ed the owner of Hap House as Sir Owen; and gradually
the name was working itself into common use, though he had taken no
steps to make himself legally entitled to wear it. But no one spoke
of Sir Herbert. The story was so generally known, that none were so
ignorant as to suppose him to be his father's heir. The servants
about the place still called him Mr. Herbert, orders to that effect
having been specially given; and the peasants of the country, with
that tact which graces them, and with that anxiety to abstain from
giving pain which always accompanies them unless when angered,
carefully called him by no name. They knew that he was not Sir
Herbert; but they would not believe but what, perchance, he might
be so yet on some future day. So they took off their old hats to
him, and passed him silently in his sorrow; or if they spoke to him,
addressed his honour simply, omitting all mention of that Christian
name, which the poor Irishman is generally so fond of using. "Mister
Blake" sounds cold and unkindly in his ears. It is the "Masther,"
or "His honour," or if possible "Misther Thady." Or if there be any
handle, that is used with avidity. Pat is a happy man when he can
address his landlord as "Sir Patrick."

But now the "ould masther's son" could be called by no name. Men knew
not what he was to be, though they knew well that he was not that
which he ought to be. And there were some who attempted to worship
Owen as the rising sun; but for such of them as had never worshipped
him before that game was rather hopeless. In those days he was not
much seen, neither hunting nor entertaining company; but when seen he
was rough enough with those who made any deep attempt to ingratiate
themselves with his coming mightiness. And during this month he
went over to London, having been specially invited so to do by Mr.
Prendergast; but very little came of his visit there, except that it
was certified to him that he was beyond all doubt the baronet. "And
there shall be no unnecessary delay, Sir Owen," said Mr. Prendergast,
"in putting you into full possession of all your rights." In answer
to which Owen had replied that he was not anxious to be put in
possession of any rights. That as far as any active doing of his own
was concerned, the title might lie in abeyance, and that regarding
the property he would make known his wish to Mr. Prendergast very
quickly after his return to Ireland. But he intimated at the same
time that there could