Reading Help DRACULA by Bram Stoker Ch.13-27
this change should come, it would be necessary to take steps! We both `
` know what those steps would have to be, though we do not mention our `
` thoughts to each other. We should neither of us shrink from the task, `
` awful though it be to contemplate. "Euthanasia" is an excellent and a `
` comforting word! I am grateful to whoever invented it. `
` `
` It is only about 24 hours' sail from the Dardanelles to here, at the `
` rate the Czarina Catherine has come from London. She should therefore `
` arrive some time in the morning, but as she cannot possibly get in `
` before noon, we are all about to retire early. We shall get up at one `
` o'clock, so as to be ready. `
` `
` `
` 25 October, Noon.--No news yet of the ship's arrival. Mrs. Harker's `
` hypnotic report this morning was the same as usual, so it is possible `
` that we may get news at any moment. We men are all in a fever of `
` excitement, except Harker, who is calm. His hands are cold as ice, `
` and an hour ago I found him whetting the edge of the great Ghoorka `
` knife which he now always carries with him. It will be a bad lookout `
` for the Count if the edge of that "Kukri" ever touches his throat, `
` driven by that stern, ice-cold hand! `
` `
` Van Helsing and I were a little alarmed about Mrs. Harker today. `
` About noon she got into a sort of lethargy which we did not like. `
` Although we kept silence to the others, we were neither of us happy `
` about it. She had been restless all the morning, so that we were at `
` first glad to know that she was sleeping. When, however, her husband `
` mentioned casually that she was sleeping so soundly that he could not `
` wake her, we went to her room to see for ourselves. She was breathing `
` naturally and looked so well and peaceful that we agreed that the `
` sleep was better for her than anything else. Poor girl, she has so `
` much to forget that it is no wonder that sleep, if it brings oblivion `
` to her, does her good. `
` `
` `
` Later.--Our opinion was justified, for when after a refreshing sleep `
` of some hours she woke up, she seemed brighter and better than she had `
` been for days. At sunset she made the usual hypnotic report. `
` Wherever he may be in the Black Sea, the Count is hurrying to his `
` destination. To his doom, I trust! `
` `
` `
` `
` 26 October.--Another day and no tidings of the Czarina Catherine. She `
` ought to be here by now. That she is still journeying somewhere is `
` apparent, for Mrs. Harker's hypnotic report at sunrise was still the `
` same. It is possible that the vessel may be lying by, at times, for `
` fog. Some of the steamers which came in last evening reported patches `
` of fog both to north and south of the port. We must continue our `
` watching, as the ship may now be signalled any moment. `
` `
` `
` 27 October, Noon.--Most strange. No news yet of the ship we wait for. `
` Mrs. Harker reported last night and this morning as usual. "Lapping `
` waves and rushing water," though she added that "the waves were very `
` faint." The telegrams from London have been the same, "no further `
` report." Van Helsing is terribly anxious, and told me just now that he `
` fears the Count is escaping us. `
` `
` He added significantly, "I did not like that lethargy of Madam Mina's. `
` Souls and memories can do strange things during trance." I was about `
` to ask him more, but Harker just then came in, and he held up a `
` warning hand. We must try tonight at sunset to make her speak more `
` fully when in her hypnotic state. `
` `
` `
` 28 October.--Telegram. Rufus Smith, London, to Lord Godalming, care `
` H. B. M. Vice Consul, Varna `
` `
` "Czarina Catherine reported entering Galatz at one o'clock today." `
` `
` `
` `
` `
` DR. SEWARD'S DIARY `
` `
` 28 October.--When the telegram came announcing the arrival in Galatz I `
` do not think it was such a shock to any of us as might have been `
` expected. True, we did not know whence, or how, or when, the bolt `
` would come. But I think we all expected that something strange would `
` happen. The day of arrival at Varna made us individually satisfied `
` that things would not be just as we had expected. We only waited to `
` learn where the change would occur. None the less, however, it was a `
