“I know not wherefore,” said he, “but something whispers me that this night is fated to be an important one in the history of the old house. I’m not inclined for sleep, and I feel a sort of restlessness, as if the day’s events had not yet closed.” “It is the mental reaction which follows some unusual excitement, replied the divine. “It may be so,” returned my father. “On with more wood. We’ll order a light supper, and borrow an hour from the night.” The Doctor threw some billets on the fire, while my father filled his glass, and transferred the wine duly to the churchman. “Did you remark the opposition which Hackett made when I gave orders to admit the soldiers?” “I watched him attentively,” replied the Doctor. “His lips grew pale, his brows lowered, and with great difficulty he suppressed a burst of angry feelings which seemed almost too strong to be controlled. Be assured, my dear Colonel, that man is dangerous. If he be not traitor, I wrong him sorely.” “Hush!” said my father, “the dog is growling. What! more late visitors? This is indeed a busy night; and again honest Cæsar proves himself a worthy sentinel. Wherever treachery may lurk, there’s none within his kennel, Doctor.” The Colonel reconnoitred from his embrasure, but there was nothing to excite alarm. The moon had risen, and the sky, spangled with frost-stars, was bright and clear. Cæsar, advanced to the full length of his chain, was patted upon the head by a person closely wrapped up, who spoke to him with the admitted familiarity of an old acquaintance. To the Colonel’s demand of name and business, a female voice replied, “I beg your honour’s pardon, it’s me, Mary Halligan. My mother-in-law won’t put over the night. She wants to see his reverence in private, and sent me with some lines * to the priest. None of the boys would venture to the Castle after dark, for fear of Cæsar and your honour.” * The term “lines” is generally used by the Irish peasantry instead of “letter.” “Well, Mary, late as it is, we’ll allow you in. Will you, Hamilton, unlock the door, and let us have the lady _here_--for _entre nous_, she belongs to a faithless family.”