 manner of
pronouncing them.«
    Volumnia understands him perfectly; and in truth he delivers himself with
far greater plainness than could have been supposed possible a minute ago. The
effort by which he does so, is written in the anxious and labouring expression
of his face. Nothing but the strength of his purpose enables him to make it.
    »Therefore, Volumnia, I desire to say in your presence - and in the presence
of my old retainer and friend, Mrs. Rouncewell, whose truth and fidelity no one
can question - and in the presence of her son, George, who comes back like a
familiar recollection of my youth in the home of my ancestors at Chesney Wold -
in case I should relapse, in case I should not recover, in case I should lose
both my speech and the power of writing, though I hope for better things -«
    The old housekeeper weeping silently; Volumnia in the greatest agitation,
with the freshest bloom on her cheeks; the trooper with his arms folded and his
head a little bent, respectfully attentive.
    »Therefore I desire to say, and to call you all to witness - beginning,
Volumnia, with yourself, most solemnly - that I am on unaltered terms with Lady
Dedlock. That I assert no cause whatever of complaint against her. That I have
ever had the strongest affection for her, and that I retain it undiminished. Say
this to herself, and to every one. If you ever say less than this, you will be
guilty of deliberate falsehood to me.«
    Volumnia tremblingly protests that she will observe his injunctions to the
letter.
    »My Lady is too high in position, too handsome, too accomplished, too
superior in most respects to the best of those by whom she is surrounded, not to
have her enemies and traducers, I dare say. Let it be known to them, as I make
it known to you, that being of sound mind, memory, and understanding, I revoke
no disposition I have made in her favour. I abridge nothing I have ever bestowed
upon her. I am on unaltered terms with her, and I recall - having the full power
to do it if I were so disposed, as you see - no act I have done for her
advantage and happiness.«
    His formal array of words might have at any other time, as it has often had,
something ludicrous in it; but at this time it is serious and affecting. His
noble earnestness, his fidelity, his gallant shielding of her, his general
conquest of his own wrong and his own pride for her sake,
