y, still his conscience pricked
him for wilfully maiming a fellow-creature. He had separated himself
from the others and was brooding sadly in the twilight when he was
roused by the touch of a small hand being laid on his.

"Don't fret, Mr. Morris," said May, in her gentle, sympathetic way.
"Think how you have saved others now from the fate you saved me from."

"You make too much of it, Miss Goodchild."

"No, I can never do that," she answered, simply.

"Ah, here you are. We've been looking for you everywhere," called out
Mrs. Whyte, coming upon them.

"I've been trying to console Mr. Morris, mother," said May.

"And she has succeeded, for now I am quite over it," said Reg, lightly.

"Mr. Winter suggested going to the theatre to see that friend of yours."

"That's a splendid idea. We'll go."

They were fortunate enough to get a box, and gave themselves up to an
evening's enjoyment. Between the acts Hal and Reg sent their names round
to Mrs. Montague, and were immediately received.

"Shake hands, Mrs. Montague," said Reg.

"He's branded," said Hal.

"Who, Wyck?" asked the lady, surprised, and both nodded an assent.

"Well, he has deserved his fate," she said, with a little sigh. "And now
you will let him go." The completion of the revenge awed her.

"Will you and Mr. Montague join us at our hotel this evening?" asked
Hal.

"Where are you staying?"

"At 'Menzie's.'"

"Why, I am there, too. Certainly we will, with pleasure. But there is my
call. Good-bye till then."

Later on, the doctor returned and gave a favourable report of his
patient. He said Terence had had a good deal of trouble to keep him
quiet. But though he was sullen and restless no serious consequences had
arisen, and he could be removed in two days' time.

They had a gay supper-party that night, and two days later a cab was
sent to 345, Nicholson Street, and Wyck, with his head bandaged, was
released to go whithersoever he would.

"Where to?" asked the cabby.

"To Dr. Moloney's," said he, having heard of that gentleman's name.

"I want you to examine my ears," he said, when he found himself in the
doctor's consulting room.

"What's the matter?" replied the doctor, removing the bandages. "Phew
"--he whistled, when he saw the damage.

"What is it, doctor?"

"You're branded for life. Who did it?" and the doctor passed him a
hand-mirror to see for himself.

The sight that met Wyck's eyes nearly made him faint with rage and
terro