If he had wealth, that
would be almost a certainty, and he counted Sheila's gold as a guarantee
of power. He knew well how great effect could be produced at Westminster
and at the Royal Palace by a discreet display of wealth. He was also
aware that no scandal could be made through an alliance with Sheila, for
she had inherited long after the revolutionary war and with her skirts
free from responsibility. England certainly would welcome wealth got
through an Irish girl inheriting her American uncle's estates. So,
steadily and happily, he pressed his suit. At his dinner-parties he
gave her first place nearly always, and even broke the code controlling
precedence when his secretary could be overruled. Thus Sheila was given
honour when she did not covet it, and so it was that one day at Salem
when the governor came to court her she was able to help Dyck Calhoun.
"Then you go to Enniskillen?" Lord Mallow said to Darius Boland, as he
entered the plantation, being met by the astute American.
"Sometimes, your honour," was the careful reply. "I suppose you know
what Mr. Calhoun's career has been, eh?"
"Oh, in a way, your honour.
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