“Well, if you don't, then, it's all right. You didn't appear to be tipsy, though.” “I never do, Harry. In that respect I'm the d--dest, hypocritical rascal in Europe. I'm a perfect phenomenon; for, in proportion as I get drunk in intellect, I get sober both in my carriage and appearance. However, in Heaven's name let me know the bargain if there was one?” “No, no,” replied his friend, “it was a disgraceful affair on both sides, and the less that's said of it the better.” By some good deal of persuasion, however, and an additional glass of grog, he prevailed on Clinton to repeat the substance of the stipulation; on hearing which, as if for the first time, he laughed very heartily. “This liquor,” he proceeded, “is a strange compound, and puts queer notions into our head. Why if there's an honest decent fellow in Europe, whom I would feel anxious to serve beyond another, next to yourself, Harry, it is Bryan M'Mahon. But why I should have spoken so, I can't understand at all. In the first place, what means have of injuring the man? And what is stronger still, what inclination have I, or could have--and what is still better--should have?” “I do assure you it did not raise you in my opinion.” “Faith, no wonder, Harry, and I am only surprised you didn't speak to me sooner about it. Still,” he proceeded, smiling, 'there is one portion of it I should not wish to see cancelled--I mean your advocacy with Miss Clinton.” “To be plain with you, Hycy, I wash my hands out of that affair too; I won't promise advocacy.” “Well neutrality?” “The truth is, neither neutrality nor advocacy would avail a rush. I have reason to think that my sister's objections against you are insuperable.” “On what do they rest?” asked the other. “They are founded upon your want of morals,” replied Clinton. “Well, suppose I reform my morals?” “That is, substitute hypocrisy for profligacy; I fear, Hycy, the elements of reformation are rather slight within you.” “Seriously, you do me injustice; and, besides, a man ought not to be judged of his morals before marriage, but after.” “Faith, both before and after, in my opinion, Hycy. No well-educated, right-minded girl would marry a man of depraved morals, knowing him to be such.” “But I really am not worse than others, nor so bad as many. Neither have I the reputation of being an immoral man. A little wild and over-impulsive from animal spirits I may be, but all that will pass off with the new state. No, no, d--n it, don't allow Miss Clinton to imbibe such prejudices. I do not say that I am a saint; but I shall settle down and bring her to church very regularly, and hear the sermon with most edifying attention. Another glass of grog?” “No, no.” “But I hope and trust, my dear Harry, that you have not been making impressions against me.” “Unquestionably not. I only say you have no chance whatever in that quarter.” “Will you allow me to try?” asked Hycy.