told the Earl all that there was
to tell of his son and his grandson, and all of politics and of
Parliament, Lady Laura suddenly interrupted them. "You knew, Papa,
that he was to see Mr. Kennedy. He has been to Loughlinter, and has
seen him."

"Oh, indeed!"

"He is quite assured that I could not with wisdom return to live with
my husband."

"It is a very grave decision to make," said the Earl.

"But he has no doubt about it," continued Lady Laura.

"Not a shadow of doubt," said Phineas. "I will not say that Mr.
Kennedy is mad; but the condition of his mind is such in regard to
Lady Laura that I do not think she could live with him in safety. He
is crazed about religion."

"Dear, dear, dear," exclaimed the Earl.

"The gloom of his house is insupportable. And he does not pretend
that he desires her to return that he and she may be happy together."

"What for then?"

"That we might be unhappy together," said Lady Laura.

"He repudiates all belief in happiness. He wishes her to return to
him chiefly because it is right that a man and wife should live
together."

"So it is," said the Earl.

"But not to the utter wretchedness of both of them," said Lady Laura.
"He says," and she pointed to Phineas, "that were I there he would
renew his accusation against me. He has not told me all. Perhaps he
cannot tell me all. But I certainly will not return to Loughlinter."

"Very well, my dear."

"It is not very well, Papa; but, nevertheless, I will not return to
Loughlinter. What I suffered there neither of you can understand."

That afternoon Phineas went out alone to the galleries, but the next
day she accompanied him, and showed him whatever of glory the town
had to offer in its winter dress. They stood together before great
masters, and together examined small gems. And then from day to day
they were always in each other's company. He had promised to stay
a month, and during that time he was petted and comforted to his
heart's content. Lady Laura would have taken him into the Saxon
Switzerland, in spite of the inclemency of the weather and her
father's rebukes, had he not declared vehemently that he was happier
remaining in the town. But she did succeed in carrying him off to the
fortress of Koenigstein; and there as they wandered along the fortress
constructed on that wonderful rock there occurred between them a
conversation which he never forgot, and which it would not have been
easy to forget. His own prospect