of course from imperfect knowledge, calls it a large--what a man like
myself would style--a very large fortune."

"I give you joy, with all my heart," cried Corrigan, grasping his hand
in both his, and shaking it cordially. "When wealth descends to men who
have shown their ability to maintain an honorable station without it,
the chances are greatly in favor of its being nobly and generously
employed."

"How I hope that I may not disgrace your theory," said Linton, "for I am
not ashamed to assert that I have fulfilled the first condition of the
category. With little else but good birth and a fair education, I had
to start in the race against others with every aid of fortune; and if I
have not reached a more elevated position, I can say that the
obstacle lay rather in my own scruples than my incapacity. I declined
Parliamentary life because I would not be a nominee; I had a glancing
suspicion that my time would come, too, when, without other check upon
my motives than the voice of conscience, I should stand in the British
Senate a free and independent member. If I have waited patiently for
this hour, I hope I have not abused the leisure interval, and that I may
bring to the public service something besides the zeal of one who feels
the importance of his trust."

"There is no failure with intentions pure and honorable as these," said
Corrigan, warmly. "It does not need your talents, Mr. Linton, to insure
success in such a path; one half of _your_ ability, so nobly backed,
would reach the goal. And now tell me, if I be not indiscreet in asking
some of your plans, what place do you mean to stand for?"

"Our good borough of Derraheeny," said Linton, half smiling. "I am in
a measure committed to continue my canvass there, and, indeed, have
already entered into securities to keep my pledge. I see these words
sound a little mysteriously, but I intend to explain them; only I must
ask one favor of you. I hope, before I leave the room, to show that I
have, if not a claim upon your generosity, at least a plea to warrant
my request. My entreaty is this, that you will never divulge to any one
what I shall now tell you."

"Pray, my dear friend, consider for a moment what you are asking. Why
make me the depositary of a secret? An old man, whose very years
are like 'fissures in the strong keep,' where mysteries should be
imprisoned."

"Could I participate in your reasonings, my dear sir, there is yet
enough in the present instance