expressed a wish to see him before it might be too late. Could he
make it convenient to come over just now--in half an hour--or say an
hour?--said the doctor, looking at the red face and unfinished toilet
of the distressed brother.

Barry at first scarcely knew what reply to give. On his return from
Tuam, he had determined that he would at any rate make his way into his
sister's room, and, as he thought to himself, see what would come of
it. In his after-dinner courage he had further determined, that he
would treat the widow and her family with a very high hand, if they
dared to make objection to his seeing his sister; but now, when the
friendly overture came from Anty herself, and was brought by one of the
Kelly faction, he felt himself a little confounded, as though he rather
dreaded the interview, and would wish to put it off for a day or two.

"Oh, yes--certainly, Doctor Colligan; to be sure--that is--tell me,
doctor, is she really so bad?"

"Indeed, Mr Lynch, she is very weak."

"But, doctor, you don't think there is any chance--I mean, there isn't
any danger, is there, that she'd go off at once?"

"Why, no, I don't think there is; indeed, I have no doubt she will hold
out a fortnight yet."

"Then, perhaps, doctor, I'd better put it off till to-morrow; I'll tell
you why: there's a person I wish--"

"Why, Mr Lynch, to-day would be better. The fever's periodical, you