The Story Continued by Marian Halcombe

“Oh yes! yes! I forgot that. She told me Mrs. Clements wanted sadly to go with her to the lake and take care of her, and begged and prayed that she would not venture into this neighbourhood alone.” “Was that all she said about Mrs. Clements?” “Yes, that was all.” “She told you nothing about the place in which she took refuge after leaving Todd’s Corner?” “Nothing⁠—I am quite sure.” “Nor where she has lived since? Nor what her illness had been?” “No, Marian, not a word. Tell me, pray tell me, what you think about it. I don’t know what to think, or what to do next.” “You must do this, my love: You must carefully keep the appointment at the boathouse tomorrow. It is impossible to say what interests may not depend on your seeing that woman again. You shall not be left to yourself a second time. I will follow you at a safe distance. Nobody shall see me, but I will keep within hearing of your voice, if anything happens. Anne Catherick has escaped Walter Hartright, and has escaped you . Whatever happens, she shall not escape me .” Laura’s eyes read mine attentively. “You believe,” she said, “in this secret that my husband is afraid of? Suppose, Marian, it should only exist after all in