"

"Well, really I am glad of this," said Val, "it would have been painful
to me to have gone to extremities. Still there is the Ejectment to take
place, as the leases have expired: but that, my good neighbor, will
be merely a form. Of course you will be permitted to go in again as
caretakers; but in the meantime we must get the furniture out, and
receive possession in the proper way. I was angry, Mr. M'Loughlin, a
while ago, as I said and spoke hastily--for indeed I am rather warm when
promoting Lord Cumber's interests; God forgive him in the meantime, for
the disagreeable duties he too frequently put to me--duties for which I
am certain to incur the censure."

"I countermand the order," repeated Easel, with a singular smile on his
face; "and desire you, Mr. M'Loughlin, to withhold your rent."

"You!" exclaimed Val, looking at him. "Yes!" he replied, walking over,
and looking him sternly in the face.

"If it were worth while to ask your name I would--but I believe I know
it already."

"Perhaps not."

"Well, perhaps not; and pray what may it be?"

"I will tell you, sir," replied Hartley. "This gentleman is--"

"Larry O'Trap, a Spy and Whiteboy Agent," said Val, looking into the
Hue and Cry, and again surveying Easel. "He is imposing on you, Mr.
Hartley."

"This gentleman, sir," proceeded Hartley, "is the Honorable Richard
Topertoe, brother to the Right Honorable Lord Cumber--"

"And who has the honor to present you with this communication from that
nobleman," said Mr. Topertoe, "which contains your Dismissal from his
Agency; and this to you, Mr. M'Slime, which also contains your Dismissal
as his Law Agent. The authority of each of you from this moment ceases;
and yours, my sterling, excellent, and honorable friend, from this
moment recommences," said he, turning to Mr. Hickman. "This letter
contains your re-appointment to the situation which you so honorably
scorned to hold, when you found it necessary, as his Agent, to oppress
the people. Will you be good enough, Mr. M'Loughlin, to call in Mr.
Harman and those other people? You shall not be left in the dark, sir,"
he proceeded, "as to the extent of our knowledge of your dishonesty,
treachery, and persecution."

"Truly, my friend M'Clutchy, it is our duty now to act a Christian part
here. This dispensation may be ultimately for our good, if we receive it
in a proper spirit. May He grant it!"

M'Clutchy's face became the color of lead on perusing his dismi