on the verdict. And talking of that, Carlyle, how has it come to your
knowledge that Richard Hare accosted me? I have not opened my lips upon
it to mortal man."

"It is of no consequence now," repeated Mr. Carlyle; "I do know it, and
that is sufficient. I was in hopes you had really seen this man Thorn
leave the cottage."

Otway Bethel shook his head. "I should not lay too much stress upon
any Thorns having been there, were I you, Carlyle. Dick Hare was as one
crazy that night, and might see shapes and forms where there were none."



CHAPTER IX.

THE SONG AND THE DIRGE.

The concert was to take place on Thursday, and on the following Saturday
Lord Mount Severn intended finally to quit East Lynne. The necessary
preparations for departure were in progress, but when Thursday morning
dawned, it appeared a question whether they would not once more be
rendered nugatory. The house was roused betimes, and Mr. Wainwright,
the surgeon from West Lynne, summoned to the earl's bedside; he had
experienced another and a violent attack. The peer was exceedingly
annoyed and vexed, and very irritable.

"I may be kept here a week--a month--a fortnight--a month longer, now!"
he uttered fretfully to Isabel.