be intimately
acquainted with O'Shaughnessy's circumstances; you appear to take a warm
interest in the family, particularly in the success of his son."

"Undoubtedly my lord; I am particularly anxious for his success."

"You received my letter yesterday?"

"I am here to-day, my lord, in consequence of having received it. But,
by the by, there was, under favor, a slight misconception on the part of
your--"

"What misconception, sir!"

"Why, my lord--Counsellor, this is a--a--kind of charge his lordship is
bringing against me, under a slight misconception. My lord, the fact is,
that I didn't see what ecclesiastical right I had to prevent Denis here
from disposing of his own property to--"

"I expect an apology from you, Mr. Finnerty, but neither a defence nor
a justification. An attempt at either will not advance the interests of
your young friend, believe me."

"Then I have only to say that the wish expressed in your lordship's
letter has been complied with. But wait awhile, my lord," continued the
priest, good-humoredly, "I shall soon turn the tables on yourself."

"How is that, pray?"

"Why, my lord, the horse is in your stable, and Denis declares he will
not take him out of it."

"I have not the slightest objection to that," replied the Bishop, "upon
the express condition that his son shall never enter Maynooth."

"For my part," observed Mr. Finnerty, "I leave the matter now between
your lordship and O'Shaughnessy himself. You may act as you please,
Doctor, and so may he."

"Mr. Finnerty, if I could suppose for a moment that the suggestion of
thus influencing me originated with you, I would instantly deprive you
of your parish, and make you assistant to your excellent curate, for
whom I entertain a sincere regard. I have already expressed my opinion
of the transaction alluded to in my letter. You have frequently offended
me, Mr. Finnerty, by presuming too far upon my good temper, and by
relying probably upon your own jocular disposition. Take care, sir, that
you don't break down in some of your best jokes. I fear that under
the guise of humor, you frequently avail yourself of the weakness, or
ignorance, or simplicity of your parishioners. I hope, Mr. Finnerty,
that while you laugh at the jest, they don't pay for it."

The priest here caught the Counsellor's eye, and gave him a dry wink,
not unperceived, however, by the Bishop, who could scarcely repress a
smile.

"You should have known me better, Mr