There was a fawning humility in the fellow's manner that seemed to gratify the other, for he nodded a return to the sentiment, and, after a brief pause, said,--“The servants in these grand houses,--and that old fellow, you may remark, was with the Darcys when they were great people,--they give themselves airs to everybody they think below the rank of their master.” “Faix, they might behave better to _you_, Mr. Anthony,” said M'Dermot. “Well, they're run their course now,” said Nickie, not heeding the remark. “Both master and man have had their day. I 've seen more executions on property in the last six months than ever I did in all my life before. Creditors won't wait now as they used to do. No influence now to make gaugers and tide-waiters and militia officers; no privilege of Parliament to save them from arrest!” “My blessings on them for that, anyhow,” said M'Dermot, finishing his glass. “The Union 's a fine thing.” “The fellows that got the bribes--and, to be sure, there was plenty of money going--won't stay to spend it in Ireland; devil a one will remain here, but those that are run out and ruined.” “Bad luck to it for a Bill!” said M'Dermot, who felt obliged to sacrifice his consistency in his desire to concur with each new sentiment of his chief. “The very wine we're drinking, maybe, was given for a vote. Pitt knew well how to catch them.” “Success attend him!” chimed in M'Dermot. “And just think of them now,” continued Nickie, whose ruminations were never interrupted by the running commentary,--“just think of them! selling the country, trade, prosperity, everything, for a few hundred pounds.” “The blackguards!” “Some, to be sure, made a fine thing out of it. Not like old Darcy here; they were early in the market, and got both rank and money too.” “Ay, that was doin' it in style!” exclaimed Mike, who expressed himself this time somewhat equivocally, for safety's sake. “There 's no denying it, Castlereagh was a clever fellow!” “The best man ever I seen--I don't care who the other is.” “He knew when to bid, and when to draw back; never became too pressing, but never let any one feel himself neglected; watched his opportunities slyly, and when the time came, pounced down like a hawk on his victim.” “Oh, the thieves' breed! What a hard heart he had!” muttered M'Dermot, perfectly regardless of whom he was speaking.