Julia on hearing of this attack and its object, felt her mind involved in doubt and embarrassment. She could not reconcile the desire of the Whiteboys to injure M'Carthy, with the fact of his having, by his own admission, spent the night among them. Or what if the attack was a mere excuse to prevent any suspicion of his connection with them at all? She knew not, and until she had arrived at some definite view of the matter, she resolved to keep as much aloof from M'Carthy as she could possiby do without exciting observation. In the course of the morning, however, they met accidentally, and the short dialogue which took place between her and him did not at all help to allay the suspicions with which her mind was burdened and oppressed. “My dear Julia,” said he, “I see that you are offended with me, but indeed you need not; I can give you a full and satisfactory explanation of my black face, if that be the cause of offence.” “Some other time, Mr. M'Carthy, I may hear your explanation; but not just now.” “I cannot bear your displeasure,” he added; “and you know it.” “I wish you had felt as anxious not to deserve it.” “I am unconscious of having deserved it--but hear me, dearest Julia------” “Well, sir, I do.” “Do you not go to see Widow Lynch's poor sick daughter this evening?” “No, sir.” “No, sir, and well, sir--good heavens! what means this all?--I am anxious, I say, to give you a full explanation, and if you would only pay a visit this evening to the widow's, I could meet you and explain everything.” The Cannie Soogah's warning here pressed upon her mind with peculiar force. “But,” she replied, “I shall not go this evening.” “Well, will you say what evening you intend to go?” “No, sir,” she replied; “I don't intend to go in future, either morning or evening. Good-bye, Mr. M'Carthy, some time must elapse before I can listen to your explanation.” “Is this generous, Julia?” “I believe it is just, Frank. Ask your own conscience, whether you are entitled to any confidence from me--good-bye.” And with these words, she tripped up to the drawing-room, where she joined her mother and sister.