The last person whom we shall notice was Brian M'Loughlin, on whose features care had recently made a deep impression. On being asked to sit, he declined—“I thank you,” said he, “my visit will be but a short one, and what I have to say, I can say standing.”
“That as you please, Mr. M'Loughlin; shall I fill your receipts?”
“No,” replied the other, “I simply came to state, that, owing to the derangement of our affairs, I am not just now in a condition to pay my rent.”
“That is unpleasant, Mr. M'Loughlin.”
“Of course it is,” he replied; “that was my only business, Mr. M'Clutchy, and now I bid you good-day.”
“Not so fast, if you please, Mr. M'Loughlin; do not be in such a hurry. You remember a meeting you and I had once in Castle Cumber fair?”
“I do.”
“You remember the extraordinary civility with which you treated me?”
“I do, Val, and I only expressed what I thought then and think now; but indeed you have improved the wrong way wonderfully since.”
“Your language was indiscreet then, and it is so now.”