but what tidings may reach me from
Dublin."

"You have no fears, sir," said she, rising, and drawing her arm within
his, "that your application could be rejected. You ask nothing unusual
or unreasonable,--a brief renewal of a lease where you have expended a
fortune."

"True, true, dear child. Let us, however, not look on the case with our
eyes alone, but see it as others may.. But here comes Tom.--Well, what
news, Tom; are there letters?"

"Yes, sir, here's two; there's one-and-fourpence to be paid."

"Let me see them," cried the old man, impatiently, as he snatched them,
and hastily re-entered the house.

"Is Cathleen better to-day?" said the young lady, addressing the
peasant.

"Yes, miss, glory be to God, she's betther. Thanks to yourself and Him.
Oh, then, it's of yer beautiful face she does be dramin' every night.
Says she, 'It's Miss Mary, I think, is singing to me, when I hear the
birds in my sleep.'"

"Poor child, give her this little book for me, and say I 'll come up and
see her this evening, if I can. Mrs. Moore will send her the broth; I
hope she 'll soon be able to eat something. Good-bye, Tom."

A deep-drawn heavy sigh from within the cottage here made her abruptly
conclude the interview and hasten in. The door of her grandfather's
little dressing-room was, however, locked; and after a noiseless effort
to turn the handle, she withdrew to the drawing-room to wait in deep
anxiety for his coming.

The old man sat with his head supported on both hands, gazing
steadfastly at two open letters which lay on the table before him; had
they contained a sentence of death, his aspect could scarce have been
more sad and sorrow-struck. One was from Mr. Kennyfeck, and ran thus:

Dear Mr. Corrigan,--I have had a brief conversation with Mr.
Roland Cashel on the subject of your renewal, and I am
grieved to say that he does not seem disposed to accede to
your wishes. Entertaining, as he does, the intention to make
Tubbermore his chief residence in Ireland, his desire is, I
believe, to connect the farm in your holding with the
demesne. This will at once explain that it is not a question
of demanding a higher rent from you, but simply of carrying
out a plan for the enlargement and improvement of the
grounds pertaining to the "Hall."

The matter, is, however, by no means decided upon; nor will
it be, in all probability, before you have an opportunity of