"I think so, my Lord, Your intention is, if I take you correctly, to make the case, if it be suitable, the groundwork for an attack on the Government of Ireland."
"Of course, my Lord; though possibly with no objection that it should be known how far your sympathy is with a free discussion of the whole state of Ireland?"
"You apprehend me aright, sir,--a free discussion of the whole state of Ireland."
"I go, therefore, without any concert with your Lordship at present. I take this step entirely at my own instance?"
"You do, sir. If matters eventually should take the turn which admits of any intervention on my part--any expression of opinion--any elucidation of sentiments attributed to me--I will be free to make such in the manner I deem suitable."
"In case this person should prove one, either from his character or the degree in which he has implicated himself, unfitted for your Lordship's object, I am to drop the negotiation?"
"Rather, I should say, sir, you are not to open it."
"I meant as much," said Sewell, with some irritation.
"It is an occasion, sir, for careful action and precise expression. I have no doubt you will acquit yourself creditably in each of these respects. Are you already acquainted with Mr. Spencer?"
"We have met at the Club, my Lord; he at least knows who I am."
"That will be quite sufficient. One point more--I have no need to caution you as to secrecy--this is a matter which cannot be talked of."
"That you may rely on, my Lord; reserve is so natural to me, that I have to put no strain upon my manner to remember it."
"I shall be curious to hear the result of your visit,--that is, if you be permitted to visit the Bridewell. Will you do me the favor to come to me at once?"
Sewell promised this faithfully, and withdrew.
"If ever an old fool wanted to run his head into a noose," muttered he, "here is one; the slightest blunder on my part, intentional or not, and this great Baron of the Exchequer might be shown up as abetting treason. To be sure, he has given me nothing under his hand--nothing in writing--I wonder was that designedly or not; he is so crafty in the middle of all his passion." Thus meditating, he went on his mission.
Sewell was well received by the magistrate, and promised that he should be admitted to see the prisoner on the next morning; having communicated which tidings to the Chief Baron, he went off to dine with his mother in Merrion Square.