ttered
"Well! well!" they would relapse into silence, each far too occupied by
himself to note the other's embarrassment.

It was after a long time and much thought that Corrigan perceived,
however pledged to Linton not to speak of Cashel's conduct respecting
the cottage, that he was in no wise bound to secrecy regarding the
proposal for Mary Leicester's hand; and this was, indeed, the topic on
which he was most desirous of the doctor's counsel.

"I have a secret for you, Tiernay," said the old man, at length; "and
it is one which will surprise you. I have had an offer this morning
for Mary! Ay; just so. You often told me that nothing but this life of
isolation and retirement would have left her with me so long; but the
thought of losing her--the tangible, actual dread--never presented
itself before this day!"

"Who is it?" said Tiernay, shortly, but not without evident agitation of
manner.

"One who has never enjoyed much of your favor, Tiernay, and whom I
suspect you have judged with less than your habitual fairness."

"I know the man. Linton?"

"It was Linton."

"And he actually made this proposition?" said Tiernay, with an
expression of the most unbounded surprise in his features.

"To me, myself, in this room, he made it."

"He asked you what her fortune would be?" said Tiernay, gruffly.

"He did not; he told me of his own. He said, that by a recent event he
had become possessed of sufficient property to make him indifferent to
the fortune of whoever he might marry. He spoke sensibly and well of his
future career, of the plans he had conceived, and the rules he made for
his own guidance; he spoke warmly of her with whom he wished to share
his fortunes; and lastly, he alluded in kind terms to myself, dependent
as I am upon her care, and living as I do upon her affection. In a word,
if there was not the ardor of a passionate lover, there was what I augur
better from,--the sentiments of one who had long reflected on his own
position in life, who knew the world well, and could be no mean guide
amid its dangers and difficulties."

"Have you told Mary of this?"

"I have not. My answer to Linton was: 'Let me have time to think over
this proposal; give me some hours of thought before I even speak to my
granddaughter;' and he acceded at once."

"Good heavens!" exclaimed Tiernay, rising, and pacing the room. "How
inadequate are we two old men--removed from intercourse with the world,
neither players nor look