ions, and here in the midst of my newly-found happiness,
with hope and love shedding their beams around me, I allowed the first
insidious entrance of the serpent of distrust and jealousy of my wife
into my heart. My brother Lewis was very unlike me in appearance and
disposition, being of a frank and genial manner, and trustful to a
fault. I think you inherit that trait from him; be careful of it,
Caradoc, or you will be cheated by every man you meet. Not that I
would have you follow my example--God forbid! but there is a happy
mean, a safe path between these two traits of character."

The Vicar was beginning to enjoy the recital of his long past troubles,
and the thought flashed through his mind that he would have lightened
his burden had he sooner confided in his son. The conduct which seemed
so black and stained, when brooded over alone in his study, did not
seem quite so heinous when put into plain words and spread out in the
light.

"Well," he continued, "in spite of my jealous temper, the first few
months of our wedded life were very happy, and it was not until I had
begun to notice that a very intimate friendship existed between my
young wife and my brother, that my suspicions were aroused with regard
to them; but once alive to this idea, every moment of my life was
poisoned by it. I kept a close but secret watch upon their actions,
and soon saw what I considered a certain proof that the love they felt
for each other was more than, and different to, that which the
relationship of brother and sister-in-law warranted. Betto noticed it,
too, for she has ever been faithful and true to me. She came to me one
day, and seriously advised me to get rid of my brother Lewis, refusing
to give any reason for her advice; but I required no explanation. You
say nothing, Caradoc, but sit there with a blacker look on your face
than I have ever seen before."

"I am listening, father, and waiting for some excuse for your jealous
suspicions."

"I have very little to give but you shall have the story in its naked
truth. I was devotedly attached to my brother; from childhood we had
been all in all to each other, and the difference in our dispositions
seemed only to cement more closely the bond of union between us; but
now my love seemed turned to hatred, and I only waited to make my fears
a certainty to turn him out of my house. Although I was anxious to
hide my suspicions for a time, I could not refrain from sneering taun