"You take it lightly," said Fethertonge, with something of a serious
expression; "but remember, my dear Bryan, that I now speak as one
interested in, and, in fact, representing the other members of your
family. Remember, at all events, you are forewarned, and, in the
meantime, I thank Clinton--although I certainly would not have mentioned
names. Bryan, you can have no objection that I should speak to your
father on this subject?"
"Not the slightest, sir," replied Bryan; "spake to any one you like
about it; but, putting that aside, sir, for the present--about these
leases?"
"Why, what apprehension have you about them, Byran?"
"No apprehension, sir, sartinly; but you know yourself, Mr. Fethertonge,
that to a man like me, that's layin' out and expendin' money every day
upon Adaharra farm, and my father the same way upon Carriglass--I say,
to a man like me, to be layin' out his money, when you know yourself
that if the present landlord should refuse to carry his father's dying
words into effect--or, as you said this minute yourself, sir, if some
enemy should turn you against me, amn't I and my father and the whole
family liable to be put out, notwithstanding all the improvements we've
made, and the money we've spent in makin' them?"
"Bryan," said Fethertonge, after a pause, "every word you say is
unfortunately too true--too true--and such things, are a disgrace to the
country; indeed, I believe, they seldom occur in any country but this.
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