r easy,
unembarrassed, steady glance you read the proud spirit of Albion's
'haughty dames.' This alone was very different from the laughing spirit
of Erin's daughters, their _espiegle_ looks and smiling lips. The men,
too, were so dissimilar--their reserved and stately carriage, their low
voices, and deferential but composed manner contrasting strongly with
Irish volubility, quickness, and gesticulation. I stood unnoticed and
alone for some time, quietly observant of the scene before me; and as
I heard name after name announced, many of them the greatest and the
highest in the land, there was no semblance of excitement as they
entered, no looks of admiring wonder as they passed on and mingled
with the crowd. This showed me I was in a mighty city, where the chief
spirits that ruled the age moved daily before the public eye; and again
I thought of Dublin, where some third-rate notoriety would have been
hailed with almost acclamation, and lionised to the 'top of his bent.'

I could remember but few of those around, and even they had either
forgotten me altogether, or, having no recollection of my absence,
saluted me with the easy nonchalance of one who is seen every evening of
his life.

'How are you, Hinton?' said one, with something more of warmth than the
rest. 'I have not met you for some weeks past.'

'No,' said I, smiling. 'I have been nearly a year from home.'

'Ah, indeed! In Spain?'

'No, in Ireland.'

'In Ireland? How odd!'

'Who has been in Ireland?' said a low, plaintive voice. Turning round
as she spoke, my lady-mother stood before me. 'I should like to hear
something---- But, dear me, this must be John!' and she held out her
jewelled hand towards me.

'My dear mother, I am so happy to see you look so very well----'

'No, no, my dear,' said she, sighing, 'don't speak of that. When did
you arrive? I beg your Royal Highness's pardon, I hope you have not
forgotten your protege, my son.'

I bowed reverently as a large, full, handsome man, with bald head and a
most commanding expression, drew himself up before me.

'No, madam, I have not forgotten him, I assure you!' was the reply, as
he returned my salute with marked coldness, and passed on.

Before Lady Charlotte could express her surprise at such an unlooked-for
mark of displeasure, my father, who had just heard of my arrival, came
up.

'Jack, my dear fellow, I am glad to see you. How large you have grown,
boy, and how brown!'

The warm welcom