Mr. Tyrrel's feelings, it is probable however he
did some justice to his rival. He regarded him indeed with added dislike; but he
no longer regarded him as a despicable foe. He avoided his encounter; he forbore
to treat him with random hostility; he seemed to lie in wait for his victim, and
to collect his venom for a mortal assault.
 

                                   Chapter V

It was not long after that a malignant contagious distemper broke out in the
neighbourhood, which proved fatal to many of the inhabitants, and was of
unexampled rapidity in its effects. One of the first persons that was seized
with it was Mr. Clare. It may be believed what grief and alarm this incident
spread through the vicinity. Mr. Clare was considered by them as something more
than mortal. The equanimity of his behaviour, his unassuming carriage, his
exuberant benevolence and goodness of heart, joined with his talents, his
inoffensive wit and the comprehensiveness of his intelligence made him the idol
of all that knew him. In the scene of his rural retreat at least he had no
enemy. All mourned the danger that now threatened him. He appeared to have had
the prospect of long life, and of going down to his grave full of years and of
honour. Perhaps these appearances were deceitful. Perhaps the intellectual
efforts he had made, which were occasionally more sudden, violent and
unintermitted than a strict regard to health would have dictated, had laid the
seed of future disease. But a sanguine observer would infallibly have predicted,
that his temperate habits, activity of mind and unabated chearfulness would be
able even to keep death at bay for a time, and baffle the attacks of distemper,
provided their approach were not uncommonly rapid and violent. The general
affliction therefore was doubly pungent upon the present occasion.
    But no one was so much affected as Mr. Falkland. Perhaps no man so well
understood the value of the life that was now at stake. He immediately hastened
to the spot; but he found some difficulty in gaining admission. Mr. Clare, aware
of the infectious nature of his disease, had given directions that as few people
as possible should approach him. Mr. Falkland sent up his name. He was told that
he was included in the general orders. He was not however of a temper to be
easily repulsed; he persisted with obstinacy, and at length carried his point,
being only reminded in the first instance to employ those precautions which
experience has proved most effectual for counteracting infection.
    He found Mr. Clare in his bedchamber, but not in bed. He was sitting in his
night