Chapter 79

           "Now,Isawinmydream,thatjustastheyhadendedtheirtalk,theydrewnightoaverymiryslough,thatwasinthemidstoftheplain;andthey,beingheedless,didbothfallsuddenlyintothebog.ThenameofthesloughwasDespond."—BUNYAN.

           WhenRosamondwasquiet,andLydgatehadlefther,hopingthatshemightsoonsleepundertheeffectofananodyne,hewentintothedrawing-roomtofetchabookwhichhehadleftthere,meaningtospendtheeveninginhiswork-room,andhesawonthetableDorothea’sletteraddressedtohim.HehadnotventuredtoaskRosamondifMrs.Casaubonhadcalled,butthereadingofthisletterassuredhimofthefact,forDorotheamentionedthatitwastobecarriedbyherself.

           WhenWillLadislawcameinalittlelaterLydgatemethimwithasurprisewhichmadeitclearthathehadnotbeentoldoftheearliervisit,andWillcouldnotsay,"DidnotMrs.LydgatetellyouthatIcamethismorning?"

           "PoorRosamondisill,"Lydgateaddedimmediatelyonhisgreeting.

           "Notseriously,Ihope,"saidWill.

           "No—onlyaslightnervousshock—theeffectofsomeagitation.Shehasbeenoverwroughtlately.Thetruthis,Ladislaw,Iamanunluckydevil.Wehavegonethroughseveralroundsofpurgatorysinceyouleft,andIhavelatelygotontoaworseledgeofitthanever.