to think that he would take
himself to bed, and was still cursing the evil star which had brought
him to County Clare, there arose a clatter at the outside gate of the
small barrack-yard. A man had posted all the way down from Limerick and
desired to see Mr. Neville at once. The man had indeed come direct from
Scroope,--by rail from Dublin to Limerick, and thence without delay on
to Ennis. The Earl of Scroope was dead, and Frederic Neville was Earl of
Scroope. The man brought a letter from Miss Mellerby, telling him the
sad news and conjuring him in his aunt's name to come at once to the
Manor. Of course he must start at once for the Manor. Of course he must
attend as first mourner at his uncle's grave before he could assume his
uncle's name and fortune.

In that first hour of his greatness the shock to him was not so great
but that he at once thought of the O'Haras. He would leave Ennis the
following morning at six, so as to catch the day mail train out of
Limerick for Dublin. That was a necessity; but though so very short a
span of time was left to him, he must still make arrangements about the
O'Haras. He had hardly heard the news half an hour before he himself
was knocking at the door of Mr. Crowe the attorney. He was admitted,
and Mr. Crowe descended to him in a pair of slippers and a very
old dressing-gown. Mr. Crowe, as he held his tallow candle up to
his client's face, looked as if he didn't like it. "I know I must
apologize," said Neville, "but I have this moment received news of my
uncle's death."

"The Earl?"

"Yes."

"And I have now the honour of--speaking to the Earl of Scroope."

"Never mind that. I must start for England almost immediately. I haven't
above an hour or two. You must see that man, O'Hara, without me."

"Certainly, my lord."

"You shouldn't speak to me in that way yet," said Neville angrily. "You
will be good enough to understand that the terms are fixed;--two hundred
a year as long, as he remains in France and never molests anyone either
by his presence or by letter. Thank you. I shall be so much obliged
to you! I shall be back here after the funeral, and will arrange about
payments. Good-night."

So it happened that Captain O'Hara had no opportunity on that occasion
of seeing his proposed son-in-law. Mr. Crowe, fully crediting the power
confided to him, did as he was bidden. He was very harsh to the poor
Captain; but in such a condition a man can hardly expect that people
should