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 Kennyfecks,--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 Kennyfeck,--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 identity 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 hea