I could; but the truth was not to be denied, and I was forced
to believe that Lord Glenfallen no longer loved me, and that he was at
little pains to conceal the alteration in his sentiments.

One morning after breakfast, Lord Glenfallen had been for some time
walking silently up and down the room, buried in his moody reflections,
when pausing suddenly, and turning towards me, he exclaimed:

'I have it--I have it! We must go abroad, and stay there too; and
if that does not answer, why--why, we must try some more effectual
expedient. Lady Glenfallen, I have become involved in heavy
embarrassments. A wife, you know, must share the fortunes of her
husband, for better for worse; but I will waive my right if you prefer
remaining here--here at Cahergillagh. For I would not have you seen
elsewhere without the state to which your rank entitles you; besides, it
would break your poor mother's heart,' he added, with sneering gravity.
'So make up your mind--Cahergillagh or France. I will start if possible
in a week, so determine between this and then.'

He left the room, and in a few moments I saw him ride past the window,
followed by a mounted servant. He had directed a domestic to inform me
that he should not be back until the next day.

I was in very great doubt as to what course of conduct I should pursue,
as to accompanying him in the continental tour so suddenly determined
upon. I felt that it would be a hazard too great to encounter; for at
Cahergillagh I had always the consciousness to sustain me, that if his
temper at any time led him into violent or unwarrantable treatment of
me, I had a remedy within reach, in the protection and support of my own
family, from all useful and effective communication with whom, if once
in France, I should be entirely debarred.

As to remaining at Cahergillagh in solitude, and, for aught I knew,
exposed to hidden dangers, it appeared to me scarcely less objectionable
than the former proposition; and yet I feared that with one or other I
must comply, unless I was prepared to come to an actual breach with Lord
Glenfallen. Full of these unpleasing doubts and perplexities, I retired
to rest.

I was wakened, after having slept uneasily for some hours, by some
person shaking me rudely by the shoulder; a small lamp burned in my
room, and by its light, to my horror and amazement, I discovered that my
visitant was the self-same blind old lady who had so terrified me a few
weeks before.

I star