y
frequently even then, for he mostly wore blue.

"M'Mahon," said he, "take a seat. I am glad to see you. How are your
family?"

"Both I an' they is well, I'm thankful to you, sir," replied the farmer.

"I hope you got safe home from the metropolis. How did you travel?"

"Troth, I walked it, sir, every inch of the way, an' a long stretch it
is. I got safe, sir, an' many thanks to you."

"That was a sudden call poor Mr. Chevydale got, but not more so than
might, at his time of life, have been expected; at all events I hope he
was prepared for it, and indeed I have reason to think he was."

"I trust in God he was, sir," replied M'Mahon; "so far as I and mine
is consarned, we have raison to wish it; he didn't forget us, Mr.
Fethertonge."

"No," said the other, after some pause, "he did not indeed forget you,
M'Mahon."

"I tuck the liberty of callin' down, sir," proceeded M'Mahon, "about
the leases he spoke of, an' to know how soon we may expect to have them
filled."

"That is for your son Bryan and yourself. How is Bryan proceeding with
Ahadarra, by the way? I spoke to him some time ago about his system of
cropping that farm, and some other matters of the kind; I must ride up
one of these days to see how he is doing. As to the leases, there is no
difficulty in the way, M'Mahon, except to get our young landlord to sign
them. That we will easily do, of course; in the meantime, do you go
on, improve your land, and strive to do something for your children,
M'Mahon; for, in this world, he that won't assist himself will find
very few that will. The leases are in Dublin; if you wish, I'll send for
them, and have them ready for the landlord's signature whenever he comes
down here; or I'll leave them in town, where I shall be more likely to
see him."

"Very well, sir," replied M'Mahon, "I lave it all in your own hands, for
I know that if you won't be my friend, you won't be my enemy."

"Well--certainly--I hope not. Will you take anything? Here, James, bring
in some brandy."

M'Mahon's protest against the brandy was anything but invincible.
Fethertonge's manner was so kind, so familiar, and his interest in the
success of himself and his family so unaffectedly warm and sincere,
that, after drinking his health, he took his leave with a light and.
happy heart.

Their journey home was a little more lively than the depression of Jemmy
Burke's mind had allowed it to be on their way to the auction. Yet
each had his own pe