"Pretty much as usual, sir; two dinner-parties last week."
"I know all about them, though I affected to be engaged and did n't dine there. What I want is to hear of these Kennyfecks,--do they come much after him?"
"Only once, sir, when they came to see the house and stopped to luncheon."
"Well, was he particular in his attentions to either of the daughters?"
"Very attentive, indeed, sir, to the younger. She dropped her handkerchief in the gallery, and ran back for it, and so did he, sir."
"I did, sir, and she was blushing very much as I came in, and I heard her say something about 'forgiving him,' and then they left the room."
"And what of Kennyfeck,--has he had any conversations with him on business?"
"None, sir; I have strictly followed your orders, and never admitted him."
"Lord Charles Frobisher was a large winner t'other night?" said Linton, after a pause.
"Yes, sir, so I heard them say at supper, and Mr. Cashel first gave a check and then changed his mind, and I saw him hand over a heavy sum in notes."
"Indeed!" muttered Linton to himself; "and my worthy friend Charley did not confess this to me. Have you taken care that the people don't send in their bills and accounts, as I mentioned?"
"Yes, sir; with few exceptions, nothing of the kind comes."
"What brought that Mr. Clare Jones so frequently of late?"
"He came twice in Mr. Downie Meek's carriage, sir, but sat all the while outside, while Mr. Meek was with my master; the third day, however, he was sent for to come in, and spent nearly an hour in the study."
"I could only hear part of the conversation, sir, as I feared I might be sent for. The subject was a seat in Parliament, which Mr. Cashel owns, and that Mr. Meek is desirous of procuring for Jones."
"Ha! ha! my little Judas! is that your game? Go on, George, this interests me."
"I have little more to tell, sir, for Mr. Meek always speaks so low, and my master scarcely said anything."
"He merely remarked on the identity of his political principles with those of the present Government."
"Of course; the fellow began as a Radical, and then turned Tory, and now is a Whig. Blue and yellow when mixed always make green. But how did it end?"
"As well as I could perceive, sir, without any promise. My master was to deliberate and send his answer."