"Ah, I have touched you there! But anyhow, father is in worse
trouble than he has been yet; I never, _never_ saw him look as
he did tonight."

"As if looks mattered."

"The look I saw tonight does matter," said Nora. "We were coming
home from Cronane, and I was driving."

"It is madness to let you drive Black Bess," interrupted Terence. "I
wonder my father risks spoiling one of his most valuable horses."

"Oh, nonsense, Terry; I can drive as well as you, and better, thanks,"
replied Nora, much nettled, for her excellent driving was one of the
few things she was proud of. "Well, I turned round, and I saw father's
face, and, oh! it was just as if someone had stabbed me through the
heart. You know, or perhaps you don't, that the last big loan came
from Squire Murphy."

"Old Dan Murphy; then we are as safe as we can be," said Terence,
rising and whistling. "You really did make me feel uncomfortable,
you have such a queer way; but if it is Dan Murphy, he will give
father any amount of time. Why, they are the best of friends."

"Well, father went to see him on the subject--I happen to know that--and
I don't think he has given him time. There is something wrong, anyhow--I
don't know what; but there _is_ something very wrong, and I mean
to find out tomorrow."