know, what a
charm there is to an old fellow like myself--whose humble fortunes
limit to a life of mere routine--to think that he has an opportunity of
counselling one in your station,--to feel that he has sown the seed of
some good principle, that one day or other will bear its fruit. Yes,
years hence, when you have forgotten the old village doctor,--or if by
chance remember him, only to recall his vulgarity or eccentricity,--I
will be an anxious watcher over you, flattering myself to think that I
have had some share in instilling the precepts by which you are winning
good men's esteem. These thoughts are poor men's treasures, but he that
feels them would not barter them for gold."

"I have long wished for such a counsellor," said Cashel, fervently.

"The advice will not be the less stringent that it comes when you are
heart-sick of frivolity," said Tiernay. "What could your fine company up
yonder teach you? Such of them as are above mere folly trade in vice.
I have seen them all since they have assembled here, and I am no mean
physiognomist, and there is but one among them deserving of better than
the poor heartless life they 're leading."

"I can guess whom you mean," said Roland, half pleased and half fearful.

"Well, she indeed would merit a better lot; and yet I would she were
gone."

"Why so? Do you grudge as even a passing 'gleam of virtue's
brightness'?"

"She is more dangerous than the veriest coquette that ever lured a man
to ruin. It is in such as she, where noble qualities have run to waste,
where generous sentiments and pure affections have been blighted by the
cold chill of a world that fosters not such gifts, the peril is ever
greatest; for her sake and for yours, I would she were gone."

As they spoke thus, they had reached the wide esplanade in front of
the great house, from the windows of which lights were gleaming, while
sounds of festivity and pleasure floated on the night air.

Tiernay halted for a second, and then said, "Who could believe that the
owner of that princely mansion, filled as it is with pleasure-loving
guests, and every adjunct that can promote enjoyment, should leave it,
to wander on foot with a poor old village doctor, whose only merit is to
utter unpalatable truths!"

"And be happier while doing so,--add that, my worthy friend," said
Cashel, pressing the arm that he held within his own.

"Come along, sir; this dalliance is pleasanter to me than to you. I
begin to feel t