the matter; the question of an inquest had to be considered, and it
would never do to put forward the truth, as no one would believe it. As
it was, he thought that on the attendant s evidence he could give a
certificate of death by misadventure in falling from bed. In case the
coroner should demand it, there would be a formal inquest, necessarily
to the same result.
When the question began to be discussed as to what should be our next
step, the very first thing we decided was that Mina should be in full
confidence; that nothing of any sort--no matter how painful--should be
kept from her. She herself agreed as to its wisdom, and it was pitiful
to see her so brave and yet so sorrowful, and in such a depth of
despair. There must be no concealment, she said, Alas! we have had
too much already. And besides there is nothing in all the world that can
give me more pain than I have already endured--than I suffer now!
Whatever may happen, it must be of new hope or of new courage to me!
Van Helsing was looking at her fixedly as she spoke, and said, suddenly
but quietly:--
But dear Madam Mina, are you not afraid; not for yourself, but for
others from yourself, after what has happened? Her face grew set in its
lines, but her eyes shone with the devotion of a martyr as she
answered:--
Ah no! for my mind is made up!
To what? he asked gently, whilst we were all very still; for each in
our own way we had a sort of vague idea of what she meant. Her answer
came with direct simplicity, as though she were simply stating a fact:--
Because if I find in myself--and I shall watch keenly for it--a sign of
harm to any that I love, I shall die!
You would not kill yourself? he asked, hoarsely.
I would; if there were no friend who loved me, who would save me such a
pain, and so desperate an effort! She looked at him meaningly as she
spoke. He was sitting down; but now he rose and came close to her and
put his hand on her head as he said solemnly:
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