"
"It's not a subject, of course," continued Hycy, "that I should wish to
become the topic of vulgar comment or conversation, and I'd much rather
you would endeavor to discountenance it whenever you hear it spoken of.
At all events, whether with niece or nephew," proceeded Hycy, "you may
rest assured, that whatever service I can render you, I shall not
fail to do it. You and I have had a slight misunderstanding, but on
an occasion like this, Bryan, it should be a bitter one indeed that a
man--a generous man at least,--would or ought to remember."
This conversation took place whilst Bryan was proceeding to
Fethertonge's, Hycy being also on his way home. On arriving at the turn
of the road which led to Jemmy Burke's, Hycy caught the hand of his
companion, which he squeezed with an affectionate warmth, so cordial and
sincere in its character that Bryan cast every shadow of suspicion to
the winds,
"Cheer up, Bryan, all will end better than you think, I hope. I shall
draw up a memorial for you this evening, as strongly and forcibly as
possible, and any other assistance that I can render you in this unhappy
difficulty I will do it. I know I am about ninety pounds in your debt,
and instead of talking to you in this way, or giving you fair words,
I ought rather to pay you your money. The 'gentleman,' however, is
impracticable for the present, but I trust--"
"Not a word about it," said Bryan, "you'll oblige me if you'll drop that
part of the subject; but listen, Hycy,--I think you're generous and a
little extravagant, and both is a good man's case--but that's not what
I'm going to spake about, truth's best at all times; I heard that you
were my enemy, and I was desired to be on my guard against you.
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