, ought to be considered as of most importance."

"I have now," said Easel, "made myself acquainted with the condition and
management of the Castle Cumber property; and, truth to tell, I am not
surprised at the frightful state of society upon it. M'Clutchy is
the type of too numerous a class, and his son is a most consummate
scoundrel. Why my--why Lord Cumber should have appointed him to his
agency I cannot imagine."

"But I can," said Harman; "that which has appointed many a scoundrel
like him--necessity on the part of the landlord, and a desire to extend
his political influence in the county."

"He could not have gone a more successful way about it, however,"
observed Easel.

"If there be one curse," observed Harman, "worse than another on any
such property, it is to have for your agent an outrageous partisan--a
man who is friendly to one party and inimical to another--a fellow who
scruples not to avail himself of his position, for the gratification of
party rancor, and who makes the performance of his duties subservient to
his prejudices, both religious and political. Think, for instance, of a
rancorous No-Popery-man being made agent to an estate where the majority
of the tenantry are Catholics."

"As is the case on the Castle Cumber estate," said Easel.

"And as is the case on too many estates, throughout the country," added
Harman; but the truth is, that unless something is done soon to redress
the local grievances of the people, there will, I fear, be bad work
among us ere long. The tenantry are all ready in a state of tumult; they
assemble on Sundays in vindictive-looking and suspicious groups; they
whisper together, as if fraught with some secret purposes; and I am also
told that they frequently hold nightly meetings to deliberate on what
may be done. Between the M'Clutchys and M'Slimes, I must say they have
ample cause for discontent."

"Everything considered," said Easel, "it is better that we should
anticipate them. When I say we, you of course know who I mean; but
indeed we shall expect every aid, and it will be welcome, no matter from
what quarter it comes."

"M'Clutchy and the estate in question are topics on which I wish not to
speak," said Hickman; "I do not blame Lord Cumber for dismissing me,
Mr. Easel, the fact being--that I dismissed myself; but I most sincerely
hope and trust, for the sake of the people, that some change for the
better may take place. Good God, sir, how popular your----how