n, had thrown off the delusion in which he had
indulged regarding you, and saw you as I have always thought you,--a
clever worldly man, without scruples as to his means when an object had
once gained possession of his wishes, and who never could have dreamed
of making Miss Leicester his wife were there not other and deeper
purposes to be attained by so doing."

"You are candor itself, sir," said Linton; "but I cannot feel offence at
a frankness I have myself asked for. Pray extend the favor, and say what
could possibly be these other and deeper purposes you allude to? What
advantages could I propose myself by such an alliance, save increased
facilities of conversation with Dr. Tiernay, and more frequent
opportunities of indulging in 'tric-trac' with Mr. Corrigan?"

Tiernay winced under the sarcasm, but only said,--

"To divine your motives would be to become your equal in skill and
cleverness. I have no pretensions to such excellence."

"So that you are satisfied with attributing to another objects for which
you see no reason and motive, and of which you perceive no drift?"

"I am satisfied to believe in much that I cannot fathom."

"We will pursue this no further," said Linton, impatiently. "Let us
reverse the medal. Mr. Corrigan's refusal of me, coupled with his
uncourteous conduct, may lead to unpleasant results. Is he prepared for
such?"

"I have never known him to shrink from the consequences of his own
conduct," replied Tiernay, steadfastly.

"Even though that conduct should leave him houseless?" whispered Linton.

"It cannot, sir, while _I_ have a roof."

"Generously spoken, sir," said Linton, while he threw his eyes over the
humble decorations of his chamber with an expression of contempt there
was no mistaking.

"Humble and poor enough it is, sir," said Tiernay, answering the glance,
"but the fruit of honest industry. Neither a father's curse, nor a
mother's tear, hovers over one of the little comforts around me."

"An ancient Roman in virtue!" exclaimed Linton, affectedly. "How sad
that our degenerate days so ill reward such excellence!"

"You are wrong there, sir. Even for merits poor and unobtrusive as mine,
there are tributes of affection more costly than great men know of.
There are those on every hand around me who would resign health, and
hope, and life itself, to do me service. There are some who, in their
rude zeal, would think little of making even Mr. Linton regret his
having needlessl