Bryan, whose disposition was full of good-nature and cheerfulness, could not help bursting into a hearty laugh, on reverting to the conversation which he had with Clinton, and comparing it with that in which they were now engaged; both of which were founded upon some soap-bubble charge of which he knew nothing. “You take it lightly,” said Fethertonge, with something of a serious expression; “but remember, my dear Bryan, that I now speak as one interested in, and, in fact, representing the other members of your family. Remember, at all events, you are forewarned, and, in the meantime, I thank Clinton--although I certainly would not have mentioned names. Bryan, you can have no objection that I should speak to your father on this subject?” “Not the slightest, sir,” replied Bryan; “spake to any one you like about it; but, putting that aside, sir, for the present--about these leases?” “Why, what apprehension have you about them, Byran?” “No apprehension, sir, sartinly; but you know yourself, Mr. Fethertonge, that to a man like me, that's layin' out and expendin' money every day upon Adaharra farm, and my father the same way upon Carriglass--I say, to a man like me, to be layin' out his money, when you know yourself that if the present landlord should refuse to carry his father's dying words into effect--or, as you said this minute yourself, sir, if some enemy should turn you against me, amn't I and my father and the whole family liable to be put out, notwithstanding all the improvements we've made, and the money we've spent in makin' them?” “Bryan,” said Fethertonge, after a pause, “every word you say is unfortunately too true--too true--and such things, are a disgrace to the country; indeed, I believe, they seldom occur in any country but this. Will it in the mean time satisfy you when I state that, if old Mr. Chevydale's intentions are not carried into effect by his son, I shall forthwith resign my agency?” Bryan's conscience, generous as he was, notwithstanding his suspicions, smote him deeply on hearing this determination so unequivocally expressed. Indeed the whole tenor of their dialogue, taken in at one view--especially Fethertonge's intention of speaking to Tom M'Mahon upon the mysterious subject of Bryan's suspected delinquencies against the law--so thoroughly satisfied him of the injustice he had rendered Fethertonge, that he was for a time silent. At length he replied--“That, sir, is more than we could expect; but at any rate there's one thing I'm now sartin of--that, if we're disappointed, you won't be the cause of it.”