The brother was somewhat alarmed, showing it in his countenance.

“You may think I am out of my head; but I never was saner in my life.  My thoughts are as clear as a bell, and now that I have said what I wanted to, I feel better.  That’s all—­don’t you worry about me.  Now go to bed.  You are to be off in the morning, you know.  Good night.”

As Gilbert walked out, his mind not altogether clear about his brother, Lucy was at the door waiting to bid her father good night.

“May I come in?” she asked.

“Yes; come along.”

“I wanted just to say good night.”

“That’s right, my girl; and where is Chester?”

“He—­I don’t know.  I think he’s retired.”

“You’re looking so well, these days.  Are you happy?”

“Yes, daddy; so happy—­and so much better, I believe.”

“All right—­there now, good night.  If Chester is without, tell him to come in a moment.”

She kissed him again, then slipped out.  Presently, Chester entered.

“Did you wish to see me, Mr. Strong?”

“Yes—­that is, just to say good night—­and to tell you that I am better—­and also to thank you for taking such good care of Lucy.”

“Why, I assure you—­”

“Wait a moment.  Stand right where you are, there in that light—­you’ll excuse a sick man’s humors, I know; but someone told me today that we two look very much alike.  I was just wondering whether it was a fancy only—­but I can’t tell, nor you can’t tell.  It always takes a third person to say.”

“Yes; I suppose it does,” laughed Chester.  “But I don’t object to the resemblance.”

“Nor I, my boy.  Come here.  Continue to take good care of Lucy.  She’s a good, sweet girl.”  The man arose, as if to be off to bed.  Chester put his arm around him.

“Let me help you,” said the young man.  “You are not very strong yet.”

“Thank you.”  He put his arm about Chester’s neck so that the stronger man could nearly carry the weaker.  As they walked slowly across the room under the lamps anyone could see a striking resemblance between the two men.  As they said good night and parted at the father’s door, the older man’s hand patted softly the young man’s cheek.  Chester felt the touch, so strange that it thrilled him.  “That was for Lucy’s sake,” he said to himself as he sought the quietness of his own room.

* * * * *

There were no apparent reasons why Chester Lawrence should not accompany Uncle Gilbert to Liverpool, so neither Chester nor Lucy tried to find any.  Plans for meeting in London and on the continent were fully matured and understood.  The separation would be for a week or fortnight at most.  Lucy and Aunt Sarah waved their goodbyes as the train drew out of Cork for Dublin.

Chester now understood why Ireland was called the Emerald Isle.  Green, green, everywhere—­fields and hedges, trees and bushes, bogs and hills—­everything was green.  Uncle Gilbert gave him full information on all points of interest.