“You have been frank with me, Mr. Cutbill,” said Bramleigh, as soon as the servant withdrew, “and I will be no less so with you. I have retired from the world of business--I have quitted the active sphere where I have passed some thirty odd years, and have surrendered ambition, either of money-making, or place, or rank, and come over here with one single desire, one single wish--I want to see what's to be done for Ireland.” Cutbill lifted his glass to his lips, but scarcely in time to hide the smile of incredulous drollery which curled them, and which the other's quick glance detected. “There is nothing to sneer at, sir, in what I said, and I will repeat my words. I want to see what's to be done for Ireland.” “It 's very laudable in you, there can be no doubt,” said Cutbill, gravely. “I am well aware of the peril incurred by addressing to men like yourself, Mr. Cutbill, any opinions--any sentiments--which savor of disinterestedness, or--or--” “Poetry,” suggested Cutbill. “No, sir; patriotism was the word I sought for. And it is not by any means necessary that a man should be an Irishman to care for Ireland. I think, sir, there is nothing in that sentiment at least which will move your ridicule.” “Quite the reverse. I have drunk 'Prosperity to Ireland' at public dinners for twenty years; and in very good liquor too, occasionally.” “I am happy to address a gentleman so graciously disposed to listen to me,” said Bramleigh, whose face was now crimson with anger. “There is only one thing more to be wished for--that he would join some amount of trustfulness to his politeness; with that he would be perfect.” “Here goes, then, for perfection,” cried Cutbill, gayly. “I 'm ready from this time to believe anything you tell me.” “Sir, I will not draw largely on the fund you so generously place at my disposal. I will simply ask you to believe me a man of honor.” “Only that? No more than that?” “No more, I pledge you my word.” “My dear Bramleigh, your return for the income-tax is enough to prove that. Nothing short of high integrity ever possessed as good a fortune as yours.” “You are speaking of my fortune, Mr. Cutbill, not of my character.” “Ain't they the same? Ain't they one and the same? Show me your dividends, and I will show you your disposition--that's as true as the Bible.” “I will not follow you into this nice inquiry. I will simply return to where I started from, and repeat, I want to do something for Ireland.” “Do it, in God's name; and I hope you 'll like it when it 's done. I have known some half-dozen men in my time who had the same sort of ambition. One of them tried a cotton-mill on the Liffey, and they burned him down. Another went in for patent fuel, and they shot his steward. A third tried Galway marble, and they shot himself. But after all there 's more honor where there 's more danger, What, may I ask, is your little game for Ireland?”