y.

"Not a bit of it, man. Look at that," cried he, drawing forth a long
silk purse, plumply filled. "There's enough to pay off the mortgage on
an Irish estate, I 'm sure!"

While these freedoms were being interchanged, Charles Heathcote had left
the room, and strolled out into the garden. Mrs. Morris, affecting to go
in search of something for her work, took occasion also to go; but no
sooner had she escaped from the room than she followed him.

Why was it, can any one say, that May Leslie bestowed more than ordinary
attention on the game at this moment, evincing an interest in it she had
never shown before? Mr. O'Shea had given the young Marquis immense odds;
but he went further, he played off a hundred little absurdities to
increase the other's chances,--he turned his back to the table,--he
played with his left hand,--he poked the balls without resting his
cue,--he displayed the most marvellous dexterity, accomplishing hazards
that seemed altogether beyond all calculation; for all crafty
and subtle as he was, vanity had got the mastery over him, and his
self-conceit rose higher and higher with every astonished expression
of the pretty girl who watched him. While May could not restrain her
astonishment at his skill, O'Shea's efforts to win her praise redoubled.

"I'll yield to no man in a game of address," said he, boastfully:
"to ride across country, to pull a boat, to shoot, fish, fence, or
swim--There, my noble Marquis, drop your tin into that pocket and begin
another game. I 'll give you eighty-five out of a hundred."

"Is n't he what Quackinboss would call a 'ternal swaggerer, May?" cried
Agincourt.

"He is a most brilliant billiard-player," said May, smiling courteously,
with a glance towards the recess of the window, where Layton was leaning
over Clara's chair and reading out of the book she held in her hand.
"How I wish you would give me some lessons!" added she, still slyly
stealing a look at the window.

"Charmed,--only too happy. You overwhelm me with the honor, Miss Leslie,
and my name is not O'Shea if I do not make you an admirable player, for
I've remarked already you have great correctness of eye."

"Indeed!"

"Astonishing; and with that, a wonderfully steady hand."

"How you flatter me!"

"Flatter? Ah, you little know me, Miss Leslie!" said he, as he passed
before her.

May blushed, for at that moment Layton had lifted his eyes from the book
and turned them full upon her. So steadfastly