his own estimation at
least, deficient in worldly tact, and left him open to the belief that
others would judge him even less mercifully. The unbridled freedom of
his household, besides, stimulated all the selfishness of those who, in
a better arranged establishment, had kept "watch and ward" over their
egotism; and thus, instead of presenting the features of a society where
the elements of agreeability were not deficient, they resembled rather
the company in a packet-ship, each bent upon securing his own comfort,
and only intent how to make his neighbor subsidiary to himself.

Prosperity, too, was teaching him one of its least gracious
lessons,--"Distrust." The mean and selfish natures by which he was
surrounded were gradually unfolding themselves to his view, and he was
ever on the verge of that dangerous frontier where scepticism holds
sway. One conclusion--and it was not the least wise--he formed was, that
he was ill suited to such companionship, and that he had been happier,
far happier, on some humble fortune, than as the rich proprietor of a
great estate.

It was while thus ruminating, Cashel found himself at the little space
which intervened between one front of the cottage and the lake, and
was struck by the rapid movement of lights that glanced from window to
window, appearing and disappearing at every instant.

The dread that the old man was taken seriously ill at once came over
him, and he hastened forward in eager anxiety to learn the tidings.
Then, suddenly checking himself, he felt reluctant, almost stranger that
he was, to obtrude at such a moment. Fearing to advance, and unwilling
to retire, he stood uncertain and hesitating.

As he remained thus, the door of the drawing-room that opened upon the
lawn was flung wide, and Tiernay passed hastily out, saying in a loud
and excited voice, "I will have my own way. I 'll see Cashel at once."
And with these words he issued forth in haste. Scarcely, however, had
he gone a dozen paces, than he stopped short, and, clasping his hands
firmly together, muttered aloud, "To what end should I seek him? What
claim can I pretend,--by what right appeal to him?"

"Every claim and every right," cried Roland, advancing towards him, "if
I can only be of any service to you."

"What! actually here at this moment!" exclaimed Tiernay. "Come this way
with me, sir; we must not go into the house just yet." And so saying, he
passed his arm within Roland's, and led him onward to