y what I mean," said Linton. "He will probably linger on,
unchanged; so that if events follow their habitual train, there will be
little time or temptation to spread scandal about him; and then, what,
at first blush, seems to lack kindness, is, in reality, the very truest
and most considerate service we can render."

"Then you will look to this part of the matter, Linton?" said Cashel, on
whom his apparent frankness had resumed its former ascendancy.

"Leave it all to me," said he; "and so good-night." And, with that, he
departed, leaving Cashel and Tiernay together.

They were silent for some minutes, as Linton's retiring steps were heard
going towards his own room. Soon after the loud bang of a door resounded
through the house, and all was still. Little knew they, that scarcely
had he gained his room than he left it noiselessly, and, slipping down
the great stairs, crossed the hall, and, entering the theatre, proceeded
by the secret passage which led to Cashel's dressing-room, and through
the thin panel that covered which, he could easily overhear whatever was
spoken within.

"At least you will allow that he has been candid with us here?" said
Cashel, in a tone of remonstrance.

"I cannot afford to give a man my confidence, because I am unable to
sound his intentions," said Tiernay. "I disliked this Linton from the
first, and I never yet saw any distinct reason to alter the sentiment.
That he has puzzled me--ay, completely puzzled me and all my
calculations, within the last few days, is quite true. He has done that
which, in a man like himself, disconcerts one altogether, because it is
so difficult to trace his probable motive. What would you say, were I to
tell you that this deep man of the world, this artful and subtle gambler
in the game of life, has actually proposed for a girl who is utterly
without fortune or family influence? That she is endowed with noble
attributes--that she is one a prince might have chosen to share his
fortunes, I deem as nothing to the purpose, for I cannot conceive such
qualities as hers could weigh with him; but so it is,--he has actually
made an offer of his hand."

"Dare your confidence go further?" said Cashel, eagerly, "and tell
me--to whom?"

"Yes. I have been guilty of one breach of faith in telling you so
much, and I 'll hazard all, and let you hear the remainder. It was Mary
Leicester."

"Mary Leicester!" echoed Cashel, but in a voice barely audible.

"Mary Leicester,"