“Two hundred a year!” said the Ennis attorney, to whom such an annuity seemed to be exorbitant as the purchase-money for a returned convict.

“Yes;—­I have already mentioned that sum to his wife, though not to him.”

“I should reconsider it, Mr. Neville.”

“Thank you;—­but I have made up my mind.  The payments will be made of course only on condition that he troubles neither of the ladies either personally or by letter.  It might be provided that it shall be paid to him weekly in France, but will not be paid should he leave that country.  You will think of all this, and will make suggestions to-morrow.  I shall be glad to have the whole thing left in your hands, so that I need simply remit the cheques to you.  Perhaps I shall have the pleasure of seeing you to-morrow at twelve.”  Mr. Crowe promised to turn the matter over in his mind and to be present at the hour named.  Neville carried himself very well through the interview, assuming with perfect ease the manners of the great and rich man who had only to give his orders with a certainty that they would be obeyed.  Mr. Crowe, when he went out from the young man’s presence, had no longer any doubt on his mind as to his client’s pecuniary capability.

On the following day at twelve o’clock, Captain O’Hara, punctual to the minute, was at the barracks; and there also sitting in Neville’s room, was the attorney.  But Neville himself was not there, and the Captain immediately felt that he had been grossly imposed upon and swindled.  “And who may I have the honour of addressing, when I speak to you, sir?” demanded the Captain.

“I am a lawyer.”

“And Mr. Neville,—­my own son-in-law,—­has played me that trick!”

Mr. Crowe explained that no trick had been played, but did so in language which was no doubt less courteous than would have been used had Mr. Neville been present.  As, however, the cause of our hero’s absence is more important to us than the Captain’s prospects that must be first explained.

As soon as the attorney left him Neville had sat down to dinner with his two brother officers, but was not by any means an agreeable companion.  When they attempted to joke with him as to the young lady on the cliffs, he showed very plainly that he did not like it; and when Cornet Simpkinson after dinner raised his glass to drink a health to Miss O’Hara, Mr. Neville told him that he was an impertinent ass.  It was then somewhat past nine, and it did not seem probable that the evening would go off pleasantly.  Cornet Simpkinson lit his cigar, and tried to wink at the Captain.  Neville stretched out his legs and pretended to go to sleep.  At this moment it was a matter of intense regret to him that he had ever seen the West of Ireland.