `
` shall leave for Varna. We have now to deal with a new factor, Madam `
` Mina. Oh, but her soul is true. It is to her an agony to tell us so `
` much as she has done. But it is most right, and we are warned in `
` time. There must be no chance lost, and in Varna we must be ready to `
` act the instant when that ship arrives." `
` `
` "What shall we do exactly?" asked Mr. Morris laconically. `
` `
` The Professor paused before replying, "We shall at the first board `
` that ship. Then, when we have identified the box, we shall place a `
` branch of the wild rose on it. This we shall fasten, for when it is `
` there none can emerge, so that at least says the superstition. And to `
` superstition must we trust at the first. It was man's faith in the `
` early, and it have its root in faith still. Then, when we get the `
` opportunity that we seek, when none are near to see, we shall open the `
` box, and . . . and all will be well." `
` `
` "I shall not wait for any opportunity," said Morris. "When I see the `
` box I shall open it and destroy the monster, though there were a `
` thousand men looking on, and if I am to be wiped out for it the next `
` moment!" I grasped his hand instinctively and found it as firm as a `
` piece of steel. I think he understood my look. I hope he did. `
` `
` "Good boy," said Dr. Van Helsing. "Brave boy. Quincey is all man. `
` God bless him for it. My child, believe me none of us shall lag `
` behind or pause from any fear. I do but say what we may do . . . what `
` we must do. But, indeed, indeed we cannot say what we may do. There `
` are so many things which may happen, and their ways and their ends are `
` so various that until the moment we may not say. We shall all be `
` armed, in all ways. And when the time for the end has come, our `
` effort shall not be lack. Now let us today put all our affairs in `
` order. Let all things which touch on others dear to us, and who on us `
` depend, be complete. For none of us can tell what, or when, or how, `
` the end may be. As for me, my own affairs are regulate, and as I have `
` nothing else to do, I shall go make arrangements for the travel. I `
` shall have all tickets and so forth for our journey." `
` `
` There was nothing further to be said, and we parted. I shall now `
` settle up all my affairs of earth, and be ready for whatever may come. `
` `
` `
` Later.--It is done. My will is made, and all complete. Mina if she `
` survive is my sole heir. If it should not be so, then the others who `
` have been so good to us shall have remainder. `
` `
` It is now drawing towards the sunset. Mina's uneasiness calls my `
` attention to it. I am sure that there is something on her mind which `
` the time of exact sunset will reveal. These occasions are becoming `
` harrowing times for us all. For each sunrise and sunset opens up some `
` new danger, some new pain, which however, may in God's will be means `
` to a good end. I write all these things in the diary since my darling `
` must not hear them now. But if it may be that she can see them again, `
` they shall be ready. She is calling to me. `
` `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER 25 `
` `
` `
` DR SEWARD'S DIARY `
` `
` 11 October, Evening.--Jonathan Harker has asked me to note this, as he `
` says he is hardly equal to the task, and he wants an exact record `
` kept. `
` `
` I think that none of us were surprised when we were asked to see Mrs. `
` Harker a little before the time of sunset. We have of late come to `
` understand that sunrise and sunset are to her times of peculiar `
` freedom. When her old self can be manifest without any controlling `
` force subduing or restraining her, or inciting her to action. This `
` mood or condition begins some half hour or more before actual sunrise `
` or sunset, and lasts till either the sun is high, or whilst the clouds `
` are still aglow with the rays streaming above the horizon. At first `
` there is a sort of negative condition, as if some tie were loosened, `
` and then the absolute freedom quickly follows. When, however, the `
` freedom ceases the change back or relapse comes quickly, preceded `
` only by a spell of warning silence. `
` `
` Tonight, when we met, she was somewhat constrained, and bore all the `
` signs of an internal struggle. I put it down myself to her making a `
` violent effort at the earliest instant she could do so. `
` `
` A very few minutes, however, gave her complete control of herself. `
` Then, motioning her husband to sit beside her on the sofa where she `
` was half reclining, she made the rest of us bring chairs up close. `
` `
` Taking her husband's hand in hers, she began, "We are all here `
` together in freedom, for perhaps the last time! I know that you will `
` always be with me to the end." This was to her husband whose hand had, `
