 was to receive? I wish not to misapprehend you.«
    »Not exactly the notice you were to receive, Lady Dedlock, because the
contemplated notice supposed the agreement to have been observed. But virtually
the same, virtually the same. The difference is merely in a lawyer's mind.«
    »You intend to give me no other notice?«
    »You are right. No.«
    »Do you contemplate undeceiving Sir Leicester to-night?«
    »A home question!« says Mr. Tulkinghorn, with a slight smile, and cautiously
shaking his head at the shaded face. »No, not to-night.«
    »To-morrow?«
    »All things considered, I had better decline answering that question, Lady
Dedlock. If I were to say I don't know when, exactly, you would not believe me,
and it would answer no purpose. It may be to-morrow. I would rather say no more.
You are prepared, and I hold out no expectations which circumstances might fail
to justify. I wish you good evening.«
    She removes her hand, turns her pale face towards him as he walks silently
to the door, and stops him once again as he is about to open it.
    »Do you intend to remain in the house any time? I heard you were writing in
the library. Are you going to return there?«
    »Only for my hat. I am going home.«
    She bows her eyes rather than her head, the movement is so slight and
curious; and he withdraws. Clear of the room he looks at his watch, but is
inclined to doubt it by a minute or thereabouts. There is a splendid clock upon
the staircase, famous, as splendid clocks not often are, for its accuracy. »And
what do you say?« Mr. Tulkinghorn inquires, referring to it. »What do you say?«
    If it said now, »Don't go home!« What a famous clock, hereafter, if it said
to-night of all the nights that it has counted off, to this old man of all the
young and old men who have ever stood before it, »Don't go home!« With its sharp
clear bell, it strikes three-quarters after seven, and ticks on again. »Why, you
are worse than I thought you,« says Mr. Tulkinghorn, muttering reproof to his
watch. »Two minutes wrong? At this rate you won't last my time.« What a watch to
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