“You are quite mistaken, Bryan,” said he, “if you think that either he or I have any intention of neglecting your affair. You know yourself, however, that he has not a moment for anything at the present time but this confounded election. The contest will be a sharp one, but when it is over we will take care of you.”
“Yes, but it will then be too late,” replied Bryan; “I will be then a ruined man.”
“But, my dear Bryan, will you put no confidence in your friends? I tell you you will not be ruined. If they follow up the matter so as to injure you, we shall have the whole affair overhauled, and justice done you; otherwise we shall bring it before Parliament.”
“That may be all very well,” replied Bryan, “but it is rather odd that he has not taken a single step in it yet.”
“The memorial is before the Board,” said the other, “for some time, and we expect an answer every day.”
“But I know to the contrary,” replied Bryan, “for here is a letther from the Secretary stating that no such memorial ever came before them.”
“Never mind that,” replied Fethertonge, “he may not have seen it. The Secretary! Lord bless you, he never reads a tenth of the memorials that go in. Show me the letter. See there now—he did not write it all; don't you see his signature is in a different, hand? Why will you not put confidence in your friends, Bryan?”
“Because,” replied the independent and honest young fellow, “I don't think they're entitled to it—from me. They have neglected my business very shamefully, after having led me to think otherwise. I have no notion of any landlord suffering his tenant to be ruined before his face without lifting a finger to prevent it.”
“Oh! fie, Bryan, you are now losing your temper. I shall say no more to you. Still I can make allowances. However, go home, and keep your mind easy, we shall take care of you, notwithstanding your ill humor. Stay—you pass Mr. Clinton's—will you be good! enough to call and tell Harry Clinton I wish to speak to him, and I will feel obliged?”
“Certainly, sir,” replied Bryan, “with pleasure. I wish you good morning.”