st
the plebeian!

From a pleasant revery over some late successes and some future ones in
anticipation, 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 Kennyfeck'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 nobleman, 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