tone; 'I cannot readily
forget I am chargeable with all these wasteful ways you speak of, nor
do I feel that I make any the slightest defence of myself, in regard
to habits where my generosity has been as lavish as it has been
ill-bestowed.'

"'I wish I knew if I understand you aright,' said I.

"'Your comprehension is of the quickest where there is question of a
favor to be received.'

"I did not trust myself with any answer to this speech, which I well
knew was a trait of his old buccaneer life. I withdrew, and hastening
to his law-agent, Kennyfeck, I at once arranged for the purchase of this
small property. The moment for me was propitious; they were in want of
ready money, and the treaty was completed the same day. There is the
title."

As he spoke, he threw down the parchment deed upon the table, and lay
back in his chair, watching with intense delight the expression of
sadness and disappointment on Corrigan's features.

"Good heavens!" exclaimed the old man at last, "how deceived I have been
in him!"

"I confess that is what wounds me most in the whole transaction," said
Linton, with a mock emotion in his manner. "One is well accustomed
through life to meet sordid motives in mere men of the world, and who
deem their low-born subtilty cleverness; but to find a young fellow,
beginning life with an ample fortune and a fair position, surrounded by
all the blandishments that wealth charms up--"

"Hold!" cried Corrigan, laying his hand on Linton's arm, "I cannot bear
this. It is not at my age, sir, that disappointments like these can be
borne easily. I have too short a time before me here to hope to recover
from such shocks."

"I would not willingly give you pain, my dear sir; nor indeed, is this
the topic on which I am most anxious to address you. Another and a very
different interest led me hither this morning; and, although I have
thought long and maturely on the subject, I am as far as ever from
knowing how to approach it. My own unworthiness to what I aspire recoils
upon me at every instant, and nothing but the indulgent kindness with
which you have always regarded me could give me courage. Forgive me this
prolixity; I am like one who fears to plunge, lest he should never rise
again."

"If my estimate of you be correct," said the old man, laying his hand
upon Linton's, "the goal must needs be high to which you dare not
aspire."

"It is indeed so!" cried Linton, as if carried away by an irresistible