te again till I mentioned
my approaching departure for India, and offered, if he wished it, to
take Italy on my way and see him once more before I went. To this there
came the kindest answer, entreating me to come and pass as many days as
I could with him. It was all affection, but evidently written in great
depression of mind and spirits. There were three lines of a postscript,
signed 'Louisa,' assuring me that none more anxiously looked forward to
my visit than herself; that she had a pardon to crave of me, and would
far rather sue for it in person than on paper. 'As you _are_ coming,'
said she, 'I will say no more, for when you _do_ come you will both pity
and forgive me.'"

As Heathcote had just finished the last word, the door of the room was
quietly opened, and O'Shea peeped in. "Are you at the letter? for, if
you are, you might as well say, 'Mr. Gorman O'Shea was never violent in
his politics, but one of those who always relied upon the good faith
and good will of England towards his countrymen.' That's a sentence the
Whigs delight in, and I remark it's the sure sign of a good berth."

"Yes, yes, I 'll book it; don't be afraid," said Agincourt, laughing;
and the late member for Inch retired, fully satisfied. "Go on, Charley;
tell me the remainder."

"There is no more to tell; you have heard all. Since I arrived I have
not seen her. She has been for two days confined to bed with a feverish
cold, and, apprehending something contagious, she will not let May visit
her. I believe, however, it is a mere passing illness, and I suppose
that to-morrow or next day we shall meet."

"And _how?_ for that, I own, is a matter would puzzle me considerably."

"It will all depend upon her. She must give the key-note to the concert.
If she please to be very courteous and affable, and all the rest of
it, talk generalities and avoid all questions of real interest, I must
accept that tone, and follow it If she be disposed to enter upon private
and personal details, I have only to be a listener, except she give me
an opportunity to speak out regarding the marriage." "And you will?"

"That I will. I suspect, shrewdly, that she is mistaken about our
circumstances, and confounds May Leslie's means with ours. Now, when
she knows that my father has about five hundred a year in the world for
everything, it is just possible that she may rue her bargain, and cry
'off.'"

"Scarcely, I think," said Agincourt "The marriage would give her s