upon you without what at least seem to me to be
sufficient reasons. Whether you may think them so or not, will in a
great measure depend upon whether you prefer to be guided by the false
lights of an unjust prejudice, or the true illumination of your own
natural good sense and practical intelligence."

Tiernay sat down without speaking; the appeal was made calmly and
dispassionately to him, and he felt that he could not but entertain it,
particularly as the scene was beneath his own roof.

Linton resumed,--

"_Your_ friend,--I hope the time is not far distant when I may be
enabled to say and _mine_,--Mr. Corrigan, acting under the greatest of
all misconceptions, mistaking my heartfelt zeal in his behalf for an
undue interference in his affairs, has to-day expressed himself towards
me in a manner so uncalled for, so unfair, and ungenerous, that,
considering the position I sought to occupy in his regard, either
bespeaks the existence of some secret attack upon my character, or that
a mere sudden caprice of temper overbalances with him the qualities
he has been gracious enough to speak of in terms of praise and
approbation."

Tiernay gave a short, dry nod, whose significance was so very doubtful
that Linton stopped and stared at him, as if asking for further
information.

"I had made a proposition for the hand of his granddaughter," resumed
he, "and surely my pretensions could not subject me to rebuke?"

Tiernay nodded again, in the same puzzling way as before.

"Knowing the influence you possess in the family," resumed Linton,
"seeing how much confidence they repose in your counsels, I have thought
it advisable to state to you that, although naturally indignant at the
treatment I have met with, and possibly carried away for a moment by
passion, my feelings regarding Miss Leicester are unchanged, and, I
believe, unchangeable."

Tiernay moved his head slightly, as though implying assent.

"Am I to understand, sir, that my communication is pleasing to you?"
said Linton, firmly.

"Very pleasing in every respect," said Tiernay.

"And I may reckon upon your kind offices in my behalf, Dr. Tiernay?"

Tiernay shook his head negatively.

"Be kind enough to speak your mind more intelligibly, sir, for there is
need that we should understand each other here."

"I will be as explicit as you can desire, sir. Your communication was
gratifying to me in so far that it showed me how my old and esteemed
friend, Mr. Corriga