“Look upon me henceforth as a friend, Mr. Burke,” he added, “and a sincere one, who will not forget the value of your influence with the young man whose vote has gained me the election. I have already served him essentially,--in fact saved him from ruin, and I am very glad of it.” “I really feel very much gratified, Major Vanston, that I have had it in my power,” replied Hycy, “to render you any service of importance; and if I ever should stand in need of a favor at your hands, I shall not hesitate to ask it.” “Nor I to grant it, Mr. Burke, if it be within the reach of my influence.” “In the mean time,” said Hycy, “will you oblige me with a single franc?” “Certainly, Mr. Burke; with half a dozen of them.” “Thank you, sir, one will be quite sufficient; I require no more.” The major, however, gave him half a dozen of them, and after some further chat, and many expressions of obligation on the part of the new M.P., Hycy withdrew. CHAPTER XIX.--Bryan Bribed--is Rejected by Kathleen. In the course of about two or three hours after the transaction already stated, old Peety Dim was proceeding towards the post-office with a letter, partly in his closed hand, and partly up the inside of his sleeve, so as that it might escape observation. The crowds were still tumultuous, but less so than in the early part of the day; for, as we said, they were diminishing in numbers, those who had been so long from home feeling a natural wish to return to their families and the various occupations and duties of life which they had during this protracted contest been forced to neglect. Peety had got as far as the market-house--which was about the centre of the street--on his way, we say, to the post-office, when he met his daughter Nanny, who, after a few words of inquiry, asked him where he was going. “Faith, an' that's more than I dare tell you,” he replied. “Why,” she said, “is there a saicret in it, I'm sure you needn't keep it from me, whatever it is.” This she added in a serious and offended tone, which, however, was not lost on the old man. “Well,” said he, “considherin' the man he is, an' what you know about him, I think I may as well tell you. It's a letther I'm bringin' to slip into the post-office, unknownst.” “Is it from Hycy?” she asked. “From Hycy, and no other.” “I'll hould a wager,” she replied, “that that's the very letther I seen him openin' through the key hole doar this mornin'. Do you know who it's to?” she inquired. “Oh, the sorra know; he said it was a love-letther, and that he did not wish to be seen puttin' it in himself.” “Wait,” said she, “give it to me here for a minute; here's Father M'Gowan comin' up, and I'll ax him who it's directed to.” She accordingly took the letter out of his hand, and approaching the priest, asked him the name of the person to whom it was addressed. “Plaise your reverence,” she said, “what name's on the back of this?--I mane,” said she, “who is goin' to?”