“Yes; but of course you must put disappointment out of the question. The landlord, will, without any doubt, grant the leases--I am satisfied of that; indeed, there can be no doubt about it. By the way, I am anxious to see Ahadarra and to ascertain the extent to which you have carried your improvements. Clinton and I will probably take a ride up there some day soon; and in the meantime do you keep improving, M'Mahon, for that's the secret of all success--leave the rest to me. How is your father?” “Never was better, sir, I'm thankful to you.” “And your grandfather? how does he bear up?” “Faith, sir, wonderfully, considering his age.” “He must be very old now?” “He's ninety-four, sir, and that's a long age sure enough; but I'm sorry to say that my mother's health isn't so well.” “Why, what is the matter with her? I'm sorry to hear this.” “Indeed we can't say; she's very poorly--her appetite is gone--she has a cough, an' she doesn't get her rest at night.” “Why don't you get medical advice?” “So we did, sir. Dr. Sexton's attendin' her; but I don't think somehow that he has a good opinion of her.” “Sexton's a skilful man, and I don't think she could be in better hands; however, Bryan, I shall feel obliged if you will send down occasionally to let me know how she gets on--once a week or so.” “Indeed we will, sir, an' I needn't say how much we feel obliged to you for your kindness and good wishes.” “It must be more than good wishes, Bryan; but I trust that she will get better. In the meantime leave the other matters to me, and you may expect Clinton and I up at your farm to look some of these days.” “God forgive me,” thought Bryan, as he left the hall-door, “for the injustice I did him, by supposin' for one minute that he wasn't disposed to act fairly towards us. My father was right; an' it was foolish of me to put my wit against his age an' experience. Oh, no, that man's honest--there can;t be any mistake about it.”