“No—he shan’t hurt Sophie; if he tries, the next time I’ll get my claws in his eyes and scratch them out—_right_ out! and _then_ see who he can hurt!” “But you are talking of my father, Hagar,” said the young man, reproachfully. “Oh! so I am; _that_ is the worst of it.” “Now, Hagar, promise me to stay here till I come and fetch you, will you?” “Yes—I will do anything in the world _you_ want me to do, Raymond, just see if I don’t!” “Well, then, I am going to look after Sophie, and I will be back as soon as I can.” He found Sophie extended in a swoon upon the floor. Withers was gone. He raised her and bathed her face—she revived—he set her in the deep arm-chair. “Hagar?” inquired she, as soon as she could speak. “Is not hurt—has neither scratch nor bruise; she is in my chamber; I thought it best that she should keep out of sight of my father for the present.” “What is to be done—where is Mr. Withers?” “I do not know where he is gone, but _you_ must seek a place of safety.” “No—no—no—I will stay here; I think I understand now why his lunacy takes this malignant character towards you; you remind him of—but no matter—but _you_, poor bereft boy, you must return immediately to your college—I can deal with him better alone, I am sure.” “But, Sophie, you are nervous, _unfit_ for this; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh, the _flesh_ is weak; you swooned just now—you have not even the firmness and courage of little Hagar.” “No, not the firmness, or the _fierceness_; but I have the courage. It must be as I say; you must leave here; you are too much like—poor boy, I did not mean to wound you, indeed I did not—you must return to your college, and by the time you have finished your course there, the absence of exciting causes, tranquillity, and sympathy will have restored your unfortunate father to health; then you will return and we shall all be happy together—courage, Raymond! God is at the helm! we must not forget that. He will yet guide us safely through this rough sea and starless night; now, Raymond, go and seek him, watch him, but keep out of his sight.” He left her to do her bidding.