I not say I should unearth the fox? Ah! Roland, confess it; you
were completely taken in."

Cashel stared around for an explanation, and in the astonishment of each
countenance he fancied he read a condemnation of his conduct All
his impulses were quick as thought, and so he blushed deeply for his
passionate outbreak, as he said,--

"I ask pardon of you, sir, and this lady for my unseemly anger.
This gentleman certainly deserves no apology from me. Confound it,
Master Tom, but assuredly you don't fire blank cartridge to startle your
game."

"No use to tickle lions with straws," said Linton; and the insinuated
flattery succeeded.

"Let me now bid you welcome to my cottage, Mr. Cashel," said Corrigan;
"although this incognito visit was an accident, I feel happy to see you
here."

"Thank you, thank you," replied Cashel. "I shall be even more grateful
still if you permit me to join in Linton's petition, and occasionally
escape from the noisy festivities of the Hall, and come here."

While Corrigan and Cashel continued to interchange mutual assurances of
esteem and regard, Linton walked to a window with Miss Leicester.

"We had no conception that our guest was Mr. Cashel," said Mary; "he
met Dr. Tiernay accidentally in the park, and came along with him to
breakfast."

"And did not the doctor remember him?" said Linton, shrewdly.

"Oh, no; he may probably recollect something of having met him before,
three weeks hence, but he is so absent!"

"I thought Roland would have taken the quizzing better," said Linton,
thoughtfully. "There 's no knowing any man, or--woman either. _You_
perceived what I was at, certainly."

"No, indeed. I was as much deceived as Mr. Cashel. I thought, to be
sure, that you were unusually severe, but I never suspected the object."

"How droll! Well, I am a better actor than I fancied," said Linton,
laughing; then added, in a lower tone, "Not that the lesson should be
lost upon him; for, in sober earnest, there was much truth in it."

"We were greatly pleased with him," said Mary, "and now, knowing who he
is, and what temptations such a young man has to over-estimate himself,
are even more struck by his unassuming quietude."

Linton only smiled, but it was a smile of most compassionate pity.

"I conclude that you mean to show yourself to your company, then, Mr.
Cashel?" said he, turning suddenly about.

"I'm ready," said Roland. "I'd go, however, with an easier conscience if
Mr. Corrig