I cannot say that I was pleased when my father used to speculate upon these chances so often as he did.

I thought, not only as a man, but more particularly as a clergyman, he was much to blame; but I did not know then so much of the world.

We had not heard from O'Brien for two months, when a letter arrived, stating that he had seen his family, and bought a few acres of land, which had made them all quite happy, and had quitted with Father M'Grath's double blessing, with unlimited absolution; that he had now been a month in town trying for employment, but found that he could not obtain it, although one promise was backed up by another.
A few days after this, my father received a note from Lord Privilege, requesting he would come and spend a few days with him, and bring his son Peter who had escaped from the French prison.

Of course this was an invitation not to be neglected, and we accepted it forthwith.

I must say, I felt rather in awe of my grandfather; he had kept the family at such a distance, that I had always heard his name mentioned more with reverence than with any feeling of kindred, but I was a little wiser now.