"
By some good deal of persuasion, however, and an additional glass
of grog, he prevailed on Clinton to repeat the substance of the
stipulation; on hearing which, as if for the first time, he laughed very
heartily.
"This liquor," he proceeded, "is a strange compound, and puts queer
notions into our head. Why if there's an honest decent fellow in Europe,
whom I would feel anxious to serve beyond another, next to yourself,
Harry, it is Bryan M'Mahon. But why I should have spoken so, I can't
understand at all. In the first place, what means have of injuring
the man? And what is stronger still, what inclination have I, or could
have--and what is still better--should have?"
"I do assure you it did not raise you in my opinion."
"Faith, no wonder, Harry, and I am only surprised you didn't speak to me
sooner about it. Still," he proceeded, smiling, 'there is one portion
of it I should not wish to see cancelled--I mean your advocacy with Miss
Clinton."
"To be plain with you, Hycy, I wash my hands out of that affair too; I
won't promise advocacy."
"Well neutrality?"
"The truth is, neither neutrality nor advocacy would avail a rush.
I have reason to think that my sister's objections against you are
insuperable."
"On what do they rest?" asked the other.
"They are founded upon your want of morals," replied Clinton.
Pages:
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269