“It will be the third time, at all events.”
“Come, man,” said Norton, “take your punch; put yourself in spirits for the interview. It requires a man to pluck up to be able to speak to a nobleman.”
“I have spoken to as good as ever he was; not that I say anything to his lordship's disparagement,” replied M'Bride; “but I'll take the punch for a better reason—because I I have a fellow feeling for it. And yet it was my destruction, too; however, it can't be helped. Yes, faith, it made me an ungrateful scoundrel; but, no matter!—sir, here's your health! I must only, as they say, make the best of a bad bargain—must bring my cattle to the best market.”
“Ay,” said Norton, dryly and significantly; “and so you think the old earl, the respectable old nobleman, is your best chapman? Am I right?”
“I may go that far, any way,” replied the fellow, with a knowing grin; “but I don't lave you much the wiser.”
“No, faith, you don't,” replied Norton, grinning in his turn. “However, listen to me. Do you not think, now, that if you placed your case in the hands of some one that stands well with his lordship, and who could use his influence in your behalf, you might have better success?”
“I'm the best judge of that myself,” replied M'Bride. “As it is, I have, or can have, two strings to my bow. I have only to go to a certain person, and say I'm sorry for what I've done, and I've no doubt but I'd come well off.”
“Well, and why don't you? If I were in your case, I'd consider myself first, though.”
“I don't know,” replied the other, as if undecided. “I think, afther all, I'm in better hands. Unless Lord Cullamore is doting, I'm sure of that fact. I don't intend to remain in this counthry. I'll go back to France or to America; I can't yet say which.”
“Take your punch in the meantime; take off your liquor, I say, and it'll clear your head. Come, off with it. I don't know why, but I have taken a fancy to you. Your face is an honest one, and if I knew what your business with his lordship is, I'd give you a lift.”