inconsiderate besides. Your position in the world requires a
certain mode of living, a certain class of acquaintances, which are
not ours. It is far better, then, that we should resign ourselves to an
interruption, than wait for an actual broach of intimacy."

Cashel was totally at a loss to see how his mere change of residence
could possibly imply a whole train of altered feelings and relations,
and was about to express his astonishment on that score when Linton's
phaeton drove up to the door, according to an appointment they had made
the day before, to breakfast with the officers of a regiment quartered a
short distance from town.

"There is your _friend_, Mr. Cashel," said Miss Kennyfeck, with a marked
emphasis on the word. Cashel muttered something about a rendezvous, and
took up his hat, when a servant entered to request he would favor Mr.
Kennyfeck with a brief interview before going out.

"Are we to see you at dinner to-day?" said Olivia, languidly.

"I hope so. Mrs. Kennyfeck has been kind enough to ask me, and I hope to
have the pleasure."

"Will Mr. Linton give leave?" said Miss Kennyfeck, laughing; and then,
seeing a cloud on Cashel's brow, added, "I meant, if you had made no
appointment with him."

"I 'm self-willed enough to follow my own bent generally," said he,
abruptly, and left the room.

"You owe that gentleman a heavy grudge, Livy," said Miss Kennyfeck, as
she approached the window and looked out.

"Who do you mean, dear?"

"Mr. Linton. Were it not for him, I half think you might have
succeeded."

"I really cannot comprehend you," said the younger, with well-assumed
astonishment.

"Of course not, my dear. Still, it was a difficult game, even if left
all to yourself. He was always likely to smash the tackle at the moment
when almost caught. There, don't look so puzzled, dear; I was only
following out a little reverie,--that's all."

Meanwhile Cashel hastily descended the stairs, not over good-humoredly
commenting on Mr. Kennyfeck's ill-chosen moment for a business
conversation. "I can only stay a few minutes, or rather seconds," cried
he, as he opened the door of the study; and then checked himself as he
perceived a short, stout elderly man, of venerable appearance, who rose
respectfully from his chair as he came in.

"Doctor Tiernay, Mr. Cashel," said Kennyfeck, presenting the stranger.
"I have taken the liberty to delay you, sir, since it would be a great
convenience if you could ac