` surprise. I suppose that nature works on such a hopeful basis that we `
` believe against ourselves that things will be as they ought to be, not `
` as we should know that they will be. Transcendentalism is a beacon to `
` the angels, even if it be a will-o'-the-wisp to man. Van Helsing `
` raised his hand over his head for a moment, as though in remonstrance `
` with the Almighty. But he said not a word, and in a few seconds stood `
` up with his face sternly set. `
` `
` Lord Godalming grew very pale, and sat breathing heavily. I was `
` myself half stunned and looked in wonder at one after another. `
` Quincey Morris tightened his belt with that quick movement which I `
` knew so well. In our old wandering days it meant "action." Mrs. `
` Harker grew ghastly white, so that the scar on her forehead seemed to `
` burn, but she folded her hands meekly and looked up in prayer. Harker `
` smiled, actually smiled, the dark, bitter smile of one who is without `
` hope, but at the same time his action belied his words, for his hands `
` instinctively sought the hilt of the great Kukri knife and rested `
` there. `
` `
` "When does the next train start for Galatz?" said Van Helsing to us `
` generally. `
` `
` "At 6:30 tomorrow morning!" We all started, for the answer came from `
` Mrs. Harker. `
` `
` "How on earth do you know?" said Art. `
` `
` "You forget, or perhaps you do not know, though Jonathan does and so `
` does Dr. Van Helsing, that I am the train fiend. At home in Exeter I `
` always used to make up the time tables, so as to be helpful to my `
` husband. I found it so useful sometimes, that I always make a study `
` of the time tables now. I knew that if anything were to take us to `
` Castle Dracula we should go by Galatz, or at any rate through `
` Bucharest, so I learned the times very carefully. Unhappily there are `
` not many to learn, as the only train tomorrow leaves as I say." `
` `
` "Wonderful woman!" murmured the Professor. `
` `
` "Can't we get a special?" asked Lord Godalming. `
` `
` Van Helsing shook his head, "I fear not. This land is very different `
` from yours or mine. Even if we did have a special, it would probably `
` not arrive as soon as our regular train. Moreover, we have something `
` to prepare. We must think. Now let us organize. You, friend Arthur, `
` go to the train and get the tickets and arrange that all be ready for `
` us to go in the morning. Do you, friend Jonathan, go to the agent of `
` the ship and get from him letters to the agent in Galatz, with `
` authority to make a search of the ship just as it was here. Quincey `
` Morris, you see the Vice Consul, and get his aid with his fellow in `
` Galatz and all he can do to make our way smooth, so that no times be `
` lost when over the Danube. John will stay with Madam Mina and me, and `
` we shall consult. For so if time be long you may be delayed. And it `
` will not matter when the sun set, since I am here with Madam to make `
` report." `
` `
` "And I," said Mrs. Harker brightly, and more like her old self than `
` she had been for many a long day, "shall try to be of use in all ways, `
` and shall think and write for you as I used to do. Something is `
` shifting from me in some strange way, and I feel freer than I have `
` been of late!" `
` `
` The three younger men looked happier at the moment as they seemed to `
` realize the significance of her words. But Van Helsing and I, turning `
` to each other, met each a grave and troubled glance. We said nothing `
` at the time, however. `
` `
` When the three men had gone out to their tasks Van Helsing asked Mrs. `
` Harker to look up the copy of the diaries and find him the part of `
` Harker's journal at the Castle. She went away to get it. `
` `
` When the door was shut upon her he said to me, "We mean the same! `
` Speak out!" `
` `
` "Here is some change. It is a hope that makes me sick, for it may `
` deceive us." `
` `
` "Quite so. Do you know why I asked her to get the manuscript?" `
` `
` "No!" said I, "unless it was to get an opportunity of seeing me `
` alone." `
` `
` "You are in part right, friend John, but only in part. I want to tell `
` you something. And oh, my friend, I am taking a great, a terrible, `
