Fortunately, Cashel did not hear the words, but stood in deep revery for some seconds. “There! the second bell has rung; I must leave you. My Lord comes down to dinner to-day. It is by his orders that I am thus showily dressed. Linton has been filling his mind with stories of some embassy he is to have, and we are already rehearsing 'our excellencies!' I have but time to say, Be on your guard; Linton is no common enemy, nor does it need an injury to make him one.” “It is very rude of me, I know, to interrupt so interesting a _tête-à-tête_, but Mr. Cashel's cook has feelings also at stake.” These words were spoken by Lord Kilgoff, who, in a tone of no small irritation, now joined them. “I was speaking of your mission, my Lord.” “Which you forgot, of course, was not to be mentioned,--even to so sincere a well-wisher as Mr. Cashel.” “In any case, my Lord, it remains safe in my keeping.” “Very possibly, sir; but it is a poor earnest Lady Kilgoff gives of her fitness as the wife of a 'diplomatist.'” Cashel gave his arm to Lady Kilgoff, without speaking, and sis Lordship followed them slowly towards the dining-room. Linton stood at the door as they entered, and his wan features grew flushed as the haughty beauty moved past him with the very coldest of recognitions. “What an admirable taste is your Lordship's!” said he to the old peer; “Lady Kilgoff's diamonds are disposed with an elegance that bespeaks the guiding skill of a consummate artist.” “Ha! you perceive it, then!” said he, smiling. “I own to you, the festooning the robe with bouquets of brilliants was a fancy of mine, and has, I think, a very pretty effect.” “Storr told me that he had not one person in his employment could equal your Lordship in the harmonious arrangement of gems. He mentioned a bracelet, if I remember aright, made from your own designs, as the most beautifully chaste ornament he had ever seen.” “You must pronounce for yourself, sir,” said the old lord, with a smile of elated vanity; and so, taking Linton's arm, he approached where Lady Kilgoff was seated in a group of ladies. “Will you oblige me, madam,” said he, with a courteous bow, “by showing Mr. Linton your ruby and opal bracelet, which I had the poor merit of designing?” “I am unfortunate enough not to have it here,” replied she, with a confusion which made the blood mount to her temples. “I am grieved, madam, it should not enjoy the honor of your preference,” said Lord Kilgoff, with an air of pique. “Will you order your maid to fetch it?” “I 've not got it, my Lord,” said she, coloring still deeper. “Not got it, madam! You do not mean to imply--” “Only that it is slightly broken,--a few stones have fallen out, and I have sent it to be repaired.” “To be repaired, madam; and without my knowledge I To whom, pray?” “That man in Dublin; I forget his name.”