“Only think of my spending four days last week down in Essex with a worthy kinsman of my mother's, Lord Netherby: a splendid place, glorious shooting, and the best greyhounds I ever saw run. He understands everything but horses; but I have taken on me to enlighten him a little, and have sent down four grays from Guildfords' yesterday,--better than any we have in the Prince's stables; he is a fine fellow, though I did n't like him at first; a great courtier in his way, but _au fond_ warm-hearted and generous. Keep my secret from my mother, but he intends coming over with us. Adieu! dear father. Look to Forester, don't let him run away before we arrive. Cut Dublin and its confounded politics. Netherby says the ministers have an immense majority,--the less reason for swelling or decreasing it. “Yours ever, “Lionel Darcy.” “And so our trusty and well-beloved cousin of Netherby is coming to visit us,” said the Knight, musing. “Well, Lionel, I confess myself half of your mind. I did not like him at first: the better impression is yet to come. In any case, let us receive him suitably; and, fortunately, here's Gleeson to help the arrangement--Well, Gleeson, I hope matters are making some progress. Are we to see the last of these parchments soon? Here's a letter from my son. Read it, and you 'll see I must get back to 'the West' at once.” Gleeson perused the letter, and when he had finished, returned it into the Knight's hand without speaking. “Can we conclude this week?” asked Darcy. “There are several points yet, sir, of great difficulty. Some I have already submitted for counsel's opinion; one in particular, as regards the serving the notice of repayment: there would appear to be a doubt on this head.” “There can be none in reality,” said Darcy, hastily. “I have Hickman's letter, in his own handwriting, averring his readiness to release the mortgage at any day.” “Is the document witnessed, and on a stamp?” asked Gleeson, cautiously. “Of course it is not. Those are scarcely the forms of a note between two private gentlemen.” “It might be of use in equity, no doubt,” muttered Gleeson, “or before a jury; but we have no time for these considerations now. The Attorney-General thinks--” “Never mind the Attorney-General. Have we the money to repay? Well, does Hickman refuse to accept it?” “He has not been asked as yet, sir,” said Gleeson, whose business notions were not a little ruffled by this abrupt mode of procedure. “And, in Heaven's name, Gleeson! why pester yourself and me with overcoming obstacles that may never arise? Wait on Hickman at once,--to-day. Tell him we are prepared, and desirous of paying off these incumbrances. If he objects, hear his objection.”