Lord Netherby, who probably felt that the interview had lasted sufficiently long for the only purpose he had destined or endured it, was now becoming somewhat desirous of terminating the audience; nor was his impatience allayed by those sportive sallies of Mr. Dempsey in allusion to his own former condition as a dependant. At length he said, “You must be aware, Mr. Dempsey, that this is a matter demanding much time and consideration. The Knight of Gwynne is absent.” “That's the reason there is not an hour to lose,” interposed Paul. “I am at a loss for your meaning.” “I mean that if he comes home before it 's all settled, that the game is up. He would never consent, I 'm certain.” “So you think that the ladies regard you with more favorable eyes?” said her Ladyship, smiling a mixture of superciliousness and amusement. “I have my own reasons to think so,” said Paul, with great composure. “Perhaps you take too hopeless a view of your case, sir,” resumed Lord Netherby, blandly. “I am, unhappily, very ignorant of Irish family rank; but I feel assured that Mr. Dempsey, of Dempsey's Hole--” “Grove,--Dempsey's Grove,” said Paul, with a look of anger. “I ask your pardon, humbly,--I would say of Dempsey's Grove,-might be an accepted suitor in the very highest quarters. At all events, from news I have heard this morning it is more than likely that the Knight will be in London before many weeks, and I dare not assume either the responsibility of favoring your views, or incurring his displeasure by an act of interference. I think her Ladyship coucurs with me.” “Perfectly. The case is really one which, however we may and do feel the liveliest interest in, lies quite beyond our influence or control.” “Mr. Dempsey may rest assured that, even from so brief an acquaintance, we have learned to appreciate some of his many excellent qualities of head and heart.” Lady Netherby bowed an acquiescence cold and stately; and, his Lordship rising at the same time, Paul saw that the audience drew to a close. He arose then slowly, and with a faint sigh,--for he thought of his long and dreary journey, made to so little profit. “So I may jog back again as I came,” muttered he, as he drew on his gloves. “Well, well, Lady Eleanor knew him better than I did. Good-morning, my Lady. I hope you are about to enjoy better health. Good-bye, my Lord.” “Do you make any stay in town, Mr. Dempsey?” inquired his Lordship, in that bland voice that best became him. “Till I pack my portmanteau, my Lord, and pay my bill at the 'Tavistock,'--not an hour longer.” “I 'm sorry for that. I had hoped, and Lady Netherby also expected, we should have the pleasure of seeing you again.” “Very grateful, my Lord; but I see how the land lies as well as if I was here a month.” And with this significant speech Mr. Dempsey repeated his salutations and withdrew.