"Bedad, sir, I'm not deaf no more than the next one; but suppose
somebody comes to pay up rents, et cetera?"

"Well--well, they can wait," he replied.

"And supposin' they _won't_?" persisted Michael.

"In that case, rap at my door, and I will come out. Now, be off."

"I never waste time, Mr. Jerrold," said Mr. Stillinghast, after he had
closed the door, and resumed his seat; "I never waste any thing--time
or words. I am blunt and candid, and aboveboard. I hate the world
generally, because I have been deceived in every thing I ever placed
faith in. I am a bitter, harsh, penurious old man."

"Your life has been without reproach, sir," observed Mr. Jerrold, who
wondered what strange revelation was to be made.

"No compliments; they nauseate me. I sent for you this morning to
propose something which you may, or may not, accede to, there being a
condition annexed that may not be altogether agreeable. But however it
may be, I wish you to understand distinctly that I do it to suit my own
ends and pleasure, and if I could do otherwise I would."

"I am very confident, sir, that you will not propose any thing to me
incompatible with honor and integrity," said Walter Jerrold.

"No, sir. No; it is a fair bargain--a fair, honest, business
transaction I offer, by which you will gain not only credit, but