“We four?” said Harker interrogatively,
looking from one to another of us.
“Of course!” answered the Professor quickly.
“You must remain to take care of your so sweet
wife!”
Harker was silent for awhile and then said in a hollow
voice, “Let us talk of that part of it in the
morning. I want to consult with Mina.”
I thought that now was the time for Van Helsing to
warn him not to disclose our plan to her, but he took
no notice. I looked at him significantly and
coughed. For answer he put his finger to his
lips and turned away.
5 October, afternoon.—For some time after
our meeting this morning I could not think.
The new phases of things leave my mind in a state of
wonder which allows no room for active thought.
Mina’s determination not to take any part in
the discussion set me thinking. And as I could
not argue the matter with her, I could only guess.
I am as far as ever from a solution now. The
way the others received it, too puzzled me.
The last time we talked of the subject we agreed that
there was to be no more concealment of anything amongst
us. Mina is sleeping now, calmly and sweetly
like a little child. Her lips are curved and
her face beams with happiness. Thank God, there
are such moments still for her.
Later.—How strange it all is. I sat
watching Mina’s happy sleep, and I came as near
to being happy myself as I suppose I shall ever be.
As the evening drew on, and the earth took its shadows
from the sun sinking lower, the silence of the room
grew more and more solemn to me.
All at once Mina opened her eyes, and looking at me
tenderly said, “Jonathan, I want you to promise
me something on your word of honour. 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.
