"Yes, he was a cowardly fellow. What induced him to do it?" "Because Barry's brother shot _him_. I suspect he was excited at the remembrance of his own sufferings, and urged on to desperation by the fellow that was with him; and, in a moment of madness, thought to revenge himself." "This was not right, Margaret; it was still very cowardly." "Why, yes, it was; but--but, I do not defend him, sir." "What then, Margaret? what then?" "Why, I was to blame, sir!" "Why so?" "Because I told him Barry loved me, sir." "Ho, ho! a little jealousy, was it? Was it so, Margaret? Well, well, he will be more jealous now." "I'm sorry for it, sir. Had I not thought he would have known my preference for him, I should not have told him this. It is this I blame myself for, as much as I do him. I hope Barry will do well, sir." "Your hopes may be disappointed, Margaret. His is a very bad case; and, if he dies, Will Laud will be hanged." "Then you know all, sir? Oh, pray save him if you can, sir!" "Who?" "John Barry, sir,--John Barry." "Margaret, do you love him?" "No, sir; yes--yes, sir. I think he is a very good young man, and he would be a great loss to his parents." "More so than to you, my girl?" "Oh, yes, sir, yes. I'm sure I wish him well, and shall always feel grateful to him for his kindness to me. I do hope he will recover, sir, for Laud's sake." This was enough; the doctor now knew all. He saw that his patient was in love with Margaret, but that Margaret loved another. He was in possession of the whole secret. He promised to do all he could; he dismissed the girl; and, after a few minutes' further chat with the master and mistress of the house, and strongly advising them to send for Barry's parents in the morning, he took his leave. His little bay pony soon rattled up Gainsborough's Lane, through the open fields towards the Race-course, and over Bishop's Hill, to the town of Ipswich.