I wish I had brought the honest
fellow the key of my stable!"
"I have heard my father say, that the keys of his own were always better
near his own pillow," coolly returned the proprietor of a hundred thousand
acres.
"Ah, the curse of Cain! It is needless to look for the fur of a marten on
the back of a cat. But, Mr. Van Staats, while walking to your door this
morning, it was my fortune to meet the late governor, who is permitted by
his creditors to take the air, at an hour when he thinks the eyes of the
impertinent will be shut. I believe, Patroon, you were so lucky as to get
back your moneys, before the royal displeasure visited the man?"
"I was so lucky as never to trust him."
"That was better still, for it would have been a barren investment--great
jeopardy to principal, and no return. But we had discourse of various
interests, and, among others, something was hazarded concerning your
amatory pretensions to my niece."
"Neither the wishes of Oloff Van Staats, nor the inclinations of la belle
Barberie, are a subject for the Governor in Council," said the Patroon of
Kinderhook, stiffly.
"Nor was it thus treated. The Viscount spoke me fair, and, had he not
pushed the matter beyond discretion, we might have come to happier
conclusions."
"I am glad that there was some restraint in the discourse."
"The man certainly exceeded reason, for he led the conference into
personalities that no prudent man could relish.
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