was a good commander yet, by sea or land, that
would tell his little expedients beforehand, or before the very day of
battle.'

'It must be a sad thing,' said Miss Nugent, sighing deeply, 'to be
reduced to live by little expedients--daily expedients.'

Lord Colambre struck his forehead, but said nothing.

'But if you are beating your brains about your own affairs, my Lord
Colambre, my dear,' said Sir Terence, 'there's an easy way of settling
your family affairs at once; and, since you don't like little daily
expedients, Miss Nugent, there's one great expedient, and an expedient
for life, that will settle it all to your satisfaction--and ours. I
hinted it delicately to you before, but, between friends, delicacy is
impertinent; so I tell you, in plain English, you've nothing to do but
go and propose yourself, just as you stand, to the heiress Miss B--,
that desires no better--'

'Sir!' cried Lord Colambre, stepping forward, red with sudden anger.
Miss Nugent laid her hand upon his arm--

'Oh, my lord!'

'Sir Terence O'Fay,' continued Lord Colambre, in a moderated tone, 'you
are wrong to mention that young lady's name in such a manner.'

'Why, then, I said only Miss B--, and there are a whole hive of BEES.
But I'll engage she'd thank me for what I suggested, and think herself
the queen bee if my expedient was adopted by you.'

'Sir Terence,' said his lordship, smiling, 'if my father thinks proper
that you should manage his affairs, and devise expedients for him, I
have nothing to say on that point; but I must beg you will not trouble
yourself to suggest expedients for me, and that you will have the
goodness to leave me to settle my own affairs.'

Sir Terence made a low bow, and was silent for five seconds; then
turning to Lord Clonbrony, who looked much more abashed than he did--

'By the wise one, my good lord, I believe there are some men--noblemen,
too--that don't know their friends from their enemies. It's my firm
persuasion, now, that if I had served you as I served my friend I was
talking of, your son there would, ten to one, think I had done him an
injury by saving the family plate.'

'I certainly should, sir. The family plate, sir, is not the first object
in my mind,' replied Lord Colambre; 'family honour--Nay, Miss Nugent,
I must speak,' continued his lordship, perceiving; by her countenance,
that she was alarmed.

'Never fear, Miss Nugent dear,' said Sir Terence; 'I'm as cool as a
cucumber. Faith!