’No, Mr. Terence! nor six thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine pounds.  My demand is L7130, odd shillings:  if you have that money, pay it; if not, I know how to get it, and along with it complete revenge for all the insults I have received from that greenhorn, his son.’

‘Paddy Brady!’ cried Sir Terence,’do you hear that?  Remember that word, revenge!—­Mind, I call you to witness!’

‘What, sir, will you raise a rebellion among my workmen?’

’No, Mr. Mordicai, no rebellion; and I hope you won’t cut the boy’s ears off for listening to a little of the brogue—­So listen, my good lad.  Now, Mr. Mordicai, I offer you here, before little goose-quill, L5000 ready penny—­take it, or leave it; take your money, and leave your revenge; or, take your revenge, and lose your money.’

’Sir Terence, I value neither your threats nor your cunning.  Good morning to you.’

’Good morning to you, Mr. Mordicai—­but not kindly!  Mr. Edwards, the solicitor, has been at the office to take off the execution; so now you may have law to your heart’s content!  And it was only to plase the young lord that the ould one consented to my carrying this bundle to you,’—­showing the bank-notes.

‘Mr. Edwards employed!’ cried Mordicai.  ’Why, how the devil did Lord Clonbrony get into such hands as his?  The execution taken off!  Well, sir, go to law I am ready for you; Jack Latitat is A match for your sober solicitor.’

’Good morning again to you, Mr. Mordicai; we’re fairly out of your clutches, and we have enough to do with our money.’

’Well, Sir Terence, I must allow you have a very wheedling way—­Here, Mr. Thompson, make out a receipt for Lord Clonbrony:  I never go to law with an old customer, if I can help it.’

This business settled, Mr. Soho was next to be dealt with.

He came at Lady Clonbrony’s summons; and was taking directions, with the utmost Sang Froid, for packing up and sending off the very furniture for which he was not paid.

Lord Colambre called him into his father’s study; and, producing his bill, he began to point out various articles which were charged at prices that were obviously extravagant.

’Why, really, my lord, they are abundantly extravagant; if I charged vulgar prices, I should be only a vulgar tradesman.  I, however, am not a broker, nor a Jew.  Of the article superintendence, which is only L500, I cannot abate a dolt; on the rest of the bill, if you mean to offer ready, I mean, without any negotiation, to abate thirty per cent; and I hope that is a fair and gentlemanly offer.’

‘Mr. Soho, there is your money!’

’My Lord Colambre!  I would give the contents of three such bills to be sure of such noblemanly conduct as yours.  Lady Clonbrony’s furniture shall be safely packed, without costing her a farthing.’

With the help of Mr. Edwards, the solicitor, every other claim was soon settled; and Lord Clonbrony, for the first time since he left Ireland, found himself out of debt, and out of danger.