“Quite possible,” replied the other; “however, as I said, I don't see why we should hesitate to avail ourselves of his villany.” “That is precisely what I was about to say, sir,” replied his nephew, still musing on what he had heard. “Right, Harry; the farm is a good thing, or will be so, at least.” “The farm, sir! but I did not speak with reference to the farm.” “Then with reference to what did you speak?” “I meant, sir, that we should not hesitate to avail ourselves of his villany, in setting M'Mahon right with the public as far as we could.” “With the whole public!--whew! Why, my good young man, I thought the days of giants and windmills had gone by.” “Well, sir,” continued the nephew, “at all events there is one thing you must do for me. I wish you to see old Gerald Cavanagh, and as far as you can to restore his confidence in the honesty and integrity of young M'Mahon. State to him that you have reason to know that his son has a bitter enemy in the neighborhood; that great injustice had been done to him in many ways, and that you would be glad that a reconciliation should take place between the families.” “And so I am to set out upon the wild goose chase of reconciling a wench, and a fellow, without knowing why or wherefore.” “No, sir--not at all---I will make Cavanough call upon you.” “I don't understand this,” replied the uncle, rubbing behind his ear; “I don't perceive; but pray what interest have you in the matter?” “Upon my honor, uncle, none in life, unless an anxiety to serve poor M'Mahon. The world is down upon him about that vote which, considering all the circumstances, was more creditable to him than otherwise. I know, however, that in consequence of the estrangement between him and Miss Cavanagh, he is bent on emigrating. It is that fact which presses upon him most. Now will you oblige me in this, uncle?” “Let Cavanagh call upon me,” he replied, “and if I can say anything to soften the old fellow, perhaps I will.” “Thank you, uncle--thank you--I shall not forget this kindness.” “Well, then,” said his uncle, “I am going down to Fethertonge on a certain matter of business, you understand, and--let me see--why, if Cavanagh calls on me tomorrow about eleven, I shall see him at all events.” Young Clinton felt surprised and grieved at what his uncle had just hinted to him; but on the other hand, he felt considerably elated at the prospect of being able to bring about a reconciliation between these two families, and with this excellent motive in view he went to Cavanagh, with whom he had a private conversation. Having been made aware by M'Mahon himself of Cavanagh's prejudice against him, and the predilections of himself and his wife for an alliance into Burke's family, he merely told him that his uncle would be glad to see him the next day about eleven o'clock, upon which the other promised to attend to that gentleman. Old Clinton, on his way to Fethertonge's, met that worthy individual riding into Ballymacan.