From a pleasant revery over some late successes and some future ones in anticipation, he was aroused by a gentle tap at the door.
"Come in," said he; "I think I guess who it is,--Phillis, eh?"
"Yes, sir, you're quite correct," said that individual, advancing from the misty twilight of the room, which was only partly lighted by a single alabaster lamp. "I thought I'd find you at home, sir, and I knew this letter might interest you. He dropped it when going up the stairs at Kennyfeck's, and could scarcely have read it through."
"Sit down, George--sit down, man--what will you take? I see you 've had a fast drive; if that was your car I heard on the road, your pace was tremendous. What shall it be--claret--sherry--brandy-and-water?"
"If you please, sir, sherry. I have lost all palate for Bordeaux since I came to Mr. Cashel. We get abominable wine from Cullan."
"So I remarked myself; but this must be looked to. Come, try that; it's some of Gordon's, and he would not send a bad bottle to me."
"I 'm very certain of that, sir. It is excellent."
"Now then for the epistle." So saying, he lighted a taper and prepared to read.. "Jamaica,--oh, a shipmate's letter!"
"A curious one, too, sir, as you 'll say when you read it."
Linton, without reply, began to read, nor did he break silence till he finished, when, laying down the paper, he said, "And this very fellow who writes this he actually spoke of inviting to Ireland,--to stay some time at his house,--to be introduced, in fact, to his acquaintances as a personal friend."
"It's very sad, sir," sighed Phillis. "I have long been of opinion that I must leave him. The appointments, it is true, are good; perquisites, too, very handsome; but the future, Mr. Linton,--what a future it will be!"
"It need not be a very near one, at all events," said Linton, smiling; "you've read this?"
"Well, you see that your excellent master has been little better than a pirate or a slaver."
"Of course this must not go abroad, George."
"To be sure it would. No nobleman, nor any gentleman of rank or fashion, could think of engaging your services after such an appointment. Happily, George, you may not require such, if you only mind your hits. Your master can afford to make your fortune, and never know himself the poorer. Come, how go on matters latterly at No. 50?"