held up by the power of the true Church, as a little child learning to
walk is held up with a belt by its nurse. They can say and do things,
and no harm at all come to them, which would mean destruction to you,
because they have help, and you are walking alone. And so be said by me,
Mr. Ware! Go back to the way you were brought up in, and leave alone the
people whose ways are different from yours. You are a married man, and
you are the preacher of a religion, such as it is. There can be nothing
better for you than to go and strive to be a good husband, and to set a
good example to the people of your Church, who look up to you--and mix
yourself up no more with outside people and outside notions that only do
you mischief. And that is what I wanted to say to you."

Theron took up his hat. "I take in all kindness what you have felt it
your duty to say to me, Mr. Madden," he said. "I am not sure that I have
altogether followed you, but I am very sure you mean it well."

"I mean well by you," replied Michael, wearily moving his head on the
pillow, and speaking in an undertone of languor and pain, "and I mean
well by others, that are nearer to me, and that I have a right to care
more about. When a man lies by the site of his open grave, he does not
be meaning ill to any human soul."

"Yes--thanks--quite so!" faltered Theron. He dallied for an instant
with the temptation to seek some further explanation, but the sight of
Michael's half-closed eyes and worn-out expression decided him against
it. It did not seem to be expected, either, that he should shake hands,
and with a few perfunctory words of hope for the invalid's recovery,
which fell with a jarring note of falsehood upon his own ears, he turned
and left the room. As he did so, Michael touched a bell on the table
beside him.