“It was more trouble than his father would have taken, then,” said Martin, smiling. “Old Dan, as they call him, is not a very conciliating personage.” “I cannot imagine that the disposition of such a person is a matter of much moment. Does n't the man deal in tea, candles, and such like?” “That he does, and in loans, and in mortgages, too; not to add that he exercises a very considerable share of influence in his town of Oughterard.” “A very shocking feature of the time we live in!” exclaimed Lady Dorothea. “So it may be; but there it is,--just like the wet weather, and the typhus, and the sheep-rot, and fifty other disagreeable things one can't help.” “But at least they can avoid recurring to them in conversation, sir. There is no necessity to open the window when the look-out is a dreary one.” Martin made no reply, and a pause of some moments ensued. “What arrangement did you come to with him about his party in the borough?” said she at last. “I didn't even allude to the topic,” replied he, half testily. “These things are not to be done in that hasty fashion; they require management, discretion, and a fitting opportunity, too.” “Why, you talk of your grocer's boy as if he were a Cabinet Minister, Mr. Martin; you treat him like a great diplomatist!” “It was not exactly on the first occasion of his being in my house that I could have broached the matter.” “Which implies that you mean to invite him again.” “Possibly!” was the abrupt rejoinder. “And must the odious attorney always be of the party?” “No, madam, the odious attorney has set out for Dublin; but I shortly expect here one whom your Ladyship will, doubtless, call an odious lawyer,--though he happens to be one of the foremost men of the Irish bar.” “A class I detest,” said her Ladyship. “He has one consolation, at least, madam,” said Martin; “he figures in a pretty long category.” “And why should he not, sir? What have I ever met in the dreary eighteen years and seven months I have passed here, except unmitigated self-conceit, vulgarity, and presumption,--the very type of all three being your Dublin barrister.” “Their countrymen certainly entertain another estimate of them,” said Martin, laughing, for he had a lazy man's enjoyment of any passionate excitement of another's temper. “And it was,” resumed she, “in some sort the contrast presented to such which pleased me in that young man's manner yesterday. Not but I feel assured that erelong you and Miss Martin will spoil him.” “I! aunt?” said Mary, looking up from her work; “how am I to exercise the evil influence you speak of?” “By the notice--the interest you vouchsafe him, Miss Martin,--the most flattering compliment to one in his station.” “If he bears collegiate honors so meekly, aunt,” said Mary, quietly, “don't you think his head might sustain itself under _my_ attentions?”