“If you’ll allow me, I’ll manage the fire,” said Phineas, putting out his hand for the poker.

But Mr. Clarkson was fond of poking fires, and would not surrender the poker.  “Pay no part of it!” he said again, holding the poker away from Phineas in his left hand.  “Don’t say that, Mr. Finn.  Pray don’t say that.  Don’t drive me to be severe.  I don’t like to be severe with my gents.  I’ll do anything, Mr. Finn, if you’ll only be punctual.”

“The fact is, Mr. Clarkson, I have never had one penny of consideration for that bill, and—­”

“Oh, Mr. Finn! oh, Mr. Finn!” and then Mr. Clarkson had his will of the fire.

“I never had one penny of consideration for that bill,” continued Phineas.  “Of course, I don’t deny my responsibility.”

“No, Mr. Finn; you can’t deny that.  Here it is;—­Phineas Finn;—­and everybody knows you, because you’re a Parliament gent.”

“I don’t deny it.  But I had no reason to suppose that I should be called upon for the money when I accommodated my friend, Mr. Fitzgibbon, and I have not got it.  That is the long and the short of it.  I must see him and take care that arrangements are made.”

“Arrangements!”

“Yes, arrangements for settling the bill.”

“He hasn’t got the money, Mr. Finn.  You know that as well as I do.”

“I know nothing about it, Mr. Clarkson.”

“Oh yes, Mr. Finn; you know; you know.”

“I tell you I know nothing about it,” said Phineas, waxing angry.

“As to Mr. Fitzgibbon, he’s the pleasantest gent that ever lived.  Isn’t he now?  I’ve know’d him these ten years.  I don’t suppose that for ten years I’ve been without his name in my pocket.  But, bless you, Mr. Finn, there’s an end to everything.  I shouldn’t have looked at this bit of paper if it hadn’t been for your signature.  Of course not.  You’re just beginning, and it’s natural you should want a little help.  You’ll find me always ready, if you’ll only be punctual.”

“I tell you again, sir, that I never had a shilling out of that for myself, and do not want any such help.”  Here Mr. Clarkson smiled sweetly.  “I gave my name to my friend simply to oblige him.”

“I like you Irish gents because you do hang together so close,” said Mr. Clarkson.

“Simply to oblige him,” continued Phineas.  “As I said before, I know that I am responsible; but, as I said before also, I have not the means of taking up that bill.  I will see Mr. Fitzgibbon, and let you know what we propose to do.”  Then Phineas got up from his seat and took his hat.  It was full time that he should go down to his Committee.  But Mr. Clarkson did not get up from his seat.  “I’m afraid I must ask you to leave me now, Mr. Clarkson, as I have business down at the House.”

“Business at the House never presses, Mr. Finn,” said Mr. Clarkson.  “That’s the best of Parliament.  I’ve known Parliament gents this thirty years and more.  Would you believe it—­I’ve had a Prime Minister’s name in that portfolio; that I have; and a Lord Chancellor’s; that I have;—­and an Archbishop’s too.  I know what Parliament is, Mr. Finn.  Come, come; don’t put me off with Parliament.”