xperiment will be always successful!" The irritation
under which the last words were uttered spread a triumphant joy through
Linton's heart, nor dare he trust himself to speak, lest he should
reveal it!

"Perhaps a letter, Mr. Linton, would answer your object. It appears to
_me_ that the condescension of a visit is a step too far in advance.
You are aware that, in a day or two, as his Majesty's representative,
etiquette would require that I should never make the initiative in
acquaintance."

"Pardon my interrupting, my Lord; but that rule will only apply to you
at the seat of your mission. Here, you have no other distinction than of
being the well-known leader of the Irish peerage,--the great head of an
illustrious body, who look up to you for guidance and direction."

"You are right, perhaps, sir,--my station is what you have described
it. I trust you have not mentioned to Lady Kilgoff anything of your
Foreign-Office news?"

"Of course not, my Lord. It will always remain with your discretion when
and how to make the communication."

"It appears to me, sir, that her Ladyship has admitted many of the
inmates here to a degree of intimacy quite inconsistent with their
relative stations."

"Her Ladyship's youth and amiability of manner offer great temptations
to the inroads of obtrusiveness," said Linton, with the air of one
thinking aloud.

"I disagree with you, sir, entirely. I was young myself, sir, and, I am
told, not quite destitute of those attractions you speak of; but I
am not aware that any one ever took a liberty with _me!_ This must be
looked to. And now, your affair? When is it to come off? Your marriage,
I mean?"

"That is by no means so certain, my Lord," said Linton, who smiled in
spite of himself at the careless tone in which his Lordship treated
so very humble an event. "I may reckon on your Lordship's assistance,
however?"

Lord Kilgoff waved his hand in token of acquiescence, and Linton took a
formal leave, almost bursting with laughter at the ridiculous conceit he
had himself contributed to create.

"Ay," muttered he, as he descended the stairs, "as a democrat, an
out-and-out democrat, I say, 'Long live' an Hereditary Peerage! 'I know
nothing can equal it, in making the untitled classes the rulers."

CHAPTER XVI. A WET DAT--THE FALSE SIGNAL

So cunning, like the doubling of the hare,
Oft turns upon itself.

Bell.

It was a rainy day,--one of those downright pelt