repaired to
the Embassy, where he had been invited to breakfast on the last morning
of his stay. There was a certain bustle and movement in the courtyard
which attracted his attention; and he saw two travelling-carriages, with
an attendant "fourgon," surrounded by servants, and loaded with all the
preparations for a long journey.

"You have come in time, Mr. Cashel," said the ambassador, as he shook
hands with him, "to see our new minister at Florence, who is now on
his way thither; and what will have more interest in your eyes, a very
pretty girl, who has become the great literary character of our circles
here. I regret much that she is about to leave us."

Cashel bowed politely, but with the cold indifference of one for whom
the tidings had no peculiar interest, and accompanied the ambassador
into a _salon_, crowded with company.

"I have a young countryman to present to you, my Lord," said his
excellency, leading Cashel forward, "who I trust will wear a less sombre
face in the sunny south than he has done in our northern latitudes. Mr.
Roland Cashel--Lord Kilgoff."

A sudden start of surprise was made by both, and Roland stood mute and
thunderstruck as Lord Kilgoff advanced towards him with extended hand,
and said,--

"Yes, Mr. Cashel, your old friend in better health and spirits than when
last you saw him; and better able to thank you for much hospitality, and
apologize for much injustice."

"Let me have my share in both acknowledgments," said Lady Kilgoff,
rising, and taking Cashel's hand with much cordiality.

Roland tried to mutter a few words, but he could not succeed; and his
eyes ranged about the chamber till they fell upon one who, pale and
motionless, regarded him with a look of most expressive sadness.

"Miss Leicester, too, here?" said he, at last.

"Yes, Mr. Cashel," said Lady Kilgoff; "chance is about to do for us what
all our skill would have failed in. Here are two worthy people who will
not hear your name mentioned, and who now must consent, not alone to
hear, but see you in person. I am quite convinced you never did or could
have injured them. Stand forward, Mr. Corrigan, and make your charge."

"I will save that gentleman the pain of accusing me," said Roland, with
deep emotion. "I have injured him deeply, but yet unwittingly. I have
long desired this meeting, to place in his hands a document I have never
ceased to carry about me,--the title to a property of which I was not
the rightful