‘I am not aware that any confidence should entitle him to write such an impertinence.’
‘In that case, I shall read no more,’ said Walpole, as he slowly refolded the letter.’ The fault is all on my side, Mr. Kearney,’ he continued;’ but I own I thought you knew your friend so thoroughly that extravagance on his part could have neither astonished nor provoked you.’
‘You are perfectly right, Mr. Walpole; I apologise for my impatience. It was, perhaps, in hearing his words read aloud by another that I forgot myself, and if you will kindly continue the reading, I will promise to behave more suitably in future.’
Walpole reopened the letter, but, whether indisposed to trust the pledge thus given, or to prolong the interview, ran his eyes over one side and then turned to the last page. ‘I see,’ said he, ‘he augurs ill as to your chances of success; he opines that you have not well calculated the great cost of the venture, and that in all probability it has been suggested by some friend of questionable discretion. “At all events,”’ and here he read aloud—‘"at all events, his Excellency says, ‘We should like to mark the Kilgobbin affair by some show of approbation; and though supporting young K. in a contest for his county is a “higher figure” than we meant to pay, see him, and hear what he has to say of his prospects—what he can do to obtain a seat, and what he will do if he gets one. We need not caution him against’”—‘hum, hum, hum,’ muttered he, slurring over the words, and endeavouring to pass on to something else.
‘May I ask against what I am supposed to be so secure?’
‘Oh, nothing, nothing. A very small impertinence, but which Mr. Atlee found irresistible.’
‘Pray let me hear it. It shall not irritate me.’
‘He says, “There will be no more a fear of bribery in your case than of a debauch at Father Mathew’s.”’
‘He is right there,’ said Kearney. ‘The only difference is that our forbearance will be founded on something stronger than a pledge.’
Walpole looked at the speaker, and was evidently struck by the calm command he had displayed of his passion.