after we
all were dead and buried; and then you might have set aside Garraghty's
lease easy, and no harm done to any but a rogue that DESARVED it; and,
in the meantime, an accommodation to my honest friend, my lord, your
father, here. But, as fate would have it, you upset all by your progress
INCOGNITO through them estates. Well, it's best as it is, and I am
better pleased to be as we are, trusting all to a generous son's own
heart. Now put the poor father out of pain, and tell us what you'll do,
my dear.'

'In one word, then,' said Lord Colambre, 'I will, upon two conditions,
either join my father in levying fines to enable him to sell or mortgage
whatever portion of his estate is necessary for the payment of these
debts; or I will, in whatever other mode he can point out, as more
agreeable or more advantageous to him, join in giving security to his
creditors.'

'Dear, noble fellow!' cried Sir Terence; 'none but an Irishman could do
it.'

Lord Clonbrony, melted to tears, could not articulate, but held his arms
open to embrace his son.

'But you have not heard my conditions yet,' said Lord Colambre.

'Oh, confound the conditions!' cried Sir Terence.

'What conditions could he ask that I could refuse at this minute?' said
Lord Clonbrony.

'Nor I--was it my heart's blood, and were I to be hanged for it,' cried
Sir Terence. 'And what are the conditions?'

'That Mr. Garraghty shall be dismissed from the agency.'

'And welcome, and glad to get rid of him--the rogue, the tyrant,' said
Lord Clonbrony; 'and, to be beforehand with you in your next wish, put
Mr. Burke into his place.'

'I'll write the letter for you to sign, my lord, this minute,' cried
Terry, 'with all the pleasure in life. No; it's my Lord Colambre should
do that in all justice.'

'But what's your next condition? I hope it's no worse,' said Lord
Clonbrony.

'That you and my mother should cease to be absentees.'

'Oh murder!' said Sir Terence; 'maybe that's not so easy; for there are
two words to that bargain.'

Lord Clonbrony declared that, for his own part, he was ready to return
to Ireland next morning, and to promise to reside on his estate all the
rest of his days; that there was nothing he desired more, provided Lady
Clonbrony would consent to it; but that he could not promise for her;
that she was as obstinate as a mule on that point; that he had often
tried, but that there was no moving her; and that, in short, he could
not promise o