` as we could see, tightened upon her. "In the morning we go out upon `
` our task, and God alone knows what may be in store for any of us. You `
` are going to be so good to me to take me with you. I know that all `
` that brave earnest men can do for a poor weak woman, whose soul `
` perhaps is lost, no, no, not yet, but is at any rate at stake, you `
` will do. But you must remember that I am not as you are. There is a `
` poison in my blood, in my soul, which may destroy me, which must `
` destroy me, unless some relief comes to us. Oh, my friends, you know `
` as well as I do, that my soul is at stake. And though I know there is `
` one way out for me, you must not and I must not take it!" She looked `
` appealingly to us all in turn, beginning and ending with her husband. `
` `
` "What is that way?" asked Van Helsing in a hoarse voice. "What is `
` that way, which we must not, may not, take?" `
` `
` "That I may die now, either by my own hand or that of another, before `
` the greater evil is entirely wrought. I know, and you know, that were `
` I once dead you could and would set free my immortal spirit, even as `
` you did my poor Lucy's. Were death, or the fear of death, the only `
` thing that stood in the way I would not shrink to die here now, amidst `
` the friends who love me. But death is not all. I cannot believe that `
` to die in such a case, when there is hope before us and a bitter task `
` to be done, is God's will. Therefore, I on my part, give up here the `
` certainty of eternal rest, and go out into the dark where may be the `
` blackest things that the world or the nether world holds!" `
` `
` We were all silent, for we knew instinctively that this was only a `
` prelude. The faces of the others were set, and Harker's grew ashen `
` grey. Perhaps, he guessed better than any of us what was coming. `
` `
` She continued, "This is what I can give into the hotch-pot." I could `
` not but note the quaint legal phrase which she used in such a place, `
` and with all seriousness. "What will each of you give? Your lives I `
` know," she went on quickly, "that is easy for brave men. Your lives `
` are God's, and you can give them back to Him, but what will you give `
` to me?" She looked again questioningly, but this time avoided her `
` husband's face. Quincey seemed to understand, he nodded, and her face `
` lit up. "Then I shall tell you plainly what I want, for there must be `
` no doubtful matter in this connection between us now. You must `
` promise me, one and all, even you, my beloved husband, that should the `
` time come, you will kill me." `
` `
` "What is that time?" The voice was Quincey's, but it was low and `
` strained. `
` `
` "When you shall be convinced that I am so changed that it is better `
` that I die that I may live. When I am thus dead in the flesh, then `
` you will, without a moment's delay, drive a stake through me and cut `
` off my head, or do whatever else may be wanting to give me rest!" `
` `
` Quincey was the first to rise after the pause. He knelt down before `
` her and taking her hand in his said solemnly, "I'm only a rough `
` fellow, who hasn't, perhaps, lived as a man should to win such a `
` distinction, but I swear to you by all that I hold sacred and dear `
` that, should the time ever come, I shall not flinch from the duty that `
` you have set us. And I promise you, too, that I shall make all `
` certain, for if I am only doubtful I shall take it that the time has `
` come!" `
` `
` "My true friend!" was all she could say amid her fast-falling tears, `
` as bending over, she kissed his hand. `
` `
` "I swear the same, my dear Madam Mina!" said Van Helsing. "And I!" `
` said Lord Godalming, each of them in turn kneeling to her to take the `
` oath. I followed, myself. `
`
` As he passed into the room, he asked Mina if the others might come, `
` too. `
` `
` "No," she said quite simply, "it will not be necessary. You can tell `
` them just as well. I must go with you on your journey." `
` `
` Dr. Van Helsing was as startled as I was. After a moment's pause he `
` asked, "But why?" `
` `
` "You must take me with you. I am safer with you, and you shall be `
` safer, too." `
` `
` "But why, dear Madam Mina? You know that your safety is our solemnest `
` duty. We go into danger, to which you are, or may be, more liable `
` than any of us from . . . from circumstances . . . things that have `
` been." He paused embarrassed. `
` `
` As she replied, she raised her finger and pointed to her forehead. "I `
` know. That is why I must go. I can tell you now, whilst the sun is `
` coming up. I may not be able again. I know that when the Count wills `
` me I must go. I know that if he tells me to come in secret, I must by `
` wile. By any device to hoodwink, even Jonathan." God saw the look `
` that she turned on me as she spoke, and if there be indeed a Recording `
