little remorse about the sin of
incurring debt, it inculcated, however, a manly self-reliance to
clear off the encumbrance by some personal effort, and he by no means
sympathized with the cool indifference of Linton's philosophy. Linton,
always shrewd enough to know when he had not "made a hit," at once
turned the conversation into another channel, by asking at what time
Cashel proposed to receive his visitors at Tubbermore.

"Is the honor seriously intended me?" said Cashel, "or is it merely a
piece of fashionable quizzing, this promised visit, for I own I scarcely
supposed so many fine people would like to encounter the hard usage of
such an old ruin as I hear this must be."

"You'll have them to a certainty. I doubt if there will be a single
apology. I know at this instant the most urgent solicitations have been
employed to procure invitations."

"With all my heart, then," cried Cashel; "only remember the order of
the course depends on you. I know nothing of how they ought to be
entertained or amused. Take the whole affair into your own hands, and I
shall concur in everything."

"Originality is always better than imitation, but still, if one cannot
strike out a totally new line, what do you think of taking old Mathews
of Johnstown for our model, and invite all our guests with free
permission to dine, breakfast, and sup at what hour and in what parties
they please? This combines the unbridled freedom of an inn with the
hospitality of a country house. Groups form as fancy dictates. New
combinations spring up each day,--no fatigue, no _ennui_, can ensue with
such endless changes in companionship, and you yourself, instead of the
fatiguing duties of a host, are at liberty, like any of your guests, to
join this party or that."

"I like the notion immensely. How would our friends take it, for that is
the point?"

"It would be popular with every one, for it will suit your people, who
know and like to mix with every set in society, and at the same time
gratify your 'exclusives,' who can form their own little coteries with
all the jealous selection they love. Besides, it avoids another and a
great difficulty. Had you received in ordinary fashion, you must have
asked some lady friend to have done the honors for you. This would have
been a matter of the greatest embarrassment. The Kennyfecks have not
rank enough; old Lady Janet would have frightened every one away; Mrs.
White would have filled the house with her own 'bl