as not long in finding the unfortunate object of the
stranger's contemplation and interest. On meeting him, he perceived that
he was slightly affected with liquor, as indeed was the case generally
whenever he could procure it.

"Misther Fenton," said Paudeen, "there's a daicent person in our house
that wishes to see you."

"Who do you call a decent person, you bog-trotting Ganymede." replied
the other.

"Why, a daicent tradesman, I think, from--thin sorra one of me knows
whether I ought to say from Dublin or London."

"What trade, Ganymede?"

"Troth, that's more than I can tell; but I know that he wants you, for
he sent me to bring you to him."

"Well, Ganymede, I shall see your tradesman," he replied. "Come, I shall
go to him."

On reaching the inn, Paudeen, in order to discharge the commission
intrusted to him fully, ushered Fenton upstairs, and into the stranger's
sitting-room. "What's this," exclaimed Fenton. "Why, you have brought me
to the wrong room, you blundering villain. I thought you were conducting
me to some worthy tradesman. You have mistaken the room, you blockhead;
this is a gentleman. How do you do, sir? I hope you will excuse this
intrusion; it is quite unintentional on my part; yet I am glad to see
you."

"There is no mistake at all in it," replied the other, laughing. "That
will do, Paudeen," he added, "thank you."

"Faix," said Paudeen to himself, when descending the stairs, "I'm afeard
that's no tradesman--whatever he is. He took on him a look like a lord
when that unfortunate Fenton went into the room. Troth, I'm fairly
puzzled, at any rate!"

"Take a seat, Mr. Fenton," said the stranger, handing him a chair, and
addressing him in terms of respect.

"Thank, you, sir," replied the other, putting, at the same time, a
certain degree of restraint upon his maimer, for he felt conscious of
being slightly influenced by liquor.

"Well," continued the stranger, "I am glad to see that you have improved
your appearance."

"Ay, certainly, sir, as far as four pounds--or, I should rather say,
three pounds went, I did something for the outer man."

"Why not the five?" asked the other. "I wished you to make yourself as
comfortable as possible, and did not imagine you could have done it for
less."

"No, sir, not properly, according to the standard of a gentleman; but I
assure you, that, if I were in a state of utter and absolute starvation,
I would not part with one of the notes you so generou