“This is an unpleasant visit, Mr. Graham,” said M'Loughlin, when that official entered; “but it can't be helped.”
“It is unpleasant to both of us, I assure you,” replied the sheriff; “on my part, of course, you know it is an act of duty, and, indeed, a very painful one, Mr. M'Loughlin.”
“I have experienced your civility, sir, before now,” returned M'Loughlin, “thanks to my friends,” and he eyed M'Clutchy; “and I know you to be incapable of an un-gentlemanly act. But you must feel it a distressing thing to be made, in the discharge of that duty, the unwilling instrument of oppression on the unfortunate.”
“It is quite true,” said the sheriff, “and the case you speak of too frequently happens, as I have reason to know.”
“Pray, what are those carts for, Mr. M'Clutchy?” asked M'Loughlin.
“To remove your furniture, sir, and all your other movable property off the premises. I act in this matter by the authority of the law, and Lord Cumber's instructions.”
“Dear me,” said M'Loughlin, coolly, “why, you are very harsh, Mr. M'Clutchy; you might show a little forbearance, my good neighbor. Upon what authority, though, do you remove the furniture? because I did believe that the tenant was usually allowed fourteen days to pay up, before the process of an auction, and even that, you know, must take place on the premises, and not of them.”
“There has been an affidavit made, that you intend to remove suddenly, that is, to make what is called a moonlight flitting, Mr. M'Loughlin, and upon that affidavit I proceed. As I said, I have the law with me, my good neighbor.”
“Pray where did you pick up the honest man who was able to swear to my intentions? he surely must be a clever fellow that can make affidavit as to another man's thoughts—eh, Mr. M'Clutchy?”
Val's glances at the man, from time to time, were baleful; but, with his usual tact and plausibility, he restrained his temper before the sheriff, lest that gentleman might imagine that he had acted from any other principle than a sense of duty.