longer trust him as my friend, but
feel towards him the misgivings of a secret enemy? If there is manliness
about him, he will avow his enmity, or resent my distrust; either or
both would be a relief to what I now suffer. Ah! here he comes," said
he; but he was deceived; it was Tiernay entered.

"What say you, doctor? Is the case a grave one?"

"Worse; it is nearly hopeless!"

"What! do you fear for his life?"

"Life or intellect, one or the other, must pay the penalty. This is the
second shock. The shipwreck gave the first, and rent the poor edifice
almost in twain; this will, in all likelihood, lay it in ashes."

"This is very dreadful!" said Cashel, upon whom the attendant event and
the consequences were weighing heavily.

"He has told me all!" said Tiernay, almost sternly. "_His_ jealousy and
_her_ levity, the rampant pride of station, the reckless freedom of a
broken heart,--such are the ingredients that have made up a sad story,
which may soon become a tragedy."

"But there was no reason for it; his jealousy was absurd--unfounded."

"As you will. You may go further, and say he could not lose what he
never owned. I saw the peril--I even warned you of it."

"I can only comprehend you by half," said Cashel, impatiently. "You
imply blame to me where I can feel none."

"I blame you as I will ever do those who, not fearing danger for
themselves, are as indifferent about their neighbors. It is not of
this silly old man I am thinking here,--it is of her who, without a
protector, should have found one in every man of generous and honorable
feeling; not as you, perhaps, understand protection,--not by the
challenge hurled in the face of all who would dare to asperse her fair
name, but by that studied respect, that hallowed deference, that should
avert detraction. Neither you nor any other could be the champion of
her honor; but you might have been its defender by a better and a nobler
heroism. It is too late to think of this now; let us not lose time in
vain regrets. We must take measures that ungenerous reports should not
be circulated."

The door suddenly opened at the instant, and Linton, in his
dressing-gown, entered; but, seeing Tiernay, made a motion to retire.

"Come in," said Cashel; and there was something almost peremptory in the
words.

"I feared I might prove an intruder, seeing the doctor here. Is it true
what my servant says, that Kilgoff is dangerously ill?"

Cashel nodded.

"Poor fellow! he