umerating a great many modes of
investigating the event, concluded with the only thing like common sense
in the whole, by recommending a strict silence and secrecy about it all.

Cashel was closing the epistle, when he caught on the turn-down the
following lines;--

"Mr. Linton has written to me about something like a legal transfer
of the cottage and lands of Tubberbeg, which he mentions your having
presented to him. What reply am I to return to this? I stated that you
had already assured Mr. Corrigan, the present tenant, of an undisturbed
possession of the tenure, but Mr. L. interrupted my explanation by
saying that he only desired an assignment of the property, such as would
give a parliamentary qualification, and that all pledges made to Mr. C.
he would regard as equally binding on himself."

Cashel's first impulse, when he had read thus far, was to show Linton
the paragraph, and frankly ask him what he wished to be done; indeed,
he had already advanced towards him with that object, when he checked
himself. "It might seem ungracious to ask any explanation. There had
been already a moment of awkwardness about that same cottage, and Linton
had behaved so well; and, of course, only asking him for the possession
as a means of qualifying, Corrigan need never hear of it Besides, he
could make Linton a present of much greater real value as soon as the
circumstances of the estate became better known." Such and such-like
reasonings passed hastily through his brain; and as all his resolves
were quickly formed, and as quickly acted on, he sat down and wrote:

Dear Mr. Kennyfeck,--Many thanks for the information of your
note, which has served to allay all my anxiety for a valued
friend. As to Linton, you will have the goodness to satisfy
him in every particular, and make all and every legal title
he desires to the cottage and grounds of Tubberbeg. Although
he is now at my side while I write, I have not alluded to
the subject, feeling the awkwardness of touching on a theme
so delicate. Say, however, for me, that Corrigan is not to
be disturbed, nor any pledge I have made towards him--no
matter how liberally construed by him--to be, in any
respect, infringed.--Yours, in great haste,

"Why you are quite a man of business to-day, Cashel, with your
correspondence and letter-writing; and I 'm sorry for it, for I wanted
to have a bit of serious talk with you,--that is, if it