THE EDITOR S STORY. 147 



the c Eagle.' I ventured to ask why Mr. O'Brien 

 was to be deposed. 



"I think I may tell you, Mr. Staunton, 

 although the reason is rather of a private nature. 

 I didn't want him to make love to my daugh- 

 ter." 



" Your daughter ?" 



" Yes. She is at present on a visit to a re- 

 lative of hers in Dublin. In fact, it was at 

 her request I am obliged to remove our editor, 

 with whom, in a business way, I have no parti- 

 cular fault to find. He was constantly address- 

 ing verses to Margaret in his ' Poet's Corner/ 

 When he became acquainted with my reasons, 

 he took matters very quietly, and so good- 

 humouredly, that we remain, as you perceive, 

 on the friendliest terms." 



" Then he does not depend for his income 

 altogether on the ' Eagle ' ?" 



66 No ; he has a small farm a few miles from 

 here, and I think is rather glad than otherwise 

 at being released from a fixed occupation. 

 But, Mr. Staunton, there is something I want 

 to say to you, if I may." 



" Certainly." 



L 2 