` risk. But I believe it is right. In the moment when Madam Mina said `
` those words that arrest both our understanding, an inspiration came to `
` me. In the trance of three days ago the Count sent her his spirit to `
` read her mind. Or more like he took her to see him in his earth box `
` in the ship with water rushing, just as it go free at rise and set of `
` sun. He learn then that we are here, for she have more to tell in her `
` open life with eyes to see ears to hear than he, shut as he is, in his `
` coffin box. Now he make his most effort to escape us. At present he `
` want her not. `
` `
` "He is sure with his so great knowledge that she will come at his `
` call. But he cut her off, take her, as he can do, out of his own `
` power, that so she come not to him. Ah! There I have hope that our `
` man brains that have been of man so long and that have not lost the `
` grace of God, will come higher than his child-brain that lie in his `
` tomb for centuries, that grow not yet to our stature, and that do only `
` work selfish and therefore small. Here comes Madam Mina. Not a word `
` to her of her trance! She knows it not, and it would overwhelm her `
` and make despair just when we want all her hope, all her courage, when `
` most we want all her great brain which is trained like man's brain, `
` but is of sweet woman and have a special power which the Count give `
` her, and which he may not take away altogether, though he think not `
` so. Hush! Let me speak, and you shall learn. Oh, John, my friend, `
` we are in awful straits. I fear, as I never feared before. We can `
` only trust the good God. Silence! Here she comes!" `
` `
` I thought that the Professor was going to break down and have `
` hysterics, just as he had when Lucy died, but with a great effort he `
` controlled himself and was at perfect nervous poise when Mrs. Harker `
` tripped into the room, bright and happy looking and, in the doing of `
` work, seemingly forgetful of her misery. As she came in, she handed a `
` number of sheets of typewriting to Van Helsing. He looked over them `
` gravely, his face brightening up as he read. `
` `
` Then holding the pages between his finger and thumb he said, "Friend `
`
` know what those steps would have to be, though we do not mention our `
` thoughts to each other. We should neither of us shrink from the task, `
` awful though it be to contemplate. "Euthanasia" is an excellent and a `
` comforting word! I am grateful to whoever invented it. `
` `
` It is only about 24 hours' sail from the Dardanelles to here, at the `
` rate the Czarina Catherine has come from London. She should therefore `
` arrive some time in the morning, but as she cannot possibly get in `
` before noon, we are all about to retire early. We shall get up at one `
` o'clock, so as to be ready. `
` `
` `
` 25 October, Noon.--No news yet of the ship's arrival. Mrs. Harker's `
` hypnotic report this morning was the same as usual, so it is possible `
` that we may get news at any moment. We men are all in a fever of `
` excitement, except Harker, who is calm. His hands are cold as ice, `
` and an hour ago I found him whetting the edge of the great Ghoorka `
` knife which he now always carries with him. It will be a bad lookout `
` for the Count if the edge of that "Kukri" ever touches his throat, `
` driven by that stern, ice-cold hand! `
` `
` Van Helsing and I were a little alarmed about Mrs. Harker today. `
` About noon she got into a sort of lethargy which we did not like. `
` Although we kept silence to the others, we were neither of us happy `
` about it. She had been restless all the morning, so that we were at `
` first glad to know that she was sleeping. When, however, her husband `
` mentioned casually that she was sleeping so soundly that he could not `
` wake her, we went to her room to see for ourselves. She was breathing `
` naturally and looked so well and peaceful that we agreed that the `
` sleep was better for her than anything else. Poor girl, she has so `
` much to forget that it is no wonder that sleep, if it brings oblivion `
` to her, does her good. `
` `
` `
` Later.--Our opinion was justified, for when after a refreshing sleep `
` of some hours she woke up, she seemed brighter and better than she had `
