and cabal. Now, mark my words: we
may not live to see it, but the time will come when their scheme will
recoil upon themselves; for we are their equals,--ay, more than their
equals,--with such arms as these! Fools that they are, not to see that
if they destroy the influence of the higher classes, the people will
elect leaders from their own ranks; and, instead of having to fight
Popery alone, the day is not distant when they 'll have to combat
democracy too. Will not the tune be changed then?"

"It must always be 'God save the King,' sir, on birthdays," said
Cotterell, who was satisfied if he either caught or comprehended the
last words of any discourse.

It is difficult to say whether the Grinder's temper could have
much longer endured these assaults of stupidity, but for the sudden
appearance of Raper, who, coming stealthily forward, whispered a few
words in Fagan's ear.

"Did you say here?--here?" asked Fagan, eagerly.

"Yes, sir," replied Raper; "below in the office."

"But why there? Why not show him upstairs? No, no, you 're right," added
he, with a most explanatory glance towards his guest. "I must leave you
for a few minutes, Cotterell. Take care of yourself till I come back;"
and with this apology he arose, and followed Raper downstairs.

The visitor, who sat on one of the high office-stools, dressed in the
first fashion of the day, slapped his boot impatiently with his cane,
and did not even remove his hat as Fagan entered, contenting himself
with a slight touch of the finger to its leaf for salutation.

"Sorry to disturb you, Fagan," said he, half cavalierly; "but being
in town late this evening, and knowing the value of even five minutes'
personal intercourse, I have dropped in to say,--what I have so often
said in the same place,--I want money."

"Grieved to hear it, Mr. Carew," was the grave, sententious reply.

"I don't believe you, Tony. When a man can lend, as you can, on his own
terms, he 's never very sorry to hear of the occasion for his services."

"Cash is scarce, sir."

"So I have always found it, Tony; but, like everything else, one gets
it by paying for. I 'm willing to do so, and now, what's the rate,--ten,
fifteen, or are you Patriarch enough to need twenty per cent?"

"I'm not sure that I could oblige you, even on such terms, Mr. Carew.
There is a long outstanding, unsettled account between us. There is
a very considerable balance due to me. There are, in fact, dealings
between