ght him, acting on
a naturally sensitive nature, by those insidious and imperceptible
counsels which represent the world--meaning, thereby, that portion of it
who are in the purple and fine linen category--as the last appeal in all
cases, not alone of a man's breeding and pretensions, but of his honor
and independence.

It was not without many a severe struggle, and many a heartfelt
repining, Cashel felt himself surrender the free action of his natural
independence to the petty and formal restrictions of a code like this.
But there was an innate dread of notoriety, a sensitive shrinking from
remark, that made him actually timid about transgressing whatever he
was told to be an ordinance of fashion. To dress in a particular way;
to frequent certain places; to be known to certain people; to go out
at certain hours; and so on,--were become to his mind as the actual
requirements of his station, and often did he regret the hour when he
had parted with his untrammelled freedom to live a life of routine and
monotony.

Shrinking, then, from any confidence in Linton, he next thought of
Kennyfeck; and, although not placing a high value on his skill and
correctness in such a difficulty, he resolved, at all hazards, to
consult him on the course to be followed. He had been often told how
gladly Government favors the possessor of fortune and influence. "Now,"
thought he, "is the time to test the problem. All of mine is at their
service, if they but liberate my poor comrade."

So saying to himself, he had just reached the hall, when the sound of
wheels approached the door. A carriage drew up, and Linton, followed by
Mr. Hoare, the money-lender, descended.

"Oh, I had entirely forgotten this affair," cried Cashel, as he met
them; "can we not fix another day?"

"Impossible, sir; I leave town to-night."

"Another hour to-day, then?" said Cashel, impatiently.

"This will be very difficult, sir. I have some very pressing
engagements, all of which were formed subject to your convenience in
this business."

"But while you are discussing the postponement, you could finish the
whole affair," cried Linton, drawing his arm within Cashel's, and
leading him along towards the library. "By Jove! it does give a man a
sublime idea of wealth, to be sure," said he, laughing, "to see the
cool indifference with which you can propose to defer an interview
that brings you some fifteen thousand pounds. As for me, I 'd make the
Viceroy himself play