` been for days. At sunset she made the usual hypnotic report. `
` Wherever he may be in the Black Sea, the Count is hurrying to his `
` destination. To his doom, I trust! `
` `
` `
` `
` 26 October.--Another day and no tidings of the Czarina Catherine. She `
` ought to be here by now. That she is still journeying somewhere is `
` apparent, for Mrs. Harker's hypnotic report at sunrise was still the `
` same. It is possible that the vessel may be lying by, at times, for `
` fog. Some of the steamers which came in last evening reported patches `
` of fog both to north and south of the port. We must continue our `
` watching, as the ship may now be signalled any moment. `
` `
` `
` 27 October, Noon.--Most strange. No news yet of the ship we wait for. `
` Mrs. Harker reported last night and this morning as usual. "Lapping `
` waves and rushing water," though she added that "the waves were very `
` faint." The telegrams from London have been the same, "no further `
` report." Van Helsing is terribly anxious, and told me just now that he `
` fears the Count is escaping us. `
` `
` He added significantly, "I did not like that lethargy of Madam Mina's. `
` Souls and memories can do strange things during trance." I was about `
` to ask him more, but Harker just then came in, and he held up a `
` warning hand. We must try tonight at sunset to make her speak more `
` fully when in her hypnotic state. `
` `
` `
` 28 October.--Telegram. Rufus Smith, London, to Lord Godalming, care `
` H. B. M. Vice Consul, Varna `
` `
` "Czarina Catherine reported entering Galatz at one o'clock today." `
` `
` `
` `
` `
` DR. SEWARD'S DIARY `
` `
` 28 October.--When the telegram came announcing the arrival in Galatz I `
` do not think it was such a shock to any of us as might have been `
` expected. True, we did not know whence, or how, or when, the bolt `
` would come. But I think we all expected that something strange would `
` happen. The day of arrival at Varna made us individually satisfied `
` that things would not be just as we had expected. We only waited to `
` learn where the change would occur. None the less, however, it was a `
` surprise. I suppose that nature works on such a hopeful basis that we `
` believe against ourselves that things will be as they ought to be, not `
` as we should know that they will be. Transcendentalism is a beacon to `
` the angels, even if it be a will-o'-the-wisp to man. Van Helsing `
` raised his hand over his head for a moment, as though in remonstrance `
` with the Almighty. But he said not a word, and in a few seconds stood `
` up with his face sternly set. `
` `
` Lord Godalming grew very pale, and sat breathing heavily. I was `
` myself half stunned and looked in wonder at one after another. `
` Quincey Morris tightened his belt with that quick movement which I `
` knew so well. In our old wandering days it meant "action." Mrs. `
` Harker grew ghastly white, so that the scar on her forehead seemed to `
` burn, but she folded her hands meekly and looked up in prayer. Harker `
` smiled, actually smiled, the dark, bitter smile of one who is without `
` hope, but at the same time his action belied his words, for his hands `
` instinctively sought the hilt of the great Kukri knife and rested `
` there. `
` `
` "When does the next train start for Galatz?" said Van Helsing to us `
` generally. `
` `
` "At 6:30 tomorrow morning!" We all started, for the answer came from `
` Mrs. Harker. `
` `
` "How on earth do you know?" said Art. `
` `
` "You forget, or perhaps you do not know, though Jonathan does and so `
` does Dr. Van Helsing, that I am the train fiend. At home in Exeter I `
` always used to make up the time tables, so as to be helpful to my `
` husband. I found it so useful sometimes, that I always make a study `
` of the time tables now. I knew that if anything were to take us to `
` Castle Dracula we should go by Galatz, or at any rate through `
` Bucharest, so I learned the times very carefully. Unhappily there are `
` not many to learn, as the only train tomorrow leaves as I say." `
` `
` "Wonderful woman!" murmured the Professor. `
` `
` "Can't we get a special?" asked Lord Godalming. `
` `
` Van Helsing shook his head, "I fear not. This land is very different `
` from yours or mine. Even if we did have a special, it would probably `
