rt."

I trembled from head to foot. What could I say? Evidently he was not
aware of my marriage with his brother. How should I act? Richard might
come in at any moment and discover himself. I recollected him to have
incidentally mentioned that the following day he had an engagement at the
race-course with a friend; I therefore said hurriedly:

"Mr. Bristed, I have seen Richard recently, but tonight can tell you
nothing further. If you will call to-morrow morning at eleven, I will
tell you all I know."

He seized my hand, exclaiming, "Tell me to-night, Agnes, and set my mind
at ease."

My head seemed on fire--I groaned audibly.

"I can tell you nothing of a certainty. It is all surmise, and my brain
is distracted to-night. Give me till to-morrow."

"I will, Agnes; I feel that I can confide in you."

"Now go," I replied. "My position is such that your presence here will
only destroy the purpose of your visit."

He clasped my hand in his and left me.

The next morning before leaving for the racecourse, while adjusting his
neck-tie, Richard said:

"I fear we shall lose our imbecile pupil up-stairs, Ag. I brought a
doctor in to see him last night, and he says he cannot live long."

I could not see his face, for he looked persistently away.

"If he is ill, I must see him, Richard," I managed to reply.

"Oh, no!" said he; "I thought you were foolishly scared to hear him groan
yesterday, but if he does not get better I will send him home to his
friends." This he said carelessly, as he walked out of the room humming a
lively air.

How coolly he talks about the lad! thought I, half ashamed of my
suspicions. Perhaps I have wronged him. I have been too impetuous in my
surmises.

CHAPTER XVIII.

The time drew near for his brother's arrival. He was prompt to the hour.

"Well, Agnes," said he, "I have passed a sleepless night. I hope you will
relieve my mind of its anxiety."

"Mr. Bristed," said I, covering my eyes with my hand, for I could not
endure his eager gaze, "I must first tell you I am married to your
brother Richard."

"Married to Richard!" he exclaimed, starting up violently agitated; and
seizing my shoulder with nervous gripe he set me off from him at arm's
length--"You married to Richard! why, Agnes, that cannot be; has he not a
wife now living in France? But be calm, child," said he, "be calm,"
patting me gently on the head; "perhaps I am misinformed; we will talk of
this hereafter. Now a