significantly and coughed. For answer he put his finger to his lips
and turned away.
JONATHAN HARKER'S JOURNAL
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
honor. 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 thescar 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 herAs 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. Besides, I may be of
service, since you can hypnotize me and so learn that which even I
myself do not know."
Dr. Van Helsing said gravely, "Madam Mina, you are, as always,
most wise. You shall with us come. And together we shall do that
which we go forth to achieve."
When he had spoken, Mina's long spell of silence made me look at
her. She had fallen back on her pillow asleep. She did not even
wake when I had pulled up the blind and let in the sunlight which
flooded the room. Van Helsing motioned to me to come with him
quietly. We went to his room, and within a minute Lord Godalming,
Dr. Seward, and Mr. Morris were with us also.
He told them what Mina had said, and went on. "In the morning we
shall leave for Varna. We have now to deal with a new factor, Madam
Mina. Oh, but her soul is true. It is to her an agony to tell us so
much as she has done. But it is most right, and we are warned in
time. There must be no chance lost, and in Varna we must be ready
to act the instant when that ship arrives."
"What shall we do exactly?" asked Mr. Morris laconically.
The Professor paused before replying, "We shall at the first
board that ship. Then, when we have identified the box, we shall
place a branch of the wild rose on it. This we shall fasten, for