k candidly, sir, _he_ has neither
courage nor hardihood for these kind of transactions,--I hope, sir, that
you, desirous of uniting this farm to the large demesne, as I understand
to be the case, will not deem this an unfitting occasion to treat
liberally with one whose position is no longer what it once was. I must
take care, Mr. Cashel, that I say nothing which looks like solicitation
here; the confidence my friend has placed in me would be ill requited by
such an error."

"Is there no means of securing Mr. Corrigan's residence here?" said
Cashel. "Can I not accommodate his wishes in some other way, and which
should not deprive me of a neighbor I prize so highly?"

"I fear not. The circumstances which induce him to go abroad are
imperative."

"Would it not be better to reflect on this?" said Cashel. "I do not seek
to pry into concerns which are not mine, but I would earnestly ask if
some other arrangement be not possible?"

Tiernay shook his head dubiously.

"If this be so, then I can oppose no longer. It only remains for Mr.
Corrigan to put his own value on the property, and I accept it."

"Nay, sir; this generosity will but raise new difficulties. You are
about to deal with a man as high-hearted as yourself, and with the
punctilious delicacy that a narrow fortune suggests, besides."

"Do you, then, doctor, who know both of us, be arbitrator. Let it not
be a thing for parchments and lawyers' clerks; let it be an honorable
understanding between two gentlemen, and so, no more of it."

"If the world were made up of men like yourself and my old friend,
this would be, doubtless, the readiest and the best solution of the
difficulty," said Tiernay; "but what would be said if we consented to
such an arrangement? What would not be said? Ay, faith, there's not a
scandalous rumor that malice could forge would not be rife upon us."

"And do you think such calumnies have any terror for _me?_" cried
Cashel.

"When you've lived to _my_ age, sir, you'll reason differently."

"It shall be all as you wish, then," said Cashel. "But stay!" cried he,
after a moment's thought; "there is a difficulty I had almost forgotten.
I must look that it may not interfere with our plans. When can I see you
again? Would it suit you to come and breakfast with me tomorrow? I 'll
have my man of business, and we 'll arrange everything."

"Agreed, sir; I'll not fail. I like your promptitude. A favor is a
double benefit when speedily granted."