“Nay, such cruelty was not in my thoughts. It was with far other intentions I became possessed of the property; it was in the glorious hope that it would be our home,--yours and mine together; not to render your hearth desolate, but to give it another guest, whose duty would be his title to be there.” “Let me think,--let me reflect on this,--let me separate my own selfish thoughts from the higher ones that should guide me. You have not spoken to my daughter?” “No, sir; I deemed the more honorable course to have your sanction; or, if not that, to bury my sorrows in silence forever.” “There is so much to consider, and I am so weak and infirm, so inadequate to decide. Your proposal is a proud one for any girl,--I know it; and we are proud, although poor. Ay, Mr. Linton, poor to very necessity! If her affections were engaged by you, if I saw that your high qualities had made the impression upon her that they have on me, I own this offer would delight me; but can you say this is the case?” “I hope, sir, I am not indifferent to Miss Leicester. The humble fortune which has restrained me hitherto, and prevented my prosecuting an attachment to which I felt I had no claim, exists no longer. I am independent in means, as in opinion; and, however conscious of my personal unworthiness, in all that regards station and condition I 'm in a position to satisfy you. I only ask your sanction to address Miss Leicester, to know, in fact, that if I should prove acceptable to _her_, that _you_ will not look unfavorably upon me.” “This appears most candid and fair on your part; and it is a time when we must both use candor and fairness. Now, Mr. Linton, there are circumstances which at this moment involve me in considerable difficulty; I cannot enter into them just yet; but they may offer grave obstacles to what you propose. I will, therefore, beg of you not to press me for my answer. I see this delay is displeasing--” “Nay, sir, I am ready to yield to anything you suggest; but is it not possible that my assistance and advice might be of service in these difficulties you speak of?” “There is another point, Mr. Linton,--and I know you will think better of me for all my frankness. Are your friends--your family I mean--aware of this step of yours? are you certain of their concurrence in it?” “I have few relatives living, sir,” said Linton, reddening; “but I can answer for their participation in all that so nearly concerns my happiness.” “This evening, then; come to me this evening, then,” said Mr. Corrigan, “and you shall hear my sentiments.” “This is most kind; I can ask for nothing more,” said Linton; and, with a most affectionate pressure of the old man's hand, departed. CHAPTER XV. POLITICAL ASPIRATIONS Be grateful too! you ask, “for what?” Simply, for that you never got; And you 'll get something yet. Machiavelli Travestied.