Helen’s father, inspired by the devilish suggestions of Whitecraft, now kept aloof from her as much as he could with decency do.  He knew his own weakness, and felt that if he suffered her to gain that portion of his society to which she had been accustomed, his resolution might break down, and the very result prognosticated by Whitecraft might be brought about.  Indeed his time was so little his own, between his activity in defence of that villain and his energetic operations for the prosecution of Reilly, that he had not much to spare her, except at meals.  It was not, however, through himself that he wished to win her over to prosecute Reilly.  No; he felt his difficulty, and knew that he could not attempt to influence her with a good grace, or any force of argument.  He resolved, therefore, to set his attorney to work, who, as he understood all the quirks and intricacy of the law, might be able to puzzle her into compliance.  This gentleman, however, who possessed at once a rapacious heart and a stupid head, might have fleeced half the country had the one been upon a par with the other.  He was, besides, in his own estimation, a lady-killer, and knew not how these interviews with the fair Cooleen Bawn might end.  He, at all events, was a sound Protestant, and if it were often said that you might as well ask a Highlander for a knee-buckle as an attorney for religion, he could conscientiously fall back upon the fact that political Protestantism and religion were very different things—­for an attorney.

Instructed by Folliard, he accordingly waited upon her professionally, in her father’s study, during his absence, and opened his case as follows: 

“I have called upon you, Miss Folliard, by the direction of your father, professionally, and indeed I thank my stars that any professional business should give me an opportunity of admiring so far-famed a beauty.”

“Are you not Mr. Doldrum,” she asked, “the celebrated attorney?”

“Doldrum is certainly my name, my lovely client.”

“Well, Mr. Doldrum, I think I have heard of you; but permit me to say that before you make love, as you seem about to do, I think it better you should mention your professional business.”

“It is very simple, Miss Folliard; just to know whether you have any objection to appearing as an evidence against—­he—­hem—­against Mr. Reilly.”

“Oh, then your business and time with me will be very brief, Mr. Doldrum.  It is my intention to see justice done, and for that purpose I shall attend the trial, and if I find that my evidence will be necessary, I assure you I shall give it.  But, Mr. Doldrum, one word with you before you go.”

“A hundred—­a thousand, my dear lady.”

“It is this:  I beg as a personal favor that you will use your great influence with my father to prevent him from talking to me on this subject until the day of trial comes.  By being kind enough to do this you will save me from much anxiety and annoyance.”