“Maybe, they 'll come to ten thousand,” said the doctor, cautiously. “Not above one half the sum, if Mr. O'Reilly will consent to take my advice.” “And why wouldn't he?” rejoined the old man, querulously. “What signifies which side he takes, if it saves the money?” “Is it a bargain, then?” “Will you secure me against more trials at law? Will you pledge yourself that I am not to be tormented by these anxieties and cares?” “I can scarcely promise that much; but I feel so assured that your annoyance will end here, that I am willing to pledge myself to give you my own services without fee or reward in future, if any action follow this one.” “I think that is most generous,” said Heffernan. “It is as much as saying, he 'll enter into recognizances for an indefinite series of five-hundred-pound briefs,” added O'Reilly. “Done, then. I take you at your word,” said the doctor; while stretching forth his lean and trembling hand, he grasped the nervous fingers of the Counsellor in token of ratification. “And now woe to the Darcys!” muttered O'Halloran, as he arose to say good-night, Heffernan arose at the same time, resolved to accompany the Counsellor, and try what gentle persuasion could effect in the modification of views which he saw were far too explicit to be profitable. CHAPTER XXXIII. THE CHANCES OF TRAVEL. Neither our space nor our inclination prompt us to dwell on Forester's illness; enough when we say that his recovery, slow at first, made at length good progress, and within a month after the commencement of the attack, he was once more on the road, bent on reaching the North, and presenting himself before Lady Eleanor and her daughter. Miss Daly, who had been his kind and watchful nurse for many days and nights ere his wandering faculties could recognize her, contributed more than all else to his restoration. The impatient anxiety under which he suffered was met by her mild but steady counsels; and although she never ventured to bid him hope too sanguinely, she told him that his letter had reached Helen's hand, and that he himself must plead the cause he had opened.