d. His sanguine
disposition, fed by a very suggestive and inventive mind, and stimulated
by success and a prosperous life, sustained him always to the last.
Hatton always believed that everything desirable must happen if a man
had energy and watched circumstances. He had confidence too in the
influence of his really insinuating manner; his fine taste, his tender
tone, his ready sympathy, all which masked his daring courage and
absolute recklessness of means.

There were general greetings of the greatest warmth. The eyes of Hatton
were suffused with tears as he congratulated Gerard on his restored
health, and pressed Sybil's hand with the affection of an old friend
between both his own.

"I was down in this part of the world on business," said Hatton, "and
thought I would come over here for a day to find you all out." And
then after some general conversation he said "And where do you think I
accidentally paid a visit a day or two back? At Mowbray Castle. I see
you are surprised. I saw all your friends. I did not ask his Lordship
how the writ of right went on. I dare say he thinks 'tis all hushed. But
he is mistaken. I have learnt something which may help us over the stile
yet."

"Well-a-day," said Gerard, "I once thought if I could get back the lands
the people would at last have a friend; but that's past. I have been a
dreamer of dreams often when I was overlooking them at work. And so we
all have I suppose. I would willingly give up my claim if I could be
sure the Lancashire lads will not come to harm this bout."

"'Tis a more serious business," said Hatton, "than any thing of the kind
that has yet happened. The government are much alarmed. They talk of
sending the Guards down into the north, and bringing over troops from
Ireland."

"Poor Ireland!" said Gerard. "Well, I think the frieze-coats might give
us a helping hand now, and employ the troops at least."

"No, my dear father, say not such things."

"Sybil will not let me think of these matters friend Hatton," said
Gerard smiling. "Well, I suppose it's not in my way, at least I
certainly did not make the best hand of it in '39; but it was London
that got me into that scrape. I cannot help fancying that were I on our
Moors here a bit with some good lads it might be different, and I must
say so, I must indeed, Sybil."

"But you are very quiet here I hope," said Hatton.

"Oh! yes," said Gerard, "I believe our spirit is sufficiently broken
at Mowbray. Wages