we had thought? That old gentleman of whom we wot is never so black
as he has been painted.

The work of the committee took them nearly the whole day, so that
they did not separate till it was nearly dark. When they did so,
Somers and Herbert Fitzgerald rode home together.

"I always live in mortal fear," said Herbert, "that Townsend and the
priests will break out into warfare."

"As they haven't done it yet, they won't do it now," said Somers.
"M'Carthy is not without sense, and Townsend, queer and intolerant
as he is, has good feeling. If he and Father Columb were left
together, I don't know what might happen. Mr. Prendergast is to be
with you the day after to-morrow, is he not?"

"So I understood my father to say."

"Will you let me give you a bit of advice. Herbert?"

"Certainly."

"Then don't be in the house much on the day after he comes. He'll
arrive, probably, to dinner."

"I suppose he will."

"If so, leave Castle Richmond after breakfast the next morning, and
do not return till near dinner-time. It may be that your father will
not wish you to be near him. Whatever this matter may be, you may be