` Angel that look is noted to her ever-lasting honour. I could only `
` clasp her hand. I could not speak. My emotion was too great for even `
` the relief of tears. `
` `
` She went on. "You men are brave and strong. You are strong in your `
` numbers, for you can defy that which would break down the human `
` endurance of one who had to guard alone. Besides, I may be of `
` service, since you can hypnotize me and so learn that which even I `
` myself do not know." `
` `
` Dr. Van Helsing said gravely, "Madam Mina, you are, as always, most `
` wise. You shall with us come. And together we shall do that which we `
` go forth to achieve." `
` `
` When he had spoken, Mina's long spell of silence made me look at her. `
` She had fallen back on her pillow asleep. She did not even wake when `
` I had pulled up the blind and let in the sunlight which flooded the `
` room. Van Helsing motioned to me to come with him quietly. We went `
` to his room, and within a minute Lord Godalming, Dr. Seward, and Mr. `
` Morris were with us also. `
` `
` He told them what Mina had said, and went on. "In the morning we `
` shall leave for Varna. We have now to deal with a new factor, Madam `
` Mina. Oh, but her soul is true. It is to her an agony to tell us so `
` much as she has done. But it is most right, and we are warned in `
` time. There must be no chance lost, and in Varna we must be ready to `
` act the instant when that ship arrives." `
` `
` "What shall we do exactly?" asked Mr. Morris laconically. `
` `
` The Professor paused before replying, "We shall at the first board `
` that ship. Then, when we have identified the box, we shall place a `
` branch of the wild rose on it. This we shall fasten, for when it is `
` there none can emerge, so that at least says the superstition. And to `
` superstition must we trust at the first. It was man's faith in the `
` early, and it have its root in faith still. Then, when we get the `
` opportunity that we seek, when none are near to see, we shall open the `
` box, and . . . and all will be well." `
` `
` "I shall not wait for any opportunity," said Morris. "When I see the `
` box I shall open it and destroy the monster, though there were a `
` thousand men looking on, and if I am to be wiped out for it the next `
` moment!" I grasped his hand instinctively and found it as firm as a `
` piece of steel. I think he understood my look. I hope he did. `
` `
` "Good boy," said Dr. Van Helsing. "Brave boy. Quincey is all man. `
` God bless him for it. My child, believe me none of us shall lag `
` behind or pause from any fear. I do but say what we may do . . . what `
` we must do. But, indeed, indeed we cannot say what we may do. There `
` are so many things which may happen, and their ways and their ends are `
` so various that until the moment we may not say. We shall all be `
` armed, in all ways. And when the time for the end has come, our `
` effort shall not be lack. Now let us today put all our affairs in `
` order. Let all things which touch on others dear to us, and who on us `
` depend, be complete. For none of us can tell what, or when, or how, `
` the end may be. As for me, my own affairs are regulate, and as I have `
` nothing else to do, I shall go make arrangements for the travel. I `
` shall have all tickets and so forth for our journey." `
` `
` There was nothing further to be said, and we parted. I shall now `
` settle up all my affairs of earth, and be ready for whatever may come. `
` `
` `
` Later.--It is done. My will is made, and all complete. Mina if she `
` survive is my sole heir. If it should not be so, then the others who `
` have been so good to us shall have remainder. `
` `
` It is now drawing towards the sunset. Mina's uneasiness calls my `
` attention to it. I am sure that there is something on her mind which `
` the time of exact sunset will reveal. These occasions are becoming `
` harrowing times for us all. For each sunrise and sunset opens up some `
` new danger, some new pain, which however, may in God's will be means `
` to a good end. I write all these things in the diary since my darling `
` must not hear them now. But if it may be that she can see them again, `
` they shall be ready. She is calling to me. `
` `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER 25 `
` `
` `
` DR SEWARD'S DIARY `
` `
` 11 October, Evening.--Jonathan Harker has asked me to note this, as he `
` says he is hardly equal to the task, and he wants an exact record `
` kept. `
` `
` I think that none of us were surprised when we were asked to see Mrs. `
` Harker a little before the time of sunset. We have of late come to `
` understand that sunrise and sunset are to her times of peculiar `
` freedom. When her old self can be manifest without any controlling `
` force subduing or restraining her, or inciting her to action. This `
