“Faith, I believe you. The loss of a fine estate was n't a trifle, whatever you may think it.” “The question ought rather to be, what right had you to attribute that loss to him?” “What right is it? All the right in the world. Who got the property? Answer me that. Was n't it he came in as a sole legatee? But what am I talking about? Sure the thing is done and ended, and what more does he want?” “I'm just coming to that very point, sir,” said Prichard. “Sir Stafford's attention having been accidentally called to this transaction, he perceives that he has unwittingly done you a great injustice, and that there is one matter, at least, on which he is bound, even for his own satisfaction.” “Satisfaction, is it?” broke in Dalton, catching at the only word that struck his ear with a distinct signification. “Better late than never; and it 's proud I am to oblige him. Not but there 's people would tell you that the time 's gone by, and all that sort of thing; but them was never my sentiments. 'Never a bad time for a good deed,' my poor father used to say, and you may tell him that I 'll think the better of his countrymen to the day of my death, for what he 's going to do now.” Prichard laid down the paper he was reading, and stared at the speaker in mute amazement. “You 're his friend, I perceive,” said Dalton. “Sir Stafford is kind enough to consider me in that light.” “Faith, the kindness is all the other way,” rejoined Dalton, laughing, “at least, in this country; for the seconds are just as guilty as the principals, and have no fun for their money. But, sure, we can cross over to Landau; they tell me it's Barbaria there, over the Rhine.” “Bavaria, perhaps?” interposed the other. “Yes, that 's what I said. We can be over the frontier in two hours. There 's every conveniency in life,” said he, rubbing his hands in high glee. “Our business, I trust, sir, can be all arranged here, and without much delay, either.” “Just as you like; I 'm not fond of moving since my knee was bad, and I 'm agreeable to anything.” “You seem to contemplate a hostile meeting, sir, if I understand you aright,” said Prichard, slowly; “but if you had been kind enough to hear me out, you 'd have seen that nothing was further from my friend's thoughts or my own.” “Oh, murther!” groaned Dal ton, as he sank down into a chair. “We never entertained any such intention.” “No duel?” “Nothing of the kind.” “Sure, I heard you say satisfaction. I 'll take my oath you said satisfaction.” “I hope sincerely, sir, that the word may bear a peaceful signification.” “Oh dear, oh dear!” cried Dalton, as, clasping his hands on his knees, he sat, a perfect type of disappointed hope, and totally inattentive to a very eloquent explanation that Prichard was pouring forth.