to be insane? It is to have faculties
exalted beyond the comprehension of the multitude; to soar above the
grovelling world. Their eyes are too weak to bear the glory, and,
because they are blind, they think others cannot see. The fools
declared my father was insane. They say the same of you, Holden, and,
the next thing, I shall be insane, I suppose. Ha, ha!"

Holden himself was startled. He muttered something indistinctly before
he answered--

"May the world never say that of thee, dear James!"

"Why not?" inquired Armstrong, eagerly. "Alas! you consider me
unworthy to be admitted to the noble band of misunderstood and
persecuted men? True, true! I know it to be true. My earthly instincts
fetter me to earth. Of the earth, I am earthy. But what shall prevent
my standing afar off, to admire them? What a foolish world is this!
Were not the prophets and apostles denounced as insane men? I have it,
I have it," he added, after a pause, "inspiration is insanity."

Holden looked inquiringly at Faith, whose countenance evinced great
distress; then, turning to Armstrong, he said--

"Thou art not well, James. Perhaps, like me, thou hast passed a
disturbed night?"

"I have, of late been unable to sleep as well as formerly," said
Armstrong. "There is a pain here," he added, touching his forehead,
"which keeps me awake."

"Thou needest exercise. Thou dost confine thyself too much. Go more
into the open air, to drink in the health that flows down from the
pure sky."

"It is what I urge frequently on my dear father," said Faith.

"Faith is an angel," said Holden. "Listen to her advice. Thou canst
have no better guide."

"She shall redeem my soul from death," said Armstrong.

When Holden left the house of his host, he determined to carry
into effect a resolution which, it appeared now to himself, he had
strangely delayed, such was the influence what he had just seen
and heard exercised over him. That Fate or mathematical Providence,
however, in which he so devoutly believed, notwithstanding he acted as
though none existed, seemed as if, tired out with his procrastination
and irresolution, determined to precipitate events and force him to
lift the veil, that for so many years--with a wayward temper and love
of mystery, inexplicable by any motives that regulate the movements of
ordinary minds--he had chosen to spread around himself. What followed
only convinced him more thoroughly, if that were possible, of his
helplessnes