such anxiety; as we know they frequently do even in the youthful. Be
this as it may, one thing was evident, his lordship began to sink more
rapidly than he had ever done before; and like most invalids of his
class, he became wilful and obstinate in his own opinions. His doctor,
for instance, advised him to remove to the delightful air of Glenshee
Castle; but this, for some reason or other, he peremptorily refused to
do, and so long as he chose to remain in town, so long were Lady Emily
and her aunt resolved to stay with him. Dunroe, also, was pretty regular
in inquiries after his health; but whether from a principle of filial
affection, or a more flagitious motive, will appear from the following
conversation, which took place one morning after breakfast, between
himself and Norton.

"How is your father this morning, my lord?" inquired that worthy
gentleman. "I hope he is better."

"A lie, Norton," replied his lordship--"a lie, as usual. You hope no
such thing. The agency which is to follow on the respectable old peer's
demise bars that--eh?"

"I give you my honor, my lord, you do me injustice. I am in no hurry
with him on that account; it would be unfeeling,and selfish."

"Now, Tom," replied the other, in that kind of contemptuous familiarity
which slavish minions or adroit knaves like Norton must always put up
with from such men, "now, Tom, my good fellow, you know the case is
this--you get the agency to the Cullamore property the moment my right
honorable dad makes his exit. If he should delay that exit for seven
years to come, then you will be exactly seven years short of the
period in which you will fleece me and my tenants, and put the wool on
yourself."

"Only your tenants, my lord, if you please. I may shear them, a little,
I trust; but you can't suppose me capable of shearing--"

"My lordship. No, no, you are too honest; only you will allow me to
insinuate, in the meantime, that I believe you have fleeced me to some
purpose already. I do not allude to your gambling debts, which, with my
own, I have been obliged to pay; but to other opportunities which have
come in your way. It doesn't matter, however; you are a pleasant and
a useful fellow, and I believe that although you clip me yourself a
little, you would permit no one else to do so. And, by the way, talking
of the respectable old peer, he is anything but a friend of yours, and
urged me strongly to send you to the devil, as a cheat and impostor."

"H