` mood or condition begins some half hour or more before actual sunrise `
` or sunset, and lasts till either the sun is high, or whilst the clouds `
` are still aglow with the rays streaming above the horizon. At first `
` there is a sort of negative condition, as if some tie were loosened, `
` and then the absolute freedom quickly follows. When, however, the `
` freedom ceases the change back or relapse comes quickly, preceded `
` only by a spell of warning silence. `
` `
` Tonight, when we met, she was somewhat constrained, and bore all the `
` signs of an internal struggle. I put it down myself to her making a `
` violent effort at the earliest instant she could do so. `
` `
` A very few minutes, however, gave her complete control of herself. `
` Then, motioning her husband to sit beside her on the sofa where she `
` was half reclining, she made the rest of us bring chairs up close. `
` `
` Taking her husband's hand in hers, she began, "We are all here `
` together in freedom, for perhaps the last time! I know that you will `
` always be with me to the end." This was to her husband whose hand had, `
` as we could see, tightened upon her. "In the morning we go out upon `
` our task, and God alone knows what may be in store for any of us. You `
` are going to be so good to me to take me with you. I know that all `
` that brave earnest men can do for a poor weak woman, whose soul `
` perhaps is lost, no, no, not yet, but is at any rate at stake, you `
` will do. But you must remember that I am not as you are. There is a `
` poison in my blood, in my soul, which may destroy me, which must `
` destroy me, unless some relief comes to us. Oh, my friends, you know `
` as well as I do, that my soul is at stake. And though I know there is `
` one way out for me, you must not and I must not take it!" She looked `
` appealingly to us all in turn, beginning and ending with her husband. `
` `
` "What is that way?" asked Van Helsing in a hoarse voice. "What is `
` that way, which we must not, may not, take?" `
` `
` "That I may die now, either by my own hand or that of another, before `
` the greater evil is entirely wrought. I know, and you know, that were `
` I once dead you could and would set free my immortal spirit, even as `
` you did my poor Lucy's. Were death, or the fear of death, the only `
` thing that stood in the way I would not shrink to die here now, amidst `
` the friends who love me. But death is not all. I cannot believe that `
` to die in such a case, when there is hope before us and a bitter task `
` to be done, is God's will. Therefore, I on my part, give up here the `
` certainty of eternal rest, and go out into the dark where may be the `
` blackest things that the world or the nether world holds!" `
` `
` We were all silent, for we knew instinctively that this was only a `
` prelude. The faces of the others were set, and Harker's grew ashen `
` grey. Perhaps, he guessed better than any of us what was coming. `
` `
` She continued, "This is what I can give into the hotch-pot." I could `
` not but note the quaint legal phrase which she used in such a place, `
` and with all seriousness. "What will each of you give? Your lives I `
` know," she went on quickly, "that is easy for brave men. Your lives `
` are God's, and you can give them back to Him, but what will you give `
` to me?" She looked again questioningly, but this time avoided her `
` husband's face. Quincey seemed to understand, he nodded, and her face `
` lit up. "Then I shall tell you plainly what I want, for there must be `
` no doubtful matter in this connection between us now. You must `
` promise me, one and all, even you, my beloved husband, that should the `
` time come, you will kill me." `
` `
` "What is that time?" The voice was Quincey's, but it was low and `
` strained. `
` `
` "When you shall be convinced that I am so changed that it is better `
` that I die that I may live. When I am thus dead in the flesh, then `
` you will, without a moment's delay, drive a stake through me and cut `
` off my head, or do whatever else may be wanting to give me rest!" `
` `
` Quincey was the first to rise after the pause. He knelt down before `
` her and taking her hand in his said solemnly, "I'm only a rough `
` fellow, who hasn't, perhaps, lived as a man should to win such a `
` distinction, but I swear to you by all that I hold sacred and dear `
` that, should the time ever come, I shall not flinch from the duty that `
` you have set us. And I promise you, too, that I shall make all `
` certain, for if I am only doubtful I shall take it that the time has `
` come!" `
` `
` "My true friend!" was all she could say amid her fast-falling tears, `
` as bending over, she kissed his hand. `
` `
` "I swear the same, my dear Madam Mina!" said Van Helsing. "And I!" `
` said Lord Godalming, each of them in turn kneeling to her to take the `
` oath. I followed, myself. `
`