had I known that it was
a staunch and constitutional concern, of sound High Church principle, I
should have treated it with respect. I might have known, indeed, that
it could not be a Popish one, Paddy, for I see it has the thorough
Protestant curl."

The father looked at Phil, to ascertain whether he was serious or not,
but so unmeaning or equivocal was the expression of his countenance that
he could make nothing out of it.

"You are reasoning," said Solomon, "upon wrong, certainly not upon
purely gospel principles, Phil. The wig at this moment has a great deal
more of Popery in it than ever it had of Protestantism."

"And, if I'm not much mistaken, more honesty, too," observed Val, who
had not forgotten the opposition he received in the grand jury room by
Lucre's friends; nor the fact that the same reverend gentleman had taken
many fat slices of his mouth on several other occasions.

"Well, then, confound the wig," said Phil, "and that's all I have to say
about it."

Paddy then paid his rent, and having received a receipt, was about to
go, when Val thus addressed him:--"Paddy, I hope you will not hesitate
to give up that farm of yours at Slatbeg; I told you before that if you
do, I'll be a friend to you for life."

"I'll sell it, sir," said Paddy; "but surely you wouldn't have me to
give up my interest in such a farm as that."

"I'll make it up to you in other ways," said Val; "and I'll mention you
besides to Lord Cumber."

"I'm thankful to you, sir," said Paddy; "but it's in heaven I'll be,
most likely, before ever you see his face."

"Then, you won't give it up, nor rely upon my generosity or Lord
Cumber's? It's Lord Cumber you will be obliging, not me."

"Wid every respect for you both, sir," replied Paddy, "I must think
of my own flesh and blood, my childre, and grand-childre, and
great-grand-childre, before I think of either you or him. The day, sir,
you made me tipsy, and sent me on your own car for the lease, I would a
given it--but then, they wouldn't let me at home, and so, on thinking-it
over--"

"Pooh, you're doting, man, you're doting," said Val. "go home, now--but
I tell you, you will have cause to remember this before you die, old as
you are--go home."

"The truth is, Solomon, I was offered two hundred pounds for it by one
of my 'hounds' which would be a good thing enough, and would afford you
a slice into the bargain. The old fellow would have brought me the
lease the day he speaks of,