"and, as a matter of course, the whole fine falls on my shoulders."

"Ay, that's the devil of it; but at all events, Bryan, there is nothing
got in this world without exertion and energy. Mr. Chevydale,
the Member, is now at home: he has come down to canvass for the
coming-election. I would recommend you to see him at once. You know--but
perhaps you don't though--that his brother is one of the Commissioners
of Excise; so that I don't know any man who can serve you more
effectually than Chevydale, if he wishes."

"But what could he do?" asked Bryan.

"Why, by backing a memorial from you, stating the particulars, and
making out a strong case, he might get the fine reduced. I shall draw up
such a memorial if you wish."

"Thank you, Hycy--I'm obliged to you--these, I dare say, will be the
proper steps to take--thank you."

"Nonsense! but perhaps I may serve you a little in another way. I'm
very intimate with Harry Clinton, and who knows but I may be able to
influence the uncle a little through the nephew."

"It's whispered that you might do more through the niece," replied
Bryan, laughing; "is that true?"

"Nonsense, I tell you," replied Hycy, affecting confusion; "for Heaven's
sake, Bryan, say nothing about that; how did it come to your ears?"

"Faith, and that's more than I can tell you," replied the other; "but I
know I heard it somewhere of late."

"It's not a subject, of course," continued Hycy, "that I should wish to
become the topic of vulgar comment or conversation, and I'd much rather
you would endeavor to discountenance it whenever you hear it spoken of.
At all events, whether with niece or nephew," proceeded Hycy, "you may
rest assured, that whatever service I can render you, I shall not
fail to do it. You and I have had a slight misunderstanding, but on
an occasion like this, Bryan, it should be a bitter one indeed that a
man--a generous man at least,--would or ought to remember."

This conversation took place whilst Bryan was proceeding to
Fethertonge's, Hycy being also on his way home. On arriving at the turn
of the road which led to Jemmy Burke's, Hycy caught the hand of his
companion, which he squeezed with an affectionate warmth, so cordial and
sincere in its character that Bryan cast every shadow of suspicion to
the winds,

"Cheer up, Bryan, all will end better than you think, I hope. I shall
draw up a memorial for you this evening, as strongly and forcibly as
possible, and any other assista