He mechanically picked up the letter and re-read it.

Had it been his death-sentence it could not have affected him more cruelly.
"Dear Nathaniel: I scarcely know how to write to you about what has happened.

I am afraid I am in some small measure to blame.

Ten days ago your sister showed me a letter from a man named O'Connell--[Kingsnorth crushed the letter in his hand as he read the hated name--the name of the man who had caused him so much discomfort during that unfortunate visit to his estate in Ireland.

How he blamed himself now for having ever gone there.