Kate had luckily at the moment been in her room and had not seen her father.

She was still in her bed and was ill;--but during the scene that occurred afterwards she roused herself.

But Mrs.O'Hara, even in the priest's presence, had at once seized the weapon from the drawer,--showing that she was prepared even for murder, had murder been found necessary by her for her relief.

The man had immediately asked as to the condition of his daughter, and the mother had learned that her child's secret was known to all Liscannor.

The priest now laid his hand upon her and stopped her, but he did it in all gentleness.