“What I’m to do, I don’t know; what I am to do, I do not know!” said the earl, beating the table with one hand, and hiding his face with the other.  “Sixty thousand pounds in one year; and that after so many drains!—­And there’s only my own life—­there’s only my own life!”—­and then there was a pause for four or five minutes, during which Lord Kilcullen took snuff, poked the fire, and then picked up a newspaper, as though he were going to read it.  This last was too much for the father, and he again roared out, “Well, sir, what are you standing there for?  If you’ve nothing else to say; why don’t you go?  I’ve done with you—­you can not get more out of me, I promise you!”

“I’ve a good deal to say before I go, my lord,” said Kilcullen.  “I was waiting till you were disposed to listen to me.  I’ve a good deal to say, indeed, which you must hear; and I trust, therefore, you will endeavour to be cool, whatever your opinions may be about my conduct.”

“Cool?—­no, sir, I will not be cool.  You’re too cool yourself!”

“Cool enough for both, you think, my lord.”

“Kilcullen,” said the earl, “you’ve neither heart nor principle:  you have done your worst to ruin me, and now you come to insult me in my own room.  Say what you want to say, and then leave me.”

“As to insulting language, my lord, I think you need not complain, when you remember that you have just called me a swindler, because I have been unable to accomplish your wish and my own, by marrying my cousin.  However, I will let that pass.  I have done the best I could to gain that object.  I did more than either of us thought it possible that I should do, when I consented to attempt it.  I offered her my hand, and assured her of my affection, without falsehood or hypocrisy.  My bargain was that I should offer to her.  I have done more than that, for I have loved her.  I have, however, been refused, and in such a manner as to convince me that it would be useless for me to renew my suit.  If your lordship will allow me to advise you on such a subject, I would suggest that you make no further objection to Fanny’s union with Lord Ballindine.  For marry him she certainly will.”

“What, sir?” again shouted Lord Cashel.

“I trust Fanny will receive no further annoyance on the subject.  She has convinced me that her own mind is thoroughly made up; and she is not the person to change her mind on such a subject.”

“And haven’t you enough on hand in your own troubles, but what you must lecture me about my ward?—­Is it for that you have come to torment me at this hour?  Had not you better at once become her guardian yourself, sir, and manage the matter in your own way?”

“I promised Fanny I would say as much to you.  I will not again mention her name unless you press me to do so.”

“That’s very kind,” said the earl.

“And now, about myself.  I think your lordship will agree with me that it is better that I should at once leave Grey Abbey, when I tell you that, if I remain here, I shall certainly be arrested before the week is over, if I am found outside the house.  I do not wish to have bailiffs knocking at your lordship’s door, and your servants instructed to deny me.”