Be this our compact; and by mutual forbearance let us preserve mutual peace." Saying this, Mr.Falkland offered his hand to Mr.Tyrrel in token of fellowship.

But the gesture was too significant.

The wayward rustic, who seemed to have been somewhat impressed by what had preceded, taken as he now was by surprise, shrunk back.

Mr.Falkland was again ready to take fire upon this new slight, but he checked himself.
"All this is very unaccountable," cried Mr.Tyrrel.

"What the devil can have made you so forward, if you had not some sly purpose to answer, by which I am to be overreached ?" "My purpose," replied Mr.Falkland, "is a manly and an honest purpose.
Why should you refuse a proposition dictated by reason, and an equal regard to the interest of each ?" Mr.Tyrrel had had an opportunity for pause, and fell back into his habitual character.
"Well, sir, in all this I must own there is some frankness.