The Second Epic The story continued by Mary and

Halkum Chapter 1 Blackwater Park, Hampshire

June 11th, 1850 Six months to look back on,

six long, lonely months since Lornai last saw each other.

How many days have I still to wait?

Only one.

Tomorrow, the twelfth, the travelers returned England.

I can hardly realize my own happiness.

I can hardly believe that the next 24 hours will complete the last day of separation

between Lornai and me.

She and her husband have been in Italy all the winter and afterwards in the tyrol.

They come back accompanied by Count Fosco and his wife who proposed to settle somewhere

in the neighborhood of London and who have engaged to stay at Blackwater Park for the

summer months before deciding on a place of residence.

So long as Lornai returns, no matter who returns with her, Sir Percival may fill the

house from Florida ceiling, if he likes, on condition that his wife and I inhabit it

together.

Meanwhile, here I am, established at Blackwater Park, the ancient and interesting seat,

as the county history obligingly informs me, of Sir Percival Guide, and the few

future abiding place as they may now venture to add on my account.

Of plain, Marianne Halcom, Spinster, now settled in a snug little sitting-room with a cup

of tea by her side, and all her earthly possessions ranged round her in three boxes in a bag.

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