s so very ill?'

'No, I do not mean that. As far as I can tell, I believe her illness is
more mental than bodily; but she is evidently suffering acutely. If you
leave her to herself much longer I would not answer for the
consequences. Her nature is a peculiar one, as you must know for
yourself. If you could say a word to her to soothe her, I think it would
be as well to say it.'

'Very well, I will go to her; but she must not expect me to say much.'

'She will expect nothing; but all the same I hope you will not be too
hard on her. If you cannot extenuate her fault, you can at least
remember her provocations.'

A sigh of great bitterness rose to Cyril's lips.

'I think it is hardest of all to hear you defend my mother to me.'

'I know it--it is bitterly hard. Do you think I don't feel for you? But,
Blake, before we leave Rutherford, there is another duty, and a still
more painful one. Surely you intend to see your father?'

'I do not see the necessity, Captain Burnett; my father is nothing to me
nor I to him.'

'You are wrong,' returned Michael warmly; 'you are altogether wrong.
Will you let me tell you something?'

And then he repeated the substance of his conversation with Mat O'Brien.
He thought Cyril seemed a little touched, but he merely said:

'I think I need hardly see him at present;' and he added in a low voice,
'Am I in a fit state to see anyone?'

'Perhaps not; but you may not soon have another opportunity, my dear
fellow. Will you put aside your feelings and do this thing for my
satisfaction? I have given my word to Mr. O'Brien that I will do my best
to bring you together, and if you refuse I shall accuse myself of
failure.'

'Oh, if you put it in that light, I do not see my way to refuse.'

'Thanks--shall we go together, or would you prefer going alone?'

'I could not bring myself to go alone.'

'Very well, then, I will drive you over in the dogcart. I am no walker,
as you know, and perhaps Kester had better go with us;' and to this
Cyril made no demur. 'Now I have detained you long enough, and Mrs.
Blake will be wearying for you. I will bring the trap round at half-past
two.'

Cyril nodded, and they went downstairs together. Michael paused for an
instant at the drawing-room door:

'Be gentle with her, Blake,' he said, as he grasped his hand. 'What is
done cannot be undone;' and then he went down to Kester.

Mrs. Blake was still in the same position. The tension of that long
waiting h