Such, sir, is the state of the country, owing, certainly, as my son says, to the spirit of Popery, and to the fact of my discharging my duty toward Lord Cumber with fidelity and firmness! "'In that case,' I observed, 'there is little to induce any man possessing some property to reside here.' "'Certainly nothing,' he replied, 'but a great many inducements to get out of it.' "'Does Lord Cumber ever visit his property here ?' I asked.
"'He has too much sense,' returned the agent; 'but now that parliament is dissolved, he will come over to the Election.

We must return either him or his brother the Hon.

Dick Topertoe, who, I understand, has no fixed principles whatsoever.' "'But why return such a man?
Why not put up and support one of your own way of thinking ?' "'Why, because in the first place, we must keep out Hartley, who is a liberal, and also an advocate for emancipating Popery; and, in the second, if it be bad to have no principles, like Topertoe, it is worse to have bad ones like Hartley.

He'll do to stop a gap until we get better, and then unless he comes round, we'll send him adrift.' "'Is he in Ireland?
I mean does he reside in the country ?' "'Not he, sir; it seems he's a wayward devil, very different from the rest of the family--and with none of the dash and spirit of the Topertoe blood in him.' "'In that case, he will be no great loss; but Mr.M'Clutchy, notwithstanding all you have said I am so much charmed with the beauty of the country, that I would gladly settle in the neighborhood, if I could procure a suitable residence, together with a good large farm, which I would rent.

Is there anything in that way vacant on the estate ?' "'At present, sir, nothing; but it is possible there may be, and if you should remain in the country, I shall feel great pleasure in acquainting you.' "'Because I was told,' I continued, 'that there are two large farms, either of which would suit me admirably; but I dare say I have been misinformed.