er within some distance. He liked the
country very much, but there was one objection to it--the cattle. He had
not forgotten the _mad bull_. At a very late hour we retired to our
beds: the next morning the weather had moderated, and, on the arrival of
the mail we embarked, and had a very good passage over. On my arrival at
Dublin I directed my steps to the F----t Hotel, as the best place to make
inquiries relative to Mr De Benyon. Mr Cophagus also put up at the same
hotel, and we agreed to share a sitting-room.

"Waiter," said I, "do you know a Mr De Benyon?"

"Yes, sir," replied he; "there is one of the De Benyons at the hotel at
this moment."

"Is he a married man?"

"Yes--with a large family."

"What is his Christian name?"

"I really cannot tell, sir; but I'll find out for you by to-morrow
morning."

"When does he leave?"

"To-morrow, I believe."

"Do you know where he goes?"

"Yes, sir, to his own seat."

The waiter left the room. "Won't do, Japhet," said Cophagus. "Large
family--don't want more--hard times, and so on."

"No," replied I, "it does not exactly answer; but I may from him obtain
further intelligence."

"Won't do, Japhet--try another way--large family--want all uncle's
money--um--never tell--good night."

This remark of Mr Cophagus gave me an idea, upon which I proceeded the
next morning. I sent in my card, requesting the honour of speaking to Mr
De Benyon, stating that I had come over to Ireland on business of
importance, but that, as I must be back if possible by _term_ time, it
would perhaps save much expense and trouble. The waiter took in the
message. "Back by term time--it must be some legal gentleman. Show him
up," said Mr De Benyon.

I walked in with a business-like air. "Mr De Benyon, I believe?"

"Yes, sir; will you do me the favour to take a chair?"

I seated myself, and drew out my memorandum-book.

"My object, Mr De Benyon, in troubling you, is to ascertain a few
particulars relative to your family, which we cannot so easily find out
in England. There is a _property_ which it is supposed may be claimed by
one of the De Benyons, but which we cannot ascertain until we have a
little search into the genealogical tree."

"Is the property large?" inquired Mr De Benyon.

"Not very large," replied I; "but still a very handsome property, I am
told." The reader may surmise that the property referred to was my own
pretty self. "May I ask you a few particulars relative to the