From a pleasant revery over some late successes and some future ones in antic.i.p.ation, he was aroused by a gentle tap at the door.

"Come in," said he; "I think I guess who it is,--Phillis, eh?"

"Yes, sir, you're quite correct," said that individual, advancing from the misty twilight of the room, which was only partly lighted by a single alabaster lamp. "I thought I'd find you at home, sir, and I knew this letter might interest you. He dropped it when going up the stairs at Kennyf.e.c.k's, and could scarcely have read it through."

"Sit down, George--sit down, man--what will you take? I see you 've had a fast drive; if that was your car I heard on the road, your pace was tremendous. What shall it be--claret--sherry--brandy-and-water?"

"If you please, sir, sherry. I have lost all palate for Bordeaux since I came to Mr. Cashel. We get abominable wine from Cullan."

"So I remarked myself; but this must be looked to. Come, try that; it's some of Gordon's, and he would not send a bad bottle to me."

"I 'm very certain of that, sir. It is excellent."

"Now then for the epistle." So saying, he lighted a taper and prepared to read.. "Jamaica,--oh, a shipmate's letter!"

"A curious one, too, sir, as you 'll say when you read it."

Linton, without reply, began to read, nor did he break silence till he finished, when, laying down the paper, he said, "And this very fellow who writes this he actually spoke of inviting to Ireland,--to stay some time at his house,--to be introduced, in fact, to his acquaintances as a personal friend."

"It's very sad, sir," sighed Phillis. "I have long been of opinion that I must leave him. The appointments, it is true, are good; perquisites, too, very handsome; but the future, Mr. Linton,--what a future it will be!"

"It need not be a very near one, at all events," said Linton, smiling; "you've read this?"

"Just threw an eye over it, sir!"

"Well, you see that your excellent master has been little better than a pirate or a slaver."

"Very shocking, indeed, sir!"

"Of course this must not go abroad, George."

"It would ruin me utterly, sir."

"To be sure it would. No n.o.bleman, nor any gentleman of rank or fashion, could think of engaging your services after such an appointment.

Happily, George, you may not require such, if you only mind your hits.

Your master can afford to make your fortune, and never know himself the poorer. Come, how go on matters latterly at No. 50?"

"Pretty much as usual, sir; two dinner-parties last week."

"I know all about them, though I affected to be engaged and did n't dine there. What I want is to hear of these Kennyf.e.c.ks,--do they come much after him?"

"Only once, sir, when they came to see the house and stopped to luncheon."

"Well, was he particular in his attentions to either of the daughters?"

"Very attentive, indeed, sir, to the younger. She dropped her handkerchief in the gallery, and ran back for it, and so did he, sir."

"You followed, of course?"

"I did, sir, and she was blushing very much as I came in, and I heard her say something about 'forgiving him,' and then they left the room."

"And what of Kennyf.e.c.k,--has he had any conversations with him on business?"

"None, sir; I have strictly followed your orders, and never admitted him."

"Lord Charles Frobisher was a large winner t'other night?" said Linton, after a pause.

"Yes, sir, so I heard them say at supper, and Mr. Cashel first gave a check and then changed his mind, and I saw him hand over a heavy sum in notes."

"Indeed!" muttered Linton to himself; "and my worthy friend Charley did not confess this to me. Have you taken care that the people don't send in their bills and accounts, as I mentioned?"

"Yes, sir; with few exceptions, nothing of the kind comes."

"What brought that Mr. Clare Jones so frequently of late?"

"He came twice in Mr. Downie Meek's carriage, sir, but sat all the while outside, while Mr. Meek was with my master; the third day, however, he was sent for to come in, and spent nearly an hour in the study."

"Well, what took place?"

"I could only hear part of the conversation, sir, as I feared I might be sent for. The subject was a seat in Parliament, which Mr. Cashel owns, and that Mr. Meek is desirous of procuring for Jones."

"Ha! ha! my little Judas! is that your game? Go on, George, this interests me."

"I have little more to tell, sir, for Mr. Meek always speaks so low, and my master scarcely said anything."

"And Jones?"

"He merely remarked on the ident.i.ty of his political principles with those of the present Government."

"Of course; the fellow began as a Radical, and then turned Tory, and now is a Whig. Blue and yellow when mixed always make green. But how did it end?"

"As well as I could perceive, sir, without any promise. My master was to deliberate and send his answer."

"Let neither have access to him till you hear from me again,--mark that."

"You shall be obeyed, sir."

"Did Lord Kilgoff call?"

"Twice, sir; but my master was out. I followed your directions, however, and said that her Ladyship was with him, and he seemed much provoked at not finding him at home."

"Well, how did he take it,--did he make any remark?"

"A half smile, sir; nothing more."

"But said nothing?"

"Not a word, sir."