Energy in vice or virtue, Frank remarks, is the characteristic of the Irish. It is a noble quality, of which no nation perhaps has more, if any so much; but it is frequently abused by them, and made productive of the most hateful effects.
Frank was with my brother in his dressing-room, when the man came and was shewn into an anti-chamber by the servant. Edward was sufficiently unwilling to see him, and readily agreed to the proposal Frank made, of first conversing with him, as my brother's friend.
Frank accordingly went to him, and says he was struck at the sight of the man, being much deceived if he be not an old acquaintance. I was and still am surprised at what Frank told me; but he begged I would suspend my curiosity, till he himself should be better satisfied; and proceeded with his dialogue.
Your name I believe, sir, is Mr. Mac Fane.
At your sarvice, sir.
I am the friend of Captain St. Ives.
Then to be sure, sir, you are a gintleman, and a man of honour. I am a gintleman and a man of honour mysilf.
Do you say that from your conscience, sir?
From my conscience? Ay, sir! Why not? When all my debts due are duly and truly paid, why I shall have ten thousand pounds in my pocket.
There are people, sir, heretical enough to suppose that even ten thousand pounds are no absolute proof of honour.