CHAPTER XV.
A TROUBLED MIND.
Just one fortnight from the very day that witnessed the sailing of Frederick Massingbird and his wife, Mr.Verner was taken alarmingly ill.
Fred, in his soliloquy that afternoon, when you saw him upon the gate of the ploughed field,--"Old stepfather's wiry yet, and may last an age,"-- had certainly not been assisted with the gift of prevision, for there was no doubt that Mr.Verner's time to die had now come.
Lionel had thrown his sorrow bravely from him, in outward appearance at any rate.

What it might be doing for him inwardly, he alone could tell.
These apparently calm, undemonstrative natures, that show a quiet exterior to the world, may have a fire consuming their heartstrings.

He did not go near the wedding; but neither did he shut himself up indoors, as one indulging lamentation and grief.

He pursued his occupations just as usual.

He read to Mr.Verner, who allowed him to do so that day; he rode out; he saw people, friends and others whom it was necessary to see.