e, and was dead silent, and had paused
sufficiently long to assure the earl that he was going to say nothing
further just at present, the great man commenced his answer.

"This is a painful subject, my lord--most peculiarly painful at the
present time; but, surely, after all that has passed--but especially
after what has _not_ passed"--Lord Cashel thought this was a dead
hit--"you cannot consider your engagement with Miss Wyndham to be still
in force?"

"Good gracious!--and why not, my lord? I am ready to do anything her
friends--in fact I came solely, this morning, to consult yourself,
about--I'm sure Fanny herself can't conceive the engagement to
be broken off. Of course, if Miss Wyndham wishes it--but I can't
believe--I can't believe--if it's about the horses, Lord Cashel, upon
my word, I'm ready to sell them to-day."

This was not very dignified in poor Frank, and to tell the truth, he
was completely bothered. Lord Cashel looked so more than ordinarily
glum; had he been going to put on a black cap and pass sentence of
death, or disinherit his eldest son, he could not have looked more
stern or more important. Frank's lack of dignity added to his, and made
him feel immeasurably superior to any little difficulty which another
person might have felt in making the communication he was going to
make. He was really quite in a solemn good humour. Lord Ballindine's
confusion was so flattering.

"I can assure you, my lord, Miss Wyndham calls for no such sacrifice,
nor do I. There was a time when, as her guardian, I ventured to
hint--and I own I was taking a liberty, a fruitless liberty, in doing
so--that I thought your remaining on the turf was hardly prudent.
But I can assure you, with all kindly feeling--with no approach to
animosity--that I will not offend in a similar way again. I hear,
by mere rumour, that you have extended your operations to the other
kingdom. I hope I have not been the means of inducing you to do so;
but, advice, if not complied with, often gives a bias in an opposite
direction. With regard to Miss Wyndham, I must express--and I really
had thought it was unnecessary to do so, though it was certainly my
intention, as it was Miss Wyndham's wish, that I should have written
to you formally on the subject--but your own conduct--excuse me, Lord
Ballindine--your own evident indifference, and continued, I fear I must
call it, dissipation--and your, as I considered, unfortunate selection
of acquaintance, c