CHAPTER II .-- Birth and Origin of Mr.M'Clutchy.
Christian Forgiveness--Mr.Hickman, the Head Agent--Darby O'Drive, the Bailiff--And an Instructive Dialogue.
Time, which passes with a slow but certain pace, had already crept twice around his yearly circle since the fair already described in the town of Castle Cumber.

The lapse of three years, however, had made no change whatsoever in the heart or principles of Mr.Valentine M'Clutchy, although he had on his external manner and bearing.

He now assumed more of the gentleman, and endeavored to impress himself upon those who came in contact with him, as a person of great authority and importance.
One morning after the period just mentioned had! elapsed, he and his graceful son, "Mister Phil," were sitting in the parlor of Constitution Cottage, for so they were pleased to designate a house which had no pretension whatever to that unpretending appellation.
"So father," said Phil, "you don't forget that such was the treatment M'Loughlin gave you!" "Why, I remember it, Phil; but you know, Phil, I'm a patient and a forgiving man notwithstanding; you know that Phil;--ha, ha, ha!" "That was certainly the worst case came across us yet," replied the son, "none of the rest ventured to go so far, even when you had less power than you have now." "I didn't tell you all, Phil," continued the father, following up the same train of thought.
"And why not," said Phil, "why should you conceal anything from me ?" "Because," replied the other, "I think you have heard enough for the present." The fact was, that M'Clutchy's consciousness of the truth contained in M'Loughlin's indignant reproaches, was such as prevented him from repeating them, even to his son, knowing right well that had he done so they could not exactly have looked each other in the face without sensations regarding their own conduct, which neither of them wished to avow.

There is a hypocrisy in villainy sometimes so deep that it cannot bear to repeat its own iniquity, even in the presence of those who are aware of it, and in this predicament stood Valentine M'Clutchy.
"Maybe he has relented," said Phil, "or that he will give me his pretty daughter yet--and you know they have the cash.

The linen manufactory of M'Loughlin and Harman is flourishing." "No, no, Phil," replied the father, "you must give her up--that's past--but no matter, I'll forgive him." Phil looked at him and smiled.