for a moment yield
credence to the assertion of young Clinton, that he took no stops to
prejudice his sister against him. He took it for granted, therefore,
that it was to his interference he owed the reception he had just got,
and he determined in some way or other to repay him for the ill-services
he had rendered him.

The feeling of doubt and uncertainty with which Bryan M'Mahon parted
from his landlord and Fethertonge, the agent, after the interview we
have already described, lost none of their strength by time. Hycy's
memorial had been entrusted to Chevydale, who certainly promised to put
his case strongly before the Commissioners of Excise; and Bryan at first
had every reason to suppose that he would do so. Whether in consequence
of that negligence of his promise, for which he was rather remarkable,
or from some sinister influence that may have been exercised over him,
it is difficult to say, but the fact was that Bryan had now only ten
days between him and absolute ruin. He had taken the trouble to write
to the Secretary of Excise to know if his memorial had been laid
before them, and supported by Mr. Chevydale, who, he said, knew the
circumstances, and received a reply, stating that no such memorial
had been sent, and that Mr. Chevydale had taken no steps in the matter
whatsoever. We shall not now enter into a detail of all the visits
he had made to his landlord, whom he could never see a second time,
however, notwithstanding repeated solicitations to that effect.
Fethertonge he did see, and always was assured by him that his case was
safe and in good hands.

"You are quite mistaken, Bryan," said he, "if you think that either he
or I have any intention of neglecting your affair. You know yourself,
however, that he has not a moment for anything at the present time but
this confounded election. The contest will be a sharp one, but when it
is over we will take care of you."

"Yes, but it will then be too late," replied Bryan; "I will be then a
ruined man."

"But, my dear Bryan, will you put no confidence in your friends? I tell
you you will not be ruined. If they follow up the matter so as to injure
you, we shall have the whole affair overhauled, and justice done you;
otherwise we shall bring it before Parliament."

"That may be all very well," replied Bryan, "but it is rather odd that
he has not taken a single step in it yet."

"The memorial is before the Board," said the other, "for some time, and
we expe