` not arrive as soon as our regular train. Moreover, we have something `
` to prepare. We must think. Now let us organize. You, friend Arthur, `
` go to the train and get the tickets and arrange that all be ready for `
` us to go in the morning. Do you, friend Jonathan, go to the agent of `
` the ship and get from him letters to the agent in Galatz, with `
` authority to make a search of the ship just as it was here. Quincey `
` Morris, you see the Vice Consul, and get his aid with his fellow in `
` Galatz and all he can do to make our way smooth, so that no times be `
` lost when over the Danube. John will stay with Madam Mina and me, and `
` we shall consult. For so if time be long you may be delayed. And it `
` will not matter when the sun set, since I am here with Madam to make `
` report." `
` `
` "And I," said Mrs. Harker brightly, and more like her old self than `
` she had been for many a long day, "shall try to be of use in all ways, `
` and shall think and write for you as I used to do. Something is `
` shifting from me in some strange way, and I feel freer than I have `
` been of late!" `
` `
` The three younger men looked happier at the moment as they seemed to `
` realize the significance of her words. But Van Helsing and I, turning `
` to each other, met each a grave and troubled glance. We said nothing `
` at the time, however. `
` `
` When the three men had gone out to their tasks Van Helsing asked Mrs. `
` Harker to look up the copy of the diaries and find him the part of `
` Harker's journal at the Castle. She went away to get it. `
` `
` When the door was shut upon her he said to me, "We mean the same! `
` Speak out!" `
` `
` "Here is some change. It is a hope that makes me sick, for it may `
` deceive us." `
` `
` "Quite so. Do you know why I asked her to get the manuscript?" `
` `
` "No!" said I, "unless it was to get an opportunity of seeing me `
` alone." `
` `
` "You are in part right, friend John, but only in part. I want to tell `
` you something. And oh, my friend, I am taking a great, a terrible, `
` risk. But I believe it is right. In the moment when Madam Mina said `
` those words that arrest both our understanding, an inspiration came to `
` me. In the trance of three days ago the Count sent her his spirit to `
` read her mind. Or more like he took her to see him in his earth box `
` in the ship with water rushing, just as it go free at rise and set of `
` sun. He learn then that we are here, for she have more to tell in her `
` open life with eyes to see ears to hear than he, shut as he is, in his `
` coffin box. Now he make his most effort to escape us. At present he `
` want her not. `
` `
` "He is sure with his so great knowledge that she will come at his `
` call. But he cut her off, take her, as he can do, out of his own `
` power, that so she come not to him. Ah! There I have hope that our `
` man brains that have been of man so long and that have not lost the `
` grace of God, will come higher than his child-brain that lie in his `
` tomb for centuries, that grow not yet to our stature, and that do only `
` work selfish and therefore small. Here comes Madam Mina. Not a word `
` to her of her trance! She knows it not, and it would overwhelm her `
` and make despair just when we want all her hope, all her courage, when `
` most we want all her great brain which is trained like man's brain, `
` but is of sweet woman and have a special power which the Count give `
` her, and which he may not take away altogether, though he think not `
` so. Hush! Let me speak, and you shall learn. Oh, John, my friend, `
` we are in awful straits. I fear, as I never feared before. We can `
` only trust the good God. Silence! Here she comes!" `
` `
` I thought that the Professor was going to break down and have `
` hysterics, just as he had when Lucy died, but with a great effort he `
` controlled himself and was at perfect nervous poise when Mrs. Harker `
` tripped into the room, bright and happy looking and, in the doing of `
` work, seemingly forgetful of her misery. As she came in, she handed a `
` number of sheets of typewriting to Van Helsing. He looked over them `
` gravely, his face brightening up as he read. `
` `
` Then holding the pages between his finger and thumb he said, "Friend `
`