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284 are appointed in Ireland, and the consequent necessity of your repairing thither immediately. Sir Aubrey would at once throw up the business."

Dispiriting as was this language, yet the intelligence gained by De Brooke as to the place of his destination was by no means so. If he was doomed to no worse an exile than to Ireland he had no cause to complain; but ere he allowed himself to give way to exultation, the point in question demanded his serious attention. Dry and laconic in his speech as was the lawyer, he was entirely checked in his attempt of procuring from him further intelligence respecting the post allotted him by Government.

"As long," continued he, "as one creditor holds out our hopes are frustrated; I am come therefore, by the special order of Sir Aubrey, to inform you of the fact, under the possibility that you yourself may have the power of making a better compromise, by writing to those who more particularly oppose our views, promising that as soon as your circumstances permit, you will afford them by instalments the entire liquidation they demand."

Having thus delivered his message, scarcely waiting a reply, he seized his hat and departed.

"How cruel is it," said De Brooke to his wife, "to feel myself so absolutely dependent, on an