“I’m an innocent man, Mr Armstrong. I am indeed.”
“Very well,” said the parson, “then we may as well go away, and leave you to your fate. Come, Lord Ballindine, we can have nothing further to say,” and they again all rose from their seats.
“Stop, Mr Armstrong; stop,” said Barry.
“Well,” said the parson; for Barry repressed the words which were in his mouth, when he found that his visitors did stop as he desired them.
“Well, Mr Lynch, what have you further to say.”
“Indeed I am not guilty.” Mr Armstrong put on his hat and rushed to the door—“but—” continued Barry.
“I will have no ‘buts,’ Mr Lynch; will you at once and unconditionally agree to the terms I have proposed?”
“I don’t want to live in the country,” said Barry; “the country’s nothing to me.”
“You will go then, immediately?” said the parson.
“As soon as I have arranged about the property, I will,” said Barry.