第126章

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 occassion 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.

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 honor. 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.