As for Linton scarcely had he quitted Cashel, than he hastened to call on Kennyfeck; he had written the note already alluded to, to leave at the house should the solicitor be from home; but having left it by accident on the writing-table, his servant, discovering it to be sealed and addressed, had, without further question, left it at Kennyfeck's house. As Linton went along, he searched his pockets for the epistle, but consoled himself by remembering how he had left it at home.
A few moments later found him at Kennyfeck's door. The attorney was at home, and, without any announcement, Linton entered the study where he sat.
"I was this instant writing to you, sir," said Kennyfeck, rising, and placing a seat for him; "Mr Cashel, on being informed of the wish expressed in your note--"
"Of what note?" said Linton, in a voice of, for him, very unusual agitation.
"This note--here, sir,--dated--no, by-the-by, it is not dated, but brought by your servant two hours ago."
Linton took the paper, glanced his eye over it, and then, in mingled chagrin and forgetfulness, tore it, and threw the fragments into the fire.
"There is some mistake about this," said he, slowly, and giving himself time to consider what turn he should lend it.
"This is Mr. Cashel's reply, sir," said Kennyfeck, after pausing some moments, but in vain for the explanation.
Linton eagerly caught the letter and read it through, and whatever scruples or fear he might have conceived for any other man's, it seemed as if he had little dread of Cashel's penetration, for his assured and easy smile at once showed that he had regained his wonted tranquillity.
"You will then take the necessary steps, without delay, Kennyfeck," said he. "The elections cannot be very distant, and it is better to be prepared." As he spoke, he threw the letter back upon the table, but in a moment afterwards, while taking off his gloves, managed to seize it and convey it to his pocket. "You know far better than I do, Kennyfeck," resumed he, "how sharp the lawyers can be in picking out any flaw respecting title and so forth; for this reason, be careful that this document shall be as regular and binding as need be."
"It shall be submitted for counsel's opinion this evening, sir--"