will
always be a good house and a good table for me, as long as I find favour
with your wife; and, at all events, a friend in need, that I feel
convinced of. So now you have my reasons; some smack of the
disinterestedness of former days, others of my present worldliness; you
may believe which you please." And the major laughed as he finished his
speech.

"Carbonnell," replied I, "I will believe that the better feelings
predominate--that the world has made you what you are; and that had you
not been ruined by the world, you would have been disinterested and
generous; even now, your real nature often gains the ascendency, and I
am sure that in all that you have done, which is not defensible, your
poverty, and not your will, has consented. Now, blunted by habit and
time, the suggestions of conscience do not often give you any
uneasiness."

"You are very right, my dear fellow," replied the major; "and in having
a better opinion of me than the world in general, you do me, I trust, no
more than justice. I will not squander _your_ fortune, when you come to
it, if I can help it; and you'll allow that's a very handsome promise on
my part."

"I'll defy you to squander my fortune," replied I, laughing.

"Nay, don't defy me, Newland, for if you do, you'll put me on my mettle.
Above all, don't lay me a bet, for that will be still more dangerous.
We have only spent about four hundred of the thousand since we have
lived together, which I consider highly economical. What do you say,
shall we go to Cheltenham? You will find plenty of Irish girls, looking
out for husbands, who will give you a warm reception."

"I hate your fortune and establishment hunters," replied I.

"I grant that they are looking out for a good match, so are all the
world; but let me do them justice. Although, if you proposed, in three
days they would accept you; yet once married, they make the very best
wives in the world. But recollect we must go somewhere; and I think
Cheltenham is as good a place as any other. I do not mean for a wife,
but--it will suit my own views."

This last observation decided me, and in a few days we were at
Cheltenham; and having made our appearance at the rooms, were soon in
the vortex of society. "Newland," said Carbonnell, "I dare say you find
time hang rather heavy in this monotonous place."

"Not at all," replied I; "what with dining out, dancing, and
promenading, I do very well."

"But we must do better. Tell