‘What did he say?’ I asked anxiously.
‘He greeted me, then repeated the warning in his letter to me.
He said he had not been able to prevent Sir Percival’s violence towards you, and he had found out our address in order to protect his own interests. You were followed. Walter, on your return home after your first journey to Hampshire. He used this information only when he heard of Sir Percival’s death, because he believed you would act against him next.
‘And he was right,’ I said. ‘What did he say about me?’
‘He was very cool, very polite, and very threatening,’ said Marian.
‘He said, “Warn MrHartrighr! He has an intelligent and powerful man to deal with. Let him be content with what he has got. Say to him, if he attacks me, I will use all my power to destroy him. ‘There is nothing I will not do. Dear lady, good morning.”
The he just looked at me with his cold grey eyes and walked away. ‘I ran back inside, and told Laura we had to move. We needed a quieter neighbourhood with better air for the sake of her health. I said you’d wanted us to do that’ and why didn’t we do it now to surprise you when you got back. She liked that idea’ and was ‘There was the count’ with his smooth face and his deadiy smile.’ quite happy to move. I found these lodgings an old school friend. I did the right thing’ didn’t I, Walter?’ I answered her warmly and gratefully, as I really felt. But the anxious look remained on her face, and I saw in her eyes her continuing fear of the Count’s cleverness and energy.
‘What do you think of his message, Walter? What do you Plan to do next?’
‘I decided weeks ago that Laura will be received in her uncle’s House again,’ I answered.
‘Andmy decision remains same. Count Fosco will answer for his come to ME.’
Marian’s eyes lit up. She said nothing, but I could see how Strongly she supported this plan.