t in the oddest way. Grace, can
you tell the particulars? I own, I am tired of the subject, and tired of
my journey. My lord, I shall take leave to dine in my own room to-day,'
continued her ladyship, as she quitted the room.

'I hope her ladyship did not notice me,' said Sir Terence O'Fay, coming
from behind a window-curtain.

'Why, Terry, what did you hide for?' said Lord Clonbrony.

'Hide! I didn't hide, nor wouldn't from any man living, let alone any
woman. [Leaving any woman out of the question.] Hide! no; but I just
stood looking out of the window, behind this curtain, that my poor Lady
Clonbrony might not be discomfited and shocked by the sight of one
whom she can't abide, the very minute she come home. Oh, I've some
consideration--it would have put her out of humour worse with both of
you too; and for that there's no need, as far as I see. So I'll take
myself off to my coffee-house to dine, and maybe you may get her down
and into spirits again. But, for your lives, don't touch upon Ireland
the night, nor till she has fairly got the better of the marriage.
APROPOS--there's my wager to Mordicai gone at a slap. It's I that ought
to be scolding you, my Lord Colambre; but I trust you will do as well
yet, not in point of purse, maybe. But I'm not one of those that think
that money's everything--though, I grant you, in this world, there's
nothing to be had without it--love excepted--which most people don't
believe in--but not I--in particular cases. So I leave you, with my
blessing, and I've a notion, at this time, that is better than my
company--your most devoted--'

The good-natured Sir Terence would not be persuaded by Lord Clonbrony
to stay. Nodding at Lord Colambre as he went out of the room, he said,
'I've an eye, in going, to your heart's ease too. When I played myself,
I never liked standers-by.'

Sir Terence was not deficient in penetration, but he never could help
boasting of his discoveries.

Lord Colambre was grateful for his judicious departure; and followed his
equally judicious advice, not to touch upon Ireland this night.

Lady Clonbrony was full of Buxton, and he was glad to be relieved from
the necessity of talking; and he indulged himself in considering what
might be passing in Miss Nugent's mind. She now appeared in remarkably
good spirits; for her aunt had given her a hint that she thought her
out of humour because she had not been permitted to be Miss Broadhurst's
bridesmaid, and she was d