The doctor sat gazing at him gravely thinking it better to let him give free vent to his emotion; but, as it grew more and more intense, he laid his hand upon his friend's shoulder, saying nothing, but firmly pressing it; the effect of which was to make Scarlett snatch at his hand and grasp it passionately, as he panted out in a voice choked with sobs: "It's a judgment on me, Jack. I've been living here in wealth and idleness, thinking of nothing but self and my own enjoyment. I have not had a thought of anything but pleasure, and I felt so strong and well, that it did not seem possible for a cloud to come across my life. Now, look at me! One stroke, and I have been taught what a poor frail helpless worm I am. Jack, Jack! my nerve is gone. I hate everything. I mistrust every one, even my poor wife, and I see danger everywhere. I daren't stir a step. You pretend not to see it; but you are always reading me. Jack, old man, I'm afraid of you sometimes, but I do believe in and trust you. I'll obey you; I'll do every thing you want, even if it kills me with fear. I will--I will indeed; but, for God's sake, don't let them take me away. Don't leave me. Don't trust anybody. Don't get any other advice. Go by your own judgment, old fellow, and no matter what I say or do, don't let me drive you away. You are the only one I can trust." "My dear Scarlett, be calm." "I can't--I can't!" cried the wretched man passionately, "knowing what I do--knowing what I am; but I will--I will try so--so hard." "Of course; and you'll succeed." "No--no! I'm getting worse--much worse, and I can see what everybody thinks. Kate sees it, and has turned from me in horror. You see it; I can read it in your eyes. You wouldn't say so, but you know it as well as can be. Tell me; isn't it true?" "What, that the shock of that half-drowning has upset your nerves, so that you are weak, and have developed a temper that would try an angel? Yes; that's true enough." "No--no! I mean the other--that horror--that dreadful thought that makes me lie and shudder, and ask myself whether I had not better,"--He stopped short and crouched away in the corner of the seat, his face ghastly, his eyes wild and staring, till the doctor spoke in a firm imperious voice, that made him reply, as it were, in spite of himself. "Better what?" "End it all, and be at rest." "Why?" said the doctor, bending towards him as if about to drag forth an answer. "Because--" "Well? Speak. I know what you are going to say, but speak out."