But Aby had not yet done: he had hitherto omitted to mention one not inconsiderable portion of the amicable arrangement which, according to him, would have the effect of once more placing the two families comfortably on their feet. "There's one other pint, Sir Thomas," he continued, "and hif I can bring you and your good lady to my way of thinking on that, why, we may all be comfortable for all that is come and gone. You've a daughter Hemmeline." "What!" said Sir Thomas, turning upon him; for there was still so much of life left in him that he could turn upon his foe when he heard his daughter's name thus polluted. "Has lovely a gal to my way of thinking as my heyes ever rested on; and I'm not haccounted a bad judge of such cattle, I can tell you, Sir Thomas." "That will do, that will do," said Sir Thomas, attempting to rise, but still holding on by the back of his chair. "You can go now, sir; I cannot hear more from you." "Go!" "Yes, sir; go." "I know a trick worth two of that, Sir Thomas. If you like to give me your daughter Hemmeline for my wife, whatever her fortin's to be, I'll take it as part of my half of the forty thousand pounds. There now." And then Aby again waited for a reply. But now there came a knock at the door, and following quick upon the knock Herbert entered the room. "Well, father," said the son. "Herbert!" "Yes, father;" and he went round and supported his father on his arm. "Herbert, will you tell that man to go?" "Come, sir, you have disturbed my father enough; will you have the kindness to leave him now?" "I may chance to disturb him more, and you too, sir, if you treat me in that way. Let go my arm, sir. Am I to have any answer from you, Sir Thomas?" But Sir Thomas could make no further attempt at speaking. He was now once more seated in his chair, holding his son's hand, and when he again heard Mollett's voice he merely made a sign for him to go. "You see the state my father is in, Mr. Mollett," said Herbert; "I do not know what is the nature of your business, but whatever it may be, you must leave him now." And he made a slight attempt to push the visitor towards the door. "You'd better take care what you're doing, Mr. Fitzgerald," said Mollett. "By ---- you had! If you anger me, I might say a word that I couldn't unsay again, which would put you into queer street, I can tell you." "Don't quarrel with him, my boy; pray don't quarrel with him, but let him leave me," said Sir Thomas. "Mr. Mollett, you see my father's state; you must be aware that it is imperative that he should be left alone." "I don't know nothing about that, young gen'leman; business is business, and I hain't got hany answer to my proposals. Sir Thomas, do you say 'Yes' to them proposals." But Sir Thomas was still dumb. "To all but the last? Come," continued Aby, "that was put in quite as much for your good as it was for mine." But not a word came from the baronet. "Then I shan't stir," said Aby, again seating himself.