stood uncertain for a moment, and thought that the best thing
he could do was to make a merit of the affair, by affecting a strong
disposition to serve his lordship.

"The truth is, my lord, I was in his confidence, and as I heard how
matters stood, I thought it a pity that your lordship should be annoyed
at your time of life, and I took it into my head to place them in your
lordship's hands."

"These are genuine documents," observed his lordship, looking at them
again. "I remember the handwriting distinctly, and have in my possession
some letters written by the same individual. Was your master a kind
one?"

"Both kind and generous, my lord; and I have no doubt at all but he'd
forgive me everything, and advance a large sum besides, in order to
get these two little papers back. Your lordship knows he can do nothing
against you without them; and I hope you'll consider that, my lord."

"Did he voluntarily, that is, willingly, and of his own accord, admit
you to his confidence? and, if so, upon what grounds?"

"Why, my lord, my wife and I were servants to his father for years, and
he, when a slip of a boy, was very fond of me. When he came over here,
my lord, it was rather against his will, and not at all for his own
sake. So, as he knew that he'd require some one in this country that
could act prudently for him, he made up his mind to take me with him,
especially as my wife and myself were both anxious to come back to our
own country. 'I must trust some one, M'Bride,' said he, 'and I will
trust you'; and then he tould me the raison of his journey here."

"Well," replied his lordship, "proceed; have you anything more to add!"

"Nothing, my lord, but what I've tould you. I thought it a pitiful case
to see a nobleman at your time of life afflicted by the steps he was
about to take, and I brought these papers accordingly to your lordship.
I hope you'll not forget that, my lord."

"What value do you place on these two documents?"

"Why, I think a thousand pounds, my lord."

"Well, sir, your estimate is a very low one--ten thousand would come
somewhat nearer the thing."

"My lord, I can only say," said M'Bride, "that I'm willin' to take a
thousand; but, if your lordship, knowin' the value of the papers as you
do, chooses to add anything more, I'll be very happy to accept it."

"I have another question to ask you, sir," said his lordship, "which
I do with great pain, as I do assure you that this is as painful a
dial