“I haven't that honor,” said Scanlan, with an accent of real deference in his voice. “Another kind of person from these I've mentioned,” said Jack, slowly. “So I should suppose, sir,” said Scanlan, a tone of respect involuntarily attaching itself to him as he addressed the son of a Secretary of State. “Not that he doesn't like field sports, and all the enjoyments of a country life. But, you know, he's an old official--a Downing Street veteran--who really relishes public business, just as you and I would a coursing-match, or a heavy pool at Crocky's.” Scanlan nodded as if in perfect assent. “While I say this, it's only fair to add that he has most excellent qualities, and is a stanch friend when he takes any one up. I suspect you 'd like him. I know he 'd like your--” “I 'm greatly flattered. I don't deserve--” “You see,” said Jack, not heeding the interruption, and assuming the low accents of a confidential communication--“You see, he and I have not been on the very best of terms for some time back; I 've done some silly things--spent a little more money than he liked--and, what was still worse in his eyes, refused a first-rate Government appointment--a really good thing, and such as one does n't meet with every day--and now, the only road back to his favor will be for me to come out strongly in some shape, either as a college prizeman or in public life. I despise the former. It's all very well for fellows like Nelligan--it's their natural 'beat,'--but for a man like _me_, one who has seen the world,--the real world,--these are nothing more than schoolboy distinctions,--the silver medal he brings home of a Saturday, and makes him the wonder of his sisters for twenty-four hours. I'll have to strike out a line of my own!” “No fear of you, sir,--devil a bit!” said Maurice, with a sententious shake of the head. “Here we are now at Cro' Martin, and then there's the first dinner-bell ringing.” “We shall be late, perhaps,” said Jack. “You'll be in good time. As for me, I haven't been asked to dinner, so that when I drop you I 'll go down to the village.” “Well, then, I 'll walk over and see you in the evening,” said Massingbred. “It seems to me--I don't know whether you are of the same opinion, though--but it seems strongly to me that you and I ought to be allies.” “If I thought I was worthy--” “Come, come, Scanlan, no modesty, old boy. You know you 're a devilish clever fellow, and you no more intend to pass your life cruising after petty-session practice in Galway, than I do to settle down here as under-gardener.” “They 're all looking at us, sir, from the drawing-room window,” said Scanlan, in a cautious voice; “don't let us appear too confidential.” And at the same instant he extended his whip as though to point attention to some distant object, and seem as if he were describing the scenery.