ride save in successful
bargaining, no glory save in growing rich? Is money-getting so close at
the nation's heart that whatever retards or delays its hoardings savors
of misfortune? When you were telling me that anecdote, how I envied
the land that owned such a hero; and when you said he was our own,--our
countryman; my heart felt bursting with gratitude. Tell me his name."
"His name,--his name,--how strange that I should have forgotten it; for,
as I told you, I toasted his health only yesterday."
"Yes, you remember the sherry!" said she, bitterly.
Mr. Hankes's cheek tingled and grew crimson. It was a mood of passionate
excitement he had never witnessed in her before, and he was astounded at
the change in one usually so calm and self-possessed. It was then in
no small confusion that he turned over the letter before him to find
something which might change the topic in discussion.
"Ah, here is a matter," said he, referring once more to Dunn's
letter. "He says: 'Beg of Miss Kellett to see a small holding called
"Kilmaganagh;" I cannot exactly say where, but it lies to the north
of Bantry Bay. I suspect that it possesses few recommendations such
as would entitle it to a place in the "scheme;" but, if to be had on
reasonable terms, I would be well pleased to obtain it. Driscoll had
effected a part purchase, but, having failed to pay up the instalment
due last March, his claim lapses. By the way, can you ascertain for me
where this same Driscoll has gone to? It is now above four months since
I have heard of him. Trace him, if possible. As to Kilmaganagh, tell
Miss K. that she may indulge that generosity she is not indisposed to
gratify, and be on this occasion a liberal purchaser.' He fancies you
lean a little to the country-people, Miss Bella," said Hankes, as
he stole a cautious glance at her now heightened color. "I will even
consent to what is called a fancy price for the tenement, and certainly
not lose it for a hundred or two above its actual value. Look to this,
and look to Driscoll. There's a riddle here, Miss Bella, if we knew how
to read it," said Hankes, as he looked over the few lines once more.
"I have but scant wits to read riddles, Mr. Hankes. Let us see where
this place lies." And she turned to a large map on the table, the paths
and cross-paths of which had been marked in different colored inks by
her own hand. "I remember the name. There was an old tower called
Kilmaganagh Fort, which